Hike around Tseuzier lake.

The Lac de Tseuzier is an artificial reservoir created by the Rawyl dam, built from 1953 to 1957. Today, framed by forests, pastures and dramatic mountain peaks, the lake offers hikers a wonderfully refreshing experience of nature. The walk leads anti-clockwise around the lake, starting by the dam. Close by, the Restaurant du barrage de Zeuzier (1,777 m) has a large sunny terrace, handy for a refreshment stop before or after the hike.

At the far end of the lake, the trail passes the start of the Bisse de Sion, a historical irrigation channel built from 1901 to 1903 to carry water all the way to the river La Sionne – which eventually flows through the capital of Valais. Soon after its picturesque debut, the bisse crosses another stream via a wooden viaduct.

The setting is magical: the alpine pasture of Rawyl, framed by cliffs and waterfalls. A friendly gîte (Lourantze) with dormitory and tepee serves refreshments. An ancient trail leads from here further still up the valley: to the Rawil Pass (2,425 m) and the Bernese Alps beyond. This crossing was extensively used in Roman times and during the Middle Ages, but today is reserved for hikers.

Our lake trail continues along the western shore of the lake, partly following the bisse – which eventually leaves the valley via a sequence of tunnels and sections cut into the rock. The path, however, continues along the lakeshore back to the dam.

Note for families with young children: the full walk involves a total climb of about 140 vertical metres, so a backpack carrier is more suitable than a buggy. However, the second half of the loop is flatter, so families with buggy can enjoy a walk from the dam to the gîte and back along the western shore of the lake.

Highlights

• Gentle, idyllic trail framed by mountains, forests and waterfalls
• Alpine pasture at far end with friendly gîte, refreshments