recommended route
Tseuzier – Trophy of the Dams
Cycling
· Valais
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/ Marked ascent, signagePhoto: Valais -
/ Cyclist on the Tseuzier damPhoto: David Carlier, Valais/Wallis Promotion - David Carlier
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/ Road to the Tseuzier damPhoto: David Carlier, Valais/Wallis Promotion - David Carlier
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/ Sign indicating the distance to Lake TzeusierPhoto: Valais
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/ Road to the Tseuzier damPhoto: David Carlier, Valais/Wallis Promotion - David Carlier
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/ Road to the Tseuzier damPhoto: David Carlier, Valais/Wallis Promotion - David Carlier
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/ Road to the Tseuzier damPhoto: David Carlier, Valais/Wallis Promotion - David Carlier
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/ Cycliste on the Tseuzier roadPhoto: David Carlier, Valais/Wallis Promotion - David Carlier
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/ Tseuzier lakePhoto: Anzère Tourisme
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/ Tseuzier lakePhoto: Anzère Tourisme, Valais
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/ Tseuzier lakePhoto: Anzère Tourisme, Valais
The climb to Tseuzier Dam, which rises to 1777 metres of altitude, starts in Sion and is about 22 kilometres long. From the Valais vineyards to the lake of Tseuzier, this itinerary offers a panoramic view that is breathtaking at every moment .Along the whole climb, special signs have been erected to mark the route.
difficult
Distance 22.4 km
2:30 h
1,286 m
4 m
1,780 m
497 m
The municipality of St-Léonard, where the climb to the Tseuzier dam begins, is home to the largest underground lake in Europe. The first kilometres wind through the vineyards of the Combe de Voos, where you climb little by little above the valley until the village of Botyre. The road then climbs to Liène on a mostly steady incline through a forest, with a few bends where the trees clear and you can admire the view over the high peaks on the opposite side of the Rhone valley. The climb continues with a few switchbacks towards Tseuzier Lake where you can see the reflection of the peaks that surround it.
Author’s recommendation
Visit the largest underground lake in Europe in St-Léonard.
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
Tseuzier Dam, 1,780 m
Lowest point
St-Léonard, 497 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Safety information
Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).Tips and hints
More information :
Start
Bramois (499 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'598'376E 1'120'905N
DD
46.239583, 7.417589
DMS
46°14'22.5"N 7°25'03.3"E
UTM
32T 378000 5121884
w3w
///huts.jiffy.fairly
Destination
Tseuzier Dam
Turn-by-turn directions
The itinerary begins at Bramois and takes you to St-Léonard, at the other side of the valley. Leaving this village, you first cross exceptional vineyards dotted here and there by fig trees and rose bushes. It is not rare to hear cicadas singing in the summer, giving these first few kilometres of climbing the sensation of being in Provence. From Botyre, the landscape changes, becoming more mountainous as the road gradually becomes narrower. Take advantage of the panoramic view over the highest peaks of the Valais as the road gradually climbs to one of the few dams located on the right bank of the Rhone river. On arriving at the summit, the clear waters of Tseuzier Lake are sufficient to comfort even the most exhausted cyclist, and the view over the Rawil Pass that we can see at the end of the valley is enough to forget the all the effort spent climbing from Bramois.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Frequent train connections to Sion or Sierre, then take the Bus to Bramois (or Uvrier).
The itinerary begins near the "Terrain des Peupliers" (football field), in the "Berges du Rhône" road.
Getting there
From Lausanne : Take the motorway A9 and take the exit 27 (Sion-Est). Continue on the right and follow the signs to "Bramois".
From Brig/Visp : Take the motorway A9 until the exit 27 (Sion-Est). After the exit, turn left and follow the signs to "Bramois".
Parking
Parking available at the village of Bramois. Follow the local car park indications.
The itinerary begins near the "Terrain des Peupliers" (football field), in the "Berges du Rhône" road.
Coordinates
SwissGrid
2'598'376E 1'120'905N
DD
46.239583, 7.417589
DMS
46°14'22.5"N 7°25'03.3"E
UTM
32T 378000 5121884
w3w
///huts.jiffy.fairly
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Brochures: Road Cycling Map
Author’s map recommendations
SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1286 St-Léonard
Equipment
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.Basic Equipment for Bike Riding
- Cycling helmet
- Cycling gloves
- Sturdy, comfortable and preferably waterproof footwear
- Layered, moisture wicking clothing
- Rucksack (with rain cover)
- Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket)
- Sunglasses
- Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
- Cell phone
- Cash
- Navigation equipment / map and compass
Technical Equipment for Bike Riding
- Air pump or CO2 pump including cartridges
- Puncture repair kit
- Replacement inner tube
- Tire levers
- Chain tool
- Hex keys
- Phone / device holder as required
- Bike lock as required
- Where applicable, the bike must meet requirements for road use by having a bell, front and rear lamps and spoke reflectors
- The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
- For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
- Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.
Difficulty
difficult
Distance
22.4 km
Duration
2:30 h
Ascent
1,286 m
Descent
4 m
Highest point
1,780 m
Lowest point
497 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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