LogoExperience Valais!
Back
Plan a route here Copy route
Hikesrecommended route

Tour du Lac de Moiry

Hikes · Wallis
LogoValais
Responsible for this content
 Valais Verified partner  Explorers Choice 
  • View to the Moiry dam.
    / View to the Moiry dam.
    Photo: Giovanni Castell, CC BY-ND, Valais
  • / The Moiry Dam
    Photo: Valais
  • / View of the Moiry dam
    Photo: CC BY-ND, Val d'Anniviers
  • / View of the Moiry dam
    Photo: CC BY-ND, Val d'Anniviers
  • / Circuit loops around the Lac de Moiry
    Photo: CC BY-ND, Val d'Anniviers
  • / Historical village of Grimentz.
    Photo: Alban Mathieu, Valais
Daniel Trekker
on the June 16, 2021

Daniel uploaded 5 images.

All photos
m 2700 2600 2500 2400 2300 2200 12 10 8 6 4 2 km Moiry, Barrage Bus Stop Lac de Moiry Moiry
High circuit of the Lac de Moiry at the 2,500-metre level, with dramatic views of the dam, the lake, the wild Val de Moiry and its sparkling glacier.
moderate
Distance 13.7 km
4:45 h
618 m
618 m
2,594 m
2,249 m

This scenic circuit loops around the turquoise waters of the Lac de Moiry – not at the level of the lake, but a couple of hundred meters higher up, at an altitude of roughly 2,500 m. Hikers may encounter various different names for the trail including «Tour du Lac de Moiry 2500», «Tour du Lac 2500», «Haut Tour du Lac» and «Chemin 2500». At the far end of the lake, the trail drops down to cross the river La Gougra, which feeds the reservoir – and which is in turn fed by the Glacier de Moiry higher up the valley. The path snakes past the glacial lake of Lac de Châteaupré before scaling an impressive glacial moraine to return to the 2,500-metre level – this time on the western side of the valley. The start and finish point of the circuit is the crest of the Moiry dam. The reservoir it has created also collects water from neighbouring valleys via a network of tunnels before channeling it down to the Rhône valley, 1,722 vertical meters below. On the way the water passes through three hydroelectric power stations, which produce enough electricity to meet the annual needs of more than 120,000 homes. Close to the crest, the dam restaurant has a large sunny terrace looking out over the lake. Climbing enthusiasts can tackle the via ferrata that scales the cliffs just below the dam, revealing dramatic views of the lower valley and the arched curtain of concrete, 148 m high.

 

Highlights

  • Panoramic high trail through a dramatic alpine landscape sculpted by glaciers
  • Moiry dam – guided visits, restaurant with sun terrace, via ferrata

Author’s recommendation

Free guided tour inside the Moiry dam with the Pass Anniviers Liberté to learn more about its network of tunnels through the concrete and rock.
Profile picture of Corrado Wyssen
Author
Corrado Wyssen
Update: June 30, 2021
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
La Bayenna, 2,594 m
Lowest point
Moiry dam, 2,249 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Safety information

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. Valais/Wallis Promotion accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of information on this website.

 

For all hikes:

  • Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on “Print” icon, top right of this page.
  • Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  • Close gates after passing through.
  • Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
  • Do not leave any waste in nature. 

For mountain hikes:

  • Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
  • Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time. 

For high-altitude hikes:

  • Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
  • Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
  • Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Tips and hints

View this tour on SwitzerlandMobility: 

More information about the destinations: 

Start

Moiry dam (2,255 m)
Coordinates:
SwissGrid
2'610'561E 1'109'609N
DD
46.137892, 7.575301
DMS
46°08'16.4"N 7°34'31.1"E
UTM
32T 389956 5110355
w3w 
///windpipe.widely.vipers

Destination

Moiry dam

Turn-by-turn directions

Start at the bus stop/car park at the crest of the dam, close to the restaurant. The hike can be walked in either direction; these instructions are for a clockwise circuit around the reservoir. From the dam crest, the trail zig-zags steeply up the west-facing slopes overlooking the reservoir to reach an altitude of about 2,370 m. The trail then leads southwards along the mountain flanks and beyond the far end of the reservoir to reach the high pastures of Fêta d’Août de Châteaupré, before dropping steeply down to the glacial waters of the Lac de Châteaupré (2,349 m). The trail crosses the river La Gougra just below the lake to scale the glacial moraine and the slopes on the opposite side of the valley. At an altitude of about 2,490 m, the trail turns north-west and begins a long traverse of the valley’s east-facing slopes. Along the way it passes two small lakes – the Lac de la Bayenna and the Lac du Louché – before dropping down to the crest of the dam to complete the circuit.

Note


all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Frequent train connections on the Simplon line to Sierre. From there, take the post bus to Val d'Anniviers. Change in Vissoie and take the bus direction Moiry dam. Find full timetable information at sbb.ch.

Getting there

Take the exit 29 (Sierre-Est) of the A9 highway and continue to the Val d'Anniviers. In the village of Vissoie, turn right on the «Route de Grimentz» and continue to the village of Grimentz. Cross the village and continue on the «Route de Moiry» until you arrive at the dam.

Parking

Car park at crest of Moiry dam.

Coordinates

SwissGrid
2'610'561E 1'109'609N
DD
46.137892, 7.575301
DMS
46°08'16.4"N 7°34'31.1"E
UTM
32T 389956 5110355
w3w 
///windpipe.widely.vipers
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

The tourist office in Grimentz has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region.

Author’s map recommendations

SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 1327 Evolène

Equipment

We recommend: 

  • good footwear
  • clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
  • hat or cap
  • sunscreen
  • bottle for water
  • picnic
  • camera
  • binoculars (optional)
  • hiking poles (optional)
  • printout of this hike (click “Print” icon, to download)  

For certain walks:

  • Swimwear

Questions and answers

Ask the first question

Would you like to the ask the author a question?

Rating

Write your first review

Help others by being the first to add a review.

Photos from others

+ 1
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
13.7 km
Duration
4:45 h
Ascent
618 m
Descent
618 m
Highest point
2,594 m
Lowest point
2,249 m
Circular route Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Geological highlights Botanical highlights Flora and fauna

Statistics

  • Content
  • Show images Hide images
Features
2D 3D
Maps and trails
  • 3 Waypoints
  • 3 Waypoints
Distance  km
Duration : h
Ascent  m
Descent  m
Highest point  m
Lowest point  m
Push the arrows to change the view