A day around the Grande Dixence Dam

Discover the fascinating word of sustainable energy in the beautiful Val d’Hérens.

10 July 2022

Did you know that hydropower is Switzerland's most important domestic source of renewable energy and 60 % of the country`s energy production comes from the dams of the country?

I invite you to join me and discover the fascinating word of sustainable energy in the beautiful Val d’Hérens.

The Grande Dixence is the world's highest gravity dam, collects melting water from 35 Valaisian glaciers.

Built between 1951 and 1965, the dam is an incredible construction. Its wall, standing at 285 metres in height, remains unequalled to date. Its weight of 15 million tons makes it heavier than the Great Pyramid of Giza. The large reservoir holds 400 million cubic meters of water, which is channeled into the lake through 100 kilometers of tunnels.

During this program, we will explore the dam and its surroundings inside out!

What you can look forward to in this Swiss Alpine adventure

Immerse yourself in the history of the dam in the establishment`s exhibition centre.

Visit to the inside of the dam`s and enter the bowels of the structure. Unusual and fascinating experience!

Discover the little chapel of Saint-Jean.

Walk on the top of the wall.

Lunch in a mountain hut.

Exploring stunning panoramic hiking trails.

Breathe-in the fresh air.

Enjoy the company of like-minded people.

We start our adventure in Dixance, in front of the information center. We will spend the morning discovering the inside of the Dam and its history in the exhibition center. You will understand how this revolutionary construction site changed the lives of the valley's inhabitants.

You can also take a look at the chapel of Saint-Jean. Built in 1930 by the first dam workers of Dixence, it is a highly symbolic site at the Grande Dixence dam.

Then we take the cable car up to the top of the dam where you have a possibility to walk on the top of the wall. On one side you will have a wonderful view of the valley, on the other side you will see a splendid view of the lake with the glaciers in the background.

After that, we will start our moderate hike (7 km, 500 m change in altitude) along the lake before we climb up to the mountains where we stop for brunch in a traditional mountain hut.

Keep an eye open during the hike, edelweiss may be at your feet and marmots and ibex may be within sight. 😉

We will arrive back to the top of the Dam. If you are in the mood for an adrenaline rush, you can try the longest zip line in Switzerland before take the cable car to the bottom of the dam.