Grimentz – Hiking in Val d’Anniviers

Getting from A to B in the Val d’Anniviers by post bus is not so easy. The mountain villages lie like eagles’ nests high above the valley floor, and even if the distance as the crow flies is short, the narrow roads meander curve by curve into the valley and up the other side towards the mountain again. In addition, the routes are not served every hour, as is common in many places, but approximately every two to three hours. The waiting times in between are best used for a hike or a bike tour. The Val d’Anniviers is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. But if you have the choice, you are spoilt for choice. I am hopelessly overwhelmed with all the hiking possibilities and route alternatives. Follow the high trail to the Crêt du Midi in Vercorin, via Sorebois to Zinal or from St-Luc via Ayer to Grimentz? In the end, the Postbus takes the decision off our hands. We catch one of the lines that goes to the dam of the Lac de Moiry and decide to hike from there downhill to Grimentz.

Hiking in Grimentz – Val d’Anniviers

The dam at 2,250 m above sea level is a huge structure. If you drive up from the valley, you will inevitably look against the towering concrete wall. Once at the top, the panorama opens up towards the Moiry Glacier. To get a better view of the ice massif, we follow the Alpine Passes Trail for a while (stage 19 Zinal-la Sage) and climb towards the Col de Torrent. After about 10 minutes of walking, a magnificent panorama opens up to us, which is impressive even with the cloudy peaks. The reservoir itself currently has very little water. However, the strong emerald green color is such an eye-catcher that the unsightly embankments do not have such a negative effect on the overall picture.

Mountain spring in the Val d’Anniviers

Then we follow the hiking trail in the direction of Grimentz. First descending steeply, the path then leads along the babbling Gougra through blooming alpine meadows. Now, at the end of June, nature in the mountains presents itself from its colorful side. The beautiful alpine roses are particularly numerous here.

Bilderbuchdorf Grimentz

Our short hike through the blooming splendour of the mountain spring ends in Grimentz at 1,570 m above sea level. This pretty village, with its old sun-tanned warehouses and geranium-adorned balconies, looks like something out of a postcard, is a must-see when visiting the Val d’Anniviers. It would be a real shame to skip this detour.

The old village centre is located along the Rue du Village between the post bus stops “Post” and “Carovilla” and is a true gem. I would say that Grimentz can definitely be counted among the most beautiful mountain villages in Switzerland. Apparently, however, word has not yet spread far or it may simply be too remote for the day guest. At least we enjoy our walk along the rustic houses in peace and quiet and then bridge the remaining waiting time until the departure of the post bus at the restaurant Becs de Bosson.

By the way, the geraniums also accompany you on the way back to Vissoie. The tight curves, which require millimetre work on the part of the postbus driver, are decorated with bright red geraniums.

Practical information for your hike in the Val d’Anniviers and Lac de Moiry

The map shows our route. The route is about 10 km long and – with the exception of the ascent of about 150 meters in altitude to the viewpoint – goes steadily downhill (about 900 meters in altitude). The pure running time is 2.5 hours. The starting point Barrage de Moiry can be reached from Vissoie by the Grimentz–Moiry post bus line (with a connection to Sierre). During the summer months, the post bus runs to the end of the Staudaumm to the Moiry Glacier. The post buses run irregularly, so be sure to check the timetables before the hike.