The trail starts in the small village of Anzère, situated at 1’500 m above sea level in the French-speaking part of Wallis. It is quiet and peaceful here just before the summer season. The locals are preparing for the arrival of visitors.
A few words about Anzère
Before 1960, there were only a few small mountain huts in the Anzère region. In the space of around twenty years, however, the area has developed from a vast alpine pasture to a popular winter and summer sports centre. No wonder, with beautiful hiking areas all around, fantastic views of the four-thousand-metre peaks and ski runs at an altitude of over 2’000 metres.
However, on the stretch from Anzère to almost the lake itself, we didn’t meet any hikers. We only came across a few marmots and one runaway cow, which was running around in the alpine meadows, trampling fences in the process. These are the advantages of pre-season hiking.
At the lake itself some people have already appeared. You can get here not only on foot, but also by bus (in high season) and by car.
Lake Tseuzier
Lake Tseuzier was created between 1953 and 1957 by the construction of a dam at an altitude of 1’777 m.
It is not possible to lay out picnic blankets at the lake, as is the case with other well-known mountain lakes. It is low-lying and the descent to the water is steep. However, you can rest by the mountain streams that feed the lake. The surroundings are beautiful and inviting. Circling the lake, you pass a fantastic waterfall and a suspension bridge. And there is a restaurant by the dam.
The dam
The dam is also very impressive. You can climb it and enjoy the sensational view. Be warned, however, that while on one side the landscape is blissful and relaxing, on the other side it can be dizzying. You are looking into a 156-metre precipice. This is definitely an option for those who are not afraid of heights.
This part of the route from the village to the lake is technically very easy. However, on the way back to Anzère, you have to concentrate and watch your step. In some places, the paths are very narrow, and the protruding rocks do not make it easy to pass. For safety reasons, these sections are secured with ropes.
This is of course not the case on the entire return route. After a few hundred metres, the path is more stable and you can enjoy the surroundings in peace. And there is much to enjoy …
An irrigation canal on a CHF 100 note
The trail runs along the historic irrigation canal (Bisse d`Ayent), which is 18 kilometres long. It was built in the 15th century and now supplies water to the surrounding vineyards, pastures and the municipalities of Ayent and Grimisuat.
Particularly distinctive is the wooden section of the canal, attached to a rock at quite a height. It has long been a part of the history that we can see. It has been replaced by a tunnel hollowed in the rock, through which this trail also leads.
As a final trivia note, the image of the old, hanging section of the canal has been placed on the new 100 CHF banknote.
