The lake and dam of Moiry: a nature walk above Grimentz
Fancy a walk beside a turquoise lake as a family? Above Grimentz, the Moiry dam holds back a high-altitude lake of incredible blue, facing the glacier. The top of the dam can be walked with a pushchair, and marmots often pop their heads out in the evening.
A turquoise lake at the foot of the glacier
About 8 kilometres above Grimentz, at the end of the Moiry valley, the Moiry dam (filled in 1958, at some 2250 m of altitude) holds back a spectacularly turquoise lake, dominated by the Moiry glacier. You reach the dam by car or by postbus, then enjoy the panorama and easy walks along the water. A grand high-mountain setting, to enjoy as a family from late spring to autumn (the road is closed in winter).
What your children will discover
Children marvel at the colour of the water and the mass of the glacier at the head of the valley. You can walk along the top of the dam (flat and pushchair-accessible), or follow the gently sloping shore towards the glacier. In the evening, marmots come out willingly: a magical moment for little ones. A real lesson in nature and mountains, in the open air.
What you do and the atmosphere on site
You park at the dam (or come up by postbus), cross the top of the dam, and choose your walk: short along the lake, or longer towards the refreshment stand and the glacier. The full tour of the lake is about 7 km. The atmosphere is peaceful and mineral. A refreshment stand allows a break, and you can combine walking out and coming back by postbus.
Before you go
- Recommended age: as a family from age 3-4 (dam top pushchair-accessible)
- Walk: flat dam top; gently sloping shore; tour of the lake ~7 km / ~2h20 / +169 m
- Price: free (parking and access free)
- What to bring: warm clothes (altitude), good shoes, water, sun cream
- Getting there: car or postbus from Grimentz to the dam
- Best season: from late June to October (road closed in winter)
Parents' tips
- The top of the dam is flat and passable with a pushchair.
- Come at the end of the day to watch the marmots.
- Wrap the children up well: it's cooler at 2250 m.
- Walk up, come back by postbus (or the other way) to vary it.
- The Moiry road is closed in winter: a summer activity.
Useful information
- Location: Moiry dam, Moiry valley, above Grimentz
- Official website: valdanniviers.ch
- Getting there: car or postbus to the dam; parking
- Price: free
- Season: from late June to October (road closed in winter)
Why we recommend it
Because it's a spectacular and accessible nature outing: a turquoise lake facing a glacier, a dam top passable with a pushchair and marmots on cue. High mountains at a child's level, above Grimentz.
In a nutshell
A turquoise reservoir lake facing the Moiry glacier, above Grimentz: pushchair-accessible dam top, easy walks and marmots in the evening, from late June to October.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go with a pushchair?
How do you reach the dam?
Is it free?
When can you go?
Will you see marmots?
How long does the tour of the lake take?
What should you bring?
Michael @ Kidora
Kid Adventure Planner
Location
Grimentz
Valais
Barrage de Moiry, 3961 Grimentz
Contact
WebsiteNearby
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