History of Water, from glacier to electricity

In the middle of the 20th century, the lives of the people of Hérens were turned upside down by a visionary project of considerable importance, which today covers the electricity needs of more than 500,000 households.

The Grande Dixence dam is the major element. But to fill this lake, more than 100 km of tunnels lead the water from the foot of the glaciers to the dam, crossing the mountains.

The educational trail "Histoire d'eau" in Arolla retraces the epic story of the construction of these tunnels at the very place where they were drilled. Your guide will take you to the foot of the glacier and show you some of the remains of this titanic construction site.

On the way back, you will visit the pumping station which still allows the water of the region to be pumped up to the Lac des Dix in order to be stored, transformed into electric current and finally released into the Rhône.
 

Practical information :

• Departure at 9am from the Fontanesse parking lot in Arolla
• Approximately 5h round trip time
• Available in: French
• Minimum 4 persons
• Maximum 10 people 
• Minimum age: 10 years old
• Fairly steep incline
• Price: Free

Includes :

• Guided walk through the history of water
• Visit to the pumping station