In mid-October my husband and I were finally on the road again with our van. The weather in Valais looked promising, so we planned a hike to the Lake de Derborence at the end of our short trip.
Spectacular drive
Already the ride through the winding road along the gorges of the Lizerne is a highlight! Since it was cloudy and the rocks were still covered with fog on our way there a mystical landscape was offered to us. I wanted to capture this fascinating area with its many autumnal colored trees. But that was not so easy. Because the roads are narrow, very narrow and there are only a few possibilities to stop. What I found most impressive was the fact that you drive under the rocks for a long time and pass numerous (relatively short ) tunnels. The contrast of the darkness in the tunnels and the autumn landscape, which immediately captivated us again when leaving them, definitely left a lasting impression!
The origin of Europe’s youngest natural mountain lake
In 1714 the Derborence Valley experienced its first landslide. 35 years later followed the second, far worse one. The mountain stream was dammed by the falling rocks. This is how the Lake de Derborence was created. At several places, directly next to the hiking trail, you can admire some of these boulders.
Perfect circular hike to the Lake de Derborence
Circular walks that are neither too steep nor too long are my absolute favorite hikes. But to find them is often rather difficult… All the more I`m happy that I can now give you the tip for this hike :-).
Here are a few impressions of the very varied hike:
Either you walk to the left to get to the lake first or you make the route so that the lake is the end point.
We chose the second option, as we wanted to relax at the lake after the hike. Just above there`s the cozy restaurant Refuge du Lac de Derborence. It awaits you with an inviting terrace. With a fabulous view of the Lac de Derborence you can end (or also begin ;-)) the hike in a comfortable way. By the way, fondues are also offered. The idea to enjoy a fondue outside in such a fabulous scenery is really great!
We already had other plans, but if I had known about it before, we would have planned our day differently ;-).
Beautiful reservoir in the middle of the hike
In the middle of the already very varied hike you`ll come across the Lake de Godey. A reservoir with deep turquoise water.
Return direction Conthey
On our return ride we experienced the scenery completely different than on the outward journey. The sky was now blue, the sun rays of the beginning Golden Hour gave the area a golden coat. But also the vineyards, which we passed on our way back to the highway, contributed to this wonderful autumn atmosphere.
Info:
- The ride from Conthey to the parking lot of Lake de Derborence is 18km. Since the roads are very narrow and you have to drive rather slowly, you should calculate about 30 minutes for it. A too wide car is not recommended.
- The hike is a circular walk. What is special is that you could shorten it almost any time (there are several shortcuts available).
- The hike starts at the parking lot. Either you visit the Lake de Derborence first or at the end. Find here the GPX track.
- The Restaurant Refuge du Lac de Derborence has a terrace with a great view of the lake. Various meals (including fondue) and drinks are offered.
- The Restaurant Refuge du Lac de Derborence also has a live webcam, if you want to check the weather before the hike
