Hiking in Switzerland: Lake Salanfe, Valais
Article updated on 07.16.24
If you’re looking for a hike in Valais that offers breathtaking scenery and wildlife and isn’t too complicated, the hike to Lac de Salanfe is for you. This article will give you all the information you need to make the most of this walk.
How to get there ?
The starting point for this hike is about 25 minutes’ drive from Martigny, in the village of Van d’en Haut. The road to get there is winding, so drive carefully.
Here are the parking options available, all of which are free of charge:
- Just before the campsite: [GPS coordinates: 46.14039, 6.9931]
- After the campsite (road suitable for off-road vehicles): [GPS coordinates: 46.1416, 6.9863].
Please note: Camping is not permitted on the parking lot. There is a paying campsite nearby for those wishing to spend the night.
The hike to Lac de Salanfe
The hike to Lac de Salanfe is around 7km round trip to the Auberge de Salanfe. If you wish to extend the outing and walk around the lake, you’ll need to add another 6km, for a total of 13km round trip to the car park.
This is an accessible hike, even for families with children, although the route includes a relatively steep climb for a short distance.
From the car park before the campsite to the Auberge:
- 7.2 km round trip
- 555m positive elevation gain
From the car park before the campsite with the roundtrip around the lake :
- 13 km round trip
- 650m positive elevation gain
The trail
You start out from Van d’en Haut, where you begin to climb along a well-marked path. The initial climb is fairly steep, but the path is well maintained, making it accessible even to less experienced hikers. After around 2 km of steep ascent through small paths in the forest, you’ll reach the forest road, which is less steep for the last few kilometres.
Just before you reach the bottom of the Salanfe dam, look around you and even over the dam, as you may spot ibex.
Once at the dam, you can walk around Lac de Salanfe or, for those with a sweet tooth, eat a delicious blueberry tart.
When you arrive in front of the lake, you can admire the beautiful Dents du Midi on the right. This is the starting and finishing point for the multi-day tour of the Dents du Midi.
The wildlife
Ibex can be seen all year round on this walk. In early June, they can often be seen near the dam, where they come to feed. They even lick the dam wall from below for mineral salts. From time to time, you’ll come across blocks of salt on the rocks (please don’t touch them), deposited by the foresters for the ibex.
A word of advice: don’t forget your binoculars if you want to get a closer look at the ibex and the birds.
Best time to hike on Lac de Salanfe
To make the most of this walk, here are a few tips on the best time to go:
- May-June: This month is ideal for observing the ibex near the dam, as there is still a lot of snow at altitude. Check the hut’s website and try to go up a few days before the hut opens so that you are “almost” alone on the hiking trail.
- Early start: Start the hike before 10am to avoid the crowds, as this is a very popular walk.
Warning: don’t swim in mountain lakes!
Mountain lakes are home to highly sensitive ecosystems. Swimmers can disturb these environments by stirring up sediment, disturbing aquatic fauna and flora, and introducing foreign substances such as sun creams or other chemicals.
What to bring with you ?
For a successful hike, it’s essential to be well prepared. Here is a list of essentials:
- Binoculars : For spotting ibex and birds.
- Hiking poles : Very useful for the steep ascent and descent.
- Sun cream : Never forget that the sun beats down hard in the mountains!
The hike on Swisstopo
Find the itinerary on Swisstopo below.
If you are using a mobile device, you can open it directly on the Swisstopo application by clicking here..
Lac de Salanfe is a hiking destination well worth discovering. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or an amateur, this hike offers spectacular views, incredible wildlife and an unforgettable experience. Prepare well, respect nature and enjoy this great outdoor adventure.
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