Grande-DixenceThe Grande-Dixence dam is the highest gravity dam in the world and the largest in Europe. It is located in Val des Dix, the upper part of Val d'Hérémence (a side valley of Val d'Hérens), and is one of the most impressive tourist destinations in Valais.The Grande-Dixence dam is the highest gravity dam in the world and the largest in Europe. It is located in Val des Dix, the upper part of Val d'Hérémence (a side valley of Val d'Hérens), and is one of the most impressive tourist destinations in Valais.
Imagine a concrete wall 285 metres high, 748 metres long and nearly 200 metres wide at its base, weighing some 15 million tonnes and holding back 400 million cubic metres of water in an artificial lake over 5 kilometres long... and you will only have a vague idea of the monster perched at the foot of the glaciers...
Accessible from June to October via a good road open to private vehicles and post buses, the dam is a very popular tourist destination, with a hotel, a restaurant and a cable car that takes you to its summit, at an altitude of 2,364 metres, in just a few minutes.
Guided tours of the interior of the structure are also available. Tours last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. Tour schedules vary depending on visitor numbers. Meet in front of the information pavilion at the foot of the dam.
The dam hotel, nicknamed ‘the Ritz’, is a horrible building that was used during construction to house engineers and some of the workers. For a more romantic atmosphere, spend the night in Pralong, a few kilometres further down, where there is a very nice hotel and restaurant!
MORE INFORMATION