grimentz

Grimentz: a Gem on the Haute Route

While there are many charming hamlets, villages, and full blown resorts along the Haute Route, none has more historic and cultural appeal than Grimentz. The town of Grimentz is located in the immense Val d’Annviers in the French-speaking part of the Valais canton. The valley divides into two fingers, the Zinal Valley and the Moiry Valley. Both are beautiful, but if mountain scenery and glaciers is what you’re after, the Moiry Valley is the clear choice, with the accessible Moiry Glacier and icefall at the head.

On the western slope of the Moiry Valley the town of Grimentz lies at 1570 m. If you are hiking the Haute Route, consider a stop, preferably overnight, in this lovely and bustling town. If you’re hiking west to east, as most Haute Route hikers do, you will have crossed over either the Col du Tsaté or the Col de Torrent and then made a descent to Lac de Moiry. From either the Glacier Parking or the Dam, you can take the postbus directly to the center of Grimentz, or you can walk downstream about two hours to Grimentz.

Grimentz is a wonderful blend of new and old, ancient houses, granaries, and community buildings, set among modern chalet-styled inns and shops, and vibrantly decorated with geraniums and other flowers on nearly every building in the village. You’ll see a number buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th century and one from as early as 1510.

In its early days, Grimentz was a center of rye farming and milling, and the old mill has been restored along the course of the Marais. Although the church was rebuilt in 1950, it was built with the original steeple dating to 1831 and an adjacent vicarage from the same period. A winery is also located in the historic center of town. The principle community building of Grimentz is the 15th century Burgher’s House which was the center of village life. Guided tours are offered on a regular basis and can be arranged at the town’s visitor information center.

After a day in Grimentz, you can continue your Haute Route trek by continuing on to Zinal, St Luc, or other traditional stops along the Haute Route. But on a route filled with scenic mountain vistas, Grimentz is a refreshing and culturally rich addition to your hike on the Haute Route.

Grimentz is also a featured stop on our Savoring Switzerland tour: Trails, Vineyards, and Farm Tables of Valais.

follow Us
	Friends in the Alps Share Alps photos Alps hikes and trips Alpenwild Channel Gear reviews and tips