Valais is full of hiking trails, and among them, the bisses are must-sees.
Often easily accessible, these historic irrigation channels offer stunning landscapes for a refreshing escape. Originally built to irrigate Valais vineyards and fields, many are still maintained today. Here's our selection of the 10 most beautiful bisses in Valais.
Happy hiking!
1. Bisse d'Ayent
©Valais/Valais Promotion
The Grand Bisse d'Ayent irrigates the fields and vineyards of Ayent and Grimisuat, ending in the Revouire pond in Grimisuat. The trail crosses both towns with breathtaking views of the valley. Fun fact: it’s featured on the 100-franc note!
Length: 18 km
Time: 3 to 4 hours (excluding return)
Difficulty: Medium
2. Bisse du Torrent-Neuf
©MySwitzerland
Built in the 15th century, the Bisse du Torrent-Neuf is considered the most daring irrigation project ever. It begins in the Morge gorge and irrigates the Savièse hillside.
Length: 9 km
Time: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
3. Bisse du Trient
©Valais/Valais Promotion
Starting at the Col de la Forclaz and ending at the Trient Glacier tongue, this trail once served to transport ice blocks into the valley. Today it irrigates the fields and vineyards of Martigny-Combe.
Length: 3 km
Time: ~1.5 hours round trip
Difficulty: Easy
4. Grand Bisse de Lens
©MySwitzerland
Fed by the Lienne, this bisse irrigates the fields and vineyards of Icogne, Lens, Montana, and Chermignon. It flows along vertigo-inducing cliffs with stunning views over Valais.
Length: 14 km
Time: ~3 hours (excluding return)
Difficulty: Medium
5. Bisse du Levron
©Valais/Valais Promotion
Fed from below La Chaux at 2,500 m altitude, this bisse irrigates the commune of Vollèges. During the Mauvoisin dam’s construction in 1957, a tunnel was dug to channel water to the Levron bisse.
Length: 14.6 km
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Hard
6. Bisse du Tsittoret
©Valais/Valais Promotion
Bringing water from the Tièche to the Noble Contrée via the Raspille valley, this bisse irrigates vineyards in Venthône, Randogne, Mollens, Miège, and Veyras.
Length: 8 km
Time: ~4.5 hours round trip
Difficulty: Hard
7. Bisse de Clavau
©Valais/Valais Promotion
Running alongside majestic dry stone walls, this bisse irrigates vineyards in Ayent, Grimisuat, and Sion.
Length: 8 km
Time: 4 hours round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Travelise Highlight
8. Bisse du Ro
©Valais/Valais Promotion
With dizzying paths and a tunnel carved under Mont Lachaux, this bisse leads you to Lake Tseuzier with breathtaking panoramic views.
Length: 5 km
Time: ~3 hours (excluding return)
Difficulty: Medium
9. Bisse Vieux et Bisse du Milieu
©nendaz 4vallées
The Bisse du Milieu crosses Haute-Nendaz to irrigate Bleusy’s strawberry and raspberry crops.
Length: 7 km
Time: ~2 hours (excluding return)
Difficulty: Easy
10. Bisse de Salins
©4 vallées
Built to irrigate meadows and fruit crops (notably raspberries), this route takes you through spruce forests and orchards with constant views of the Rhône plain.
Length: 12 km
Time: ~3 hours (excluding return)
Difficulty: Easy
Discover Surprise Travel in Switzerland
Since day one, our clients have traveled without knowing their destination. We provide prep info, and each step of the journey is a surprise. Through our surprise travel concept, we help people live in the moment and explore new parts of Switzerland and Europe.
To highlight local tourism, we’ve launched Swiss Surprise Tours: 100% surprise day trips to the most authentic corners of Switzerland—revealed via the Travelise App. Expect local tastings, passionate encounters, and a private driver...