Discover Grimentz: Heritage and Alpine Trails

Grimentz combines Alpine scenery with a distinctive historic village setting and a range of ways to enjoy active days. When choosing your destination, consider what you want your stay to focus on: village history and archaeological heritage, hiking and winter sports, or excursions to the Moiry reservoir. The different places and activities offer distinct highlights and practical points to help you plan your trip.

Village history and archaeological heritage

Grimentz is known for preserving its cultural heritage and authenticity. Sites of cultural heritage worth seeing include the Bürgerkeller, the Grandmother’s House and the old mill. These add to the historic buildings and offer a glimpse of different facets of the village setting.

The cup-marked stones of Grimentz are particularly unusual. Nine educational stops explain the archaeological site. The stones are attributed to the Stone Age, Neolithic period or Bronze Age; since 1988, the site has been listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property as a monument of national importance. The stops introduce the archaeological site, while its designation conveys its significance as cultural heritage.

The historic trail tells the story of the old village through very old houses and granaries around the church. The White Cellars are also examples of architectural heritage. Alongside the archaeological evidence, the village’s architectural forms tell their own story: the cup-marked stones speak of an attributed early past, while the trail focuses on the built heritage of the old village.

The Moulin de Grimentz, a watermill, stands in the heart of the old village. It opens to visitors every Friday in July and August; check the dates before your visit. Another way to explore a local product is to bake bread: visitors can bake rye bread themselves in Grimentz. Grimentz rye bread dough contains no potatoes.

Sunny terrace, peaks and Moiry

Grimentz lies on a sunny terrace facing southeast, on the left bank of the Gougra. Moraines deposited by the Moiry Glacier formed this terrace. The peaks of Roc d’Orzival, Becs de Bosson and Sex de Marinda rise above the village. The terrace, riverbank and peaks describe different features of the landscape that shape the character of the destination.

Nearby, Lac de Moiry attracts many visitors with its turquoise waters. The high-altitude Tour du Lac de Moiry circular trail runs around the reservoir at an elevation of about 2,500 metres. Its altitude and circular route make this hike quite different from a walk through the old village. Route details may vary depending on seasonal conditions; take this into account when planning.

The Moiry Dam is at the upper end of the Grimentz valley. Guided tours are offered there in summer and explain how the dam was built and how it operates. As the tours are seasonal, check the dates for your trip. From the dam, the Moiry Glacier can be reached via Grimentz by car or postal bus in about ten minutes. The road is subject to seasonal restrictions; check conditions before setting out.

Hiking and activities in different seasons

In summer, a wide range of hikes in Alpine scenery takes centre stage. The tourist office in Grimentz provides hiking information and brochures for the destination. One specific route connection is Stage 3 of the Tour of Val d’Anniviers: it leads from Zinal to Grimentz, reaching the village after descending through the Val de Moiry.

The Animal Trail also links Grimentz with a destination outside the village: this easy family trail leads from Grimentz to St-Jean through woodland and pastures, and can be enjoyed in both summer and winter. For a different kind of activity, the Parcours n°6 – Avoin mountain bike tour starts in Grimentz. It is intended for people who want to try out singletrack trails.

In winter, the Grimentz-Zinal ski area offers skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing and sledging for beginners and advanced participants. As operations are seasonal, check the current offerings before your trip. These activities differ significantly from the summer hiking options; which ones appeal to you will depend on the season and the kind of activity you are looking for.

Discover more destinations: Zinal.

Return to the main travel overview: Anniviers.