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Niwärch Tunnel and Historic Suonen Irrigation Channels

Niwärch Tunnel and Historic Suonen Irrigation Channels

Highlight • Historical Site

Niwärch Tunnel and Historic Suonen Irrigation Channels

Recommended by 24 hikers out of 26

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Location: Ausserberg, Westlich Raron, Valais, Switzerland

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Best Hikes to Niwärch Tunnel and Historic Suonen Irrigation Channels

4.0

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hikers

1. Exposed path on a rocky slope – Suonen Trail in Valais loop from Ausserberg

10.6km

03:37

370m

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

5.0

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hikers

2. Baltschiedertal irrigation channels – Suonen Trail in Valais loop from Eggen

5.63km

02:03

130m

140m

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

5.0

(1)

hikers

3. Suonen Trail in Valais – Baltschiedertal irrigation channels loop from Eggen

3.70km

01:12

60m

Hard hike. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

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Hard

Tips

Paul

October 7, 2021

Suonen are the historic irrigation canals of the Valais. These consist of open trenches that bring the precious and fertile water from the mountain streams - sometimes in an adventurous way - to the dry pastures and fields, to the vineyards or to the orchards. Many of the bisses are still in operation today and are carefully maintained. Since the suonen were very important as a water supply for the cultures and villages and their construction and maintenance was very dangerous, the people working on them had an important function and a corresponding reputation in the village community. The suonen partly overcome larger obstacles such as rock walls or scree slopes, for which special techniques have been developed over the centuries. In the rock walls, the suonen run in wooden channels that are suspended from beams along with a catwalk. The beams are wedged in holes made in the rock. To monitor the flow of water, small water wheels are sometimes used, which drive a hammer hitting a wood. The hammer blows can be felt over great distances and confirm the flow of water. More bisses have been created on the dry southern slopes than on the northern slopes. Most of the bisse are 500 m to 2 km long, the longest bisse is the 32 km long Bisse de Saxon.
Text / source: Brig Simplon Tourismus AG

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Pauli

September 21, 2025

Here is the northern entrance and exit of the Niwärch Tunnel, which leads 1.6 km south through the mountain. An alternative is a narrow path that partially follows a narrow ledge along the rock faces on the western side of the Baltschieder Valley. It's breathtaking in many ways: a fantastic experience, with magnificent views of the valley below; but it's also not without its dangers (surefootedness and a head for heights are required!). To reach this path, you have to climb a slope about 30 meters to the north (follow the signs).

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Christian K. & Miriam

October 10, 2021

The tunnel was a special event for the children. But we adults also found it exciting.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 1,330 m

Weather

Monday 22 December

4°C

0°C

15 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 6.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: Ausserberg, Westlich Raron, Valais, Switzerland

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Niwärch Tunnel and Historic Suonen Irrigation Channels

1. Exposed path on a rocky slope – Suonen Trail in Valais loop from Ausserberg

2. Baltschiedertal irrigation channels – Suonen Trail in Valais loop from Eggen

3. Suonen Trail in Valais – Baltschiedertal irrigation channels loop from Eggen

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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