Pont de la Bâtiaz and Château de la Bâtiaz

Construction of the Château de la Bâtiaz began around 1260. It is the only surviving testimony of the medieval period in this region. The castle often changed hands between the House of Savoy and the Bishops of Sion.

The Pont de la Bâtiaz is the last remaining wooden bridge for vehicles in Valais. It was first washed away by the floods of the Dranse in 1635, and later again by the Giétroz disaster in 1818. A new bridge was built in 1829. Today it is roofed and has larch arches. In 1920 the bridge was strengthened. It is currently the last arch bridge still in use in Valais.
Architecture and location: Dating from the 19th century, the Pont de la Bâtiaz is an impressive example of craftsmanship in local larch wood. The bridge spans the wild Dranse River, which is prone to flooding.

Pont de la Bâtiaz, old wooden bridge over Dranse with a view of La Bâtiaz Castle.
More information: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dranse_(Wallis) and de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_La_B%C3%A2tiaz