Bisse de Savièse Torrent-Neuf
Walk along a 600-year-old irrigation channel with thrilling suspension bridges and cliffside paths.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Open season for dry weather
Bisse de Savièse Torrent-Neuf
Best Time
Open season for dry weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk along a 600-year-old irrigation channel with thrilling suspension bridges and cliffside paths.
"Absolutely stunning, not crowded, and easy walk/hike, unless you're afraid of heights."
Check Weather Before You Go
The bisse closes in rain due to falling stones. Always check conditions for safety! :cloud_rain:
Supervise Children Closely
Sections can be narrow and exposed. Keep little ones and pets secure. :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Four Suspension Bridges
Along the bisse path
Experience thrilling walks across four iconic suspension bridges, offering unique perspectives of the gorge.
Historic Irrigation Channel
The entire bisse path
Walk alongside a 600-year-old restored irrigation channel, a marvel of historical engineering.
Cliffside Walkways
Along the bisse path
Traverse narrow paths carved into the cliff face, showcasing impressive construction techniques.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Navigating Heights and Little Ones
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Weather Before You Go
The bisse closes in rain due to falling stones. Always check conditions for safety! :cloud_rain:
Supervise Children Closely
Sections can be narrow and exposed. Keep little ones and pets secure. :child:
Fear of Heights? Be Prepared
Suspension bridges and cliff paths can be daunting for those with vertigo. :mountain_cableway:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is mostly easy, but good grip is recommended for the varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Weather Before You Go
The bisse closes in rain due to falling stones. Always check conditions for safety! :cloud_rain:
Supervise Children Closely
Sections can be narrow and exposed. Keep little ones and pets secure. :child:
Fear of Heights? Be Prepared
Suspension bridges and cliff paths can be daunting for those with vertigo. :mountain_cableway:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is mostly easy, but good grip is recommended for the varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water and Snacks
While there are buvettes, carrying your own is always a good idea. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning views and the unique experience of walking along a centuries-old irrigation channel, especially the thrilling suspension bridges. It's considered a well-maintained and accessible hike for most, though those with a fear of heights should be cautious. The free entry and natural beauty make it a highly recommended stop in the Valais region.
"Very nice, 4 bridges, about 2 hours to go from the parking lot and back if you do all of it. The views are amazing. Just be careful with little kids and dogs, it could be a bit dangerous in some parts. It's free. Plenty of parking spaces. You can see wild animals like wild goats and birds."
Nati Baudrexel
"Absolutely stunning, not crowded, and easy walk/hike, unless you're afraid of heights. Even on a hazy day, the views are spectacular. Fully recommend it to anyone who visits the region."
Emir Alić
"This is one of the more spectacular hiking tours you can make along one of the waterways, originally constructed to irrigate the fields in the Rhône valley some 600 years ago. It has been carefully restored to invite visitors to share this cultural heritage. For obvious reasons, the bisse is closed in rainy weather, mostly because of the risk for stones being detached from the steep slopes above the gangways. In good weather the hike is well secured and there is little uphill effort. Dogs should be kept attached and children under control. One section of the bisse is demonstrating the construction methods for hanging water- and gangways on a steep mountain side which is highly educational."
Sebastian Reiz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Savièse village, follow the brown signs for 'Bisse du Torrent Neuf'. Drive to the last car park on the left at the edge of the forest. 
While specific public transport routes directly to the trailhead might be limited, you can reach Savièse village by bus and then potentially arrange a taxi or enjoy a longer walk to the starting point.
The recommended parking is the last car park on the left at the edge of the forest, which serves as the starting point for the main trail.
The main access is via the designated parking lot, leading to the restored section. Some parts of the original bisse might be accessible with more advanced hiking knowledge.
Cars can drive to the designated parking area near the start of the hike. The trail itself is pedestrian-only.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Bisse de Savièse Torrent-Neuf is a free attraction. You can enjoy the walk without any admission fee.
The bisse is generally open from May to November, weather permitting. It's best to check local conditions as it can close in rainy weather.
Entry to the Bisse de Savièse Torrent-Neuf is completely free of charge.
The best time is during dry weather, from May to November. Weekday mornings or late afternoons offer fewer crowds and pleasant light.
The bisse is typically closed during winter months due to weather conditions and potential hazards. It's best to visit between May and November.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The main restored route takes about 2 to 3 hours for a round trip, covering approximately 8-9 km. +1
It's considered an easy to moderate hike, but it's not recommended for those with a fear of heights due to suspension bridges and cliffside paths.
Yes, there are buvettes (small cafes/refreshment stands) at the start and near the end of the main restored route, and picnic spots are available.
Children can enjoy the walk, but require constant supervision due to the exposed paths and suspension bridges.
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times due to the narrow paths and potential hazards.
📸 📸 Photography
The suspension bridges, the narrow cliffside paths, and the panoramic views of the valley are prime photography locations.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, while early mornings can provide a more serene atmosphere with fewer people.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and bridges. A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for shaded areas.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers Seeking Unique Trails
+1 It’s a relatively short hike, making it a great option for a half-day excursion, but the exposure and heights mean it's best suited for those comfortable with such conditions. 📸 Photographers
+1 Visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon can enhance the dramatic lighting and create memorable shots. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the landscape and the engineering marvels. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Bisse
This ancient irrigation channel, or 'bisse', is a remarkable example of how communities harnessed water resources centuries ago. The restored sections showcase various construction techniques, including wooden channels and impressive gangways built directly into steep mountainsides. Walking along it offers a unique glimpse into the past and the challenges faced by those who built and maintained these vital waterways.One of the most striking features is the demonstration section that illustrates the methods used for hanging water and gangways on sheer rock faces.
While the main route is restored for accessibility, the spirit of the original bisse remains. Visitors can appreciate the dedication and hard work that went into creating and sustaining this vital water system for generations. The careful restoration ensures that this cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed by modern visitors.
Navigating the Bisse: Safety and Accessibility
+1 It's highly recommended to keep children and pets under close supervision at all times due to the exposed nature of some parts of the trail. Due to the risk of falling stones from the steep slopes above, the bisse is closed during rainy weather.
While the main restored route is designed for accessibility, it's not a fully paved or universally accessible path. Those with significant mobility issues might find certain sections challenging. However, for most visitors, the hike is manageable and incredibly rewarding, provided they are mindful of the heights and the natural environment.
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