Mattmark Dam
Overview
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Intro
South in the Saas Valley is the largest earth dam in Europe, the Mattmark Dam. The reservoir, which is used to generate electricity, is a real power spot, and is fascinating not only for its technical details but also for its wild and romantic location.
Construction on the Mattmark AG power plant began in 1958 and was completed in 1987 with the erection of the pumping station in Zermeiggern. On 30 August 1965, two million cubic metres of ice and debris engulfed the construction site and buried 93 workers, with 88 of these losing their lives. It was one of the largest catastrophes in Swiss construction history. This tragedy is also a symbol for the darker side of Italian immigration into Switzerland. In 2001, the Mattmark Dam was renovated in order to protect the Saastal and Rhonetal valleys that lie below it.
The area around Mattmark Dam offers plenty of hiking options. There is something to please everyone here – whether you’re in the mood for a short walk around the reservoir or a hike up into the mountains, which begins at the Felskinn upper station in Saas-Fee and takes you over the glacier and back down to Mattmark. From here you can even reach the Italian border via the Monte Moro pass. The region can also be explored by mountain bike. On the terrace of Restaurant Mattmark, visitors can enjoy a view of the reservoir and the Monte Moro pass.
Visitors will find space to park at the top of the dam, but can also reach the restaurant by public transport. The dam is easily reached via the PostBus that goes from Saas-Almagell to the Mattmark Dam.
What makes it a power spot?
The Mattmark Dam feels far from civilisation, and impresses visitors with its wild natural beauty and view of the immense glacier. It is a gorgeous place that is steeped in history, where you can take time to relax, come closer to nature and recharge.
General information
- Season: by road from spring to autumn The PostBus will run this route to Mattmark from 12 June to 17 October 2021.
- Suggested hikes: Around the Mattmark Dam: 2 hrs 15 mins Talweg Saas-Almagell – Mattmark: 3 hrs 15 mins Monte-Moro pass to the golden statue of the Virgin Mary: 3 hrs Glacier Trail (Saas-Fee – Mattmark): 4 hrs 30 mins
- Miscellaneous: Mattmark exhibition incl. exhibition film at the restaurant Restaurant Mattmark with view of the reservoir
Contact
Saastal Tourismus AG Gästeanimation
Obere Dorfstrasse 2
3906
Saas-Fee
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)27 958 18 78
Fax +41 (0)27 958 18 60
animation@saas-fee.ch
saas-fee.ch
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