Intro

Three exciting rail lines lead to the Emosson reservoir. The adventure begins in Martigny, passing through the deep ravine of the Trient valley before ending at the 180-metre-high dam.

The thrilling and historic journey on the VerticAlp to the “Lac d’Emosson” reservoir starts in Châtelard at 1,930 metres above sea level. The reservoir was built by the Swiss Federal Railways at the beginning of the 1920s to meet the company’s electricity needs.

The first stage of the journey is via the former works railway, which dates back to 1919. Clinging tightly to the slope, with a maximum gradient of 87%, it is one of the steepest funicular railways in the world. On arrival in Les Montuires, passengers change to the Emosson panorama train, pulled by a battery-driven locomotive that meanders along the side of the mountain to the base of the dam. Visitors enjoy fantastic views of the mountains of the Mont Blanc massif and the Bouqui Gorge. With a gauge of just 60cm, the small train resembles a toy. Finally, the Minifunicular that takes people up to a height of 30 metres above the top of the dam is a mixture of funicular and lift.

Further information

How to get there: Take the Mont-Blanc Express from Martinach (30 minutes) or Chamonix (1 hour) to Le Châtelard.

 

Altitude:

1,965 metres above sea level

How to get there:

From Le Châtelard (VS) via three trains: 1. Funicular railway from Le Châtelard to Les Montuires, 2. Panorama train from Les Montuires to the foot of the Emosson Dam, 3. Minifunicular to Emosson Square, overlooking the reservoir

Timetable:

Only runs in summe.

Journey time:

Around 45 minutes from Le Châtelard

Attractions:

Emosson Nature Park in the heart of the Espace Mont-Blanc, mountain reservoirs, views of the Mont Blanc massif, 250-million-year-old dinosaur tracks

Food and drink:

Restaurant du Barrage d’Emosson, Restaurant Stausee, Restaurant Les Montuires, Cabane du Vieux Emosson

Special comments:

The Emosson reservoir is the second-largest man-made lake in Switzerland.
The mountain ascent is not included in the Swiss Travel Pass/GA travelcard. Buy your tickets on arrival at the station.



General information

Show Technical information content
Season
June - October
Time required
4 to 8 hours (full day)
Suitable for children with age
6 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years, 14+ years
Suitable for
Children, Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
Accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Weather
Outdoor
Category
Relax

Discover the surroundings

Contact

VerticAlp Emosson
Route du Châtelard 6
Gare du Funiculaire
1925  Le Châtelard VS
Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)27 769 11 10
info@verticalp-emosson.ch
verticalp-emosson.ch
Show Route

Overview

Hint

Overview
Finhaut-Emosson
Valais
Show on map

Contact

VerticAlp Emosson
Route du Châtelard 6
Gare du Funiculaire
1925 Le Châtelard VS
Phone  +41 (0)27 769 11 10
verticalp-emosson.ch
Show Route

Travel information: Finhaut-Emosson

Current Offers

  • Boutique Hotel Beau-Séjour & Spa, Champéry Treat yourself to a relaxing break

    2 nights, 2 Nights in Price per double room, Half-board, Aperitif per room per stay, Use of the wellness... from CHF 280
    Offer details

    Price per double room
    valid: 29.03.2024 - 31.05.2024

    Learn more about Treat yourself to a relaxing break
  • Martigny Wanderferien Walliser Suonenwege

    7 nights, Die Pest hat dazu geführt, dass im Wallis auf die ertragreichere Viehwirtschaft umgestellt werden... from CHF 1,189
    Offer details

    Price per person in double room
    valid: 29.03.2024 - 31.12.2024

    Learn more about Wanderferien Walliser Suonenwege
  • Hôtel Vatel, Martigny Weekend offer

    1 night, Destination: Martigny, 1 Night in Price per double room, Brunch buffet, Welcome drink per person per... from CHF 279
    Offer details

    Price per double room
    valid: 29.03.2024 - 26.05.2024

    Learn more about Weekend offer
  • Martigny Hiking holidays Via Francigena 9 days

    5 nights, The Via Francigena follows the footsteps of Archbishop Sigerich, who undertook the march from... from CHF 775
    Offer details

    Price per person in double room
    valid: 29.03.2024 - 31.12.2024

    Learn more about Hiking holidays Via Francigena 9 days