Mattmark Dam
Overview
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Hint
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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.
In 1958, the construction of Kraftwerke Mattmark AG began and ended in 1987 with the construction of the pumping station in Zermeiggern. On August 30, 1965, two million cubic meters of ice and debris buried 93 workers here – 88 of whom died. It was one of the biggest disasters in Swiss architectural history. At the same time, this tragedy is a symbol of the dark side of Italian emigration to Switzerland. In 2001, the Mattmark dam was rebuilt to protect the underlying Saas Valley and the Rhone Valley.
The region around Lake Mattmark offers many opportunities for hiking. Whether a short walk around the reservoir or a high alpine hike, which starts at the Felskinn mountain station in Saas-Fee and leads over glaciers down to the Mattmark, there is something for everyone. 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 the Mattmark restaurant, you can enjoy the view of the reservoir and the Monte Moro Pass.
A car park is available for visitors at the dam crest, but it is also possible to arrive by public transport. The dam can be easily reached by PostBus from Saas-Almagell to the Mattmark reservoir.
Why a place of power?
The Mattmark dam is at what feels like the end of the world and impresses with its wild nature and view of mighty glaciers. A beautiful and historic place to take a deep breath, feel a little closer to nature and recharge your batteries.
General information
- Season: Motorway from early summer to autumn From June to October, the PostBus runs to Mattmark
- Suggestions: Around the Mattmark reservoir: 2 h 15 min Talweg Saas-Almagell – Mattmark: 3 h 15 min Pass to the Golden Maria (Monte-Moro): 3 h Glacier Trail (Saas-Fee – Mattmark): 4 h 30 min
- Other: Exhibition Mattmark with exhibition film at the Restaurant Restaurant Mattmark with a view of the reservoir
Contact
Saastal Tourismus AG
Obere Dorfstrasse 2
3906
Saas-Fee
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)27 958 18 78
info@saas-fee.ch
saas-fee.ch
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