This easy loop trail goes around the large Pigniu reservoir surrounded by tall mountains. On the far side of the lake, there are two sets of cascading waterfalls, forming rivers that flow into the lake.

Near the waterfalls, there is a picnic area with tables and a fire pit. No mountain hut or cafe here, so bring your own drinks and snacks.

To reach the falls, it's a short and easy walk on a dirt service road along the lake, about 30 mins. On your way back, you can walk back the way you came or continue the loop around the lake, on a narrow footpath back to the dam.

Trail: Easy• 1h30 • 4.2 k loop • 40m up and down
See trail map

When to visit

The lake trail is usually open and maintained from mid June to mid September.

The bridge on the far end of the lake is taken down during winter and rebuilt sometime in early June. So you may not be able to cross the rivers or walk the full loop in April or May. Also before mid June, the trail often has debris and damage, sometimes snow patches, making it difficult to hike.

But still, we like to visit in late May when the yellow dandelions are out and the lake level is low so we can play in the riverbed.

Waterfalls

The falls on the left are easier to visit up close, scrambling up the hillside on unofficial footpaths, getting wet in the spray. From up there, you'll also have nice views back down to the lake.

For the falls on the right, there aren't good paths that lead close to the water. So better to enjoy those from afar.

How to get there

By car: Put the town of Pigniu in your GPS, which is a tiny village in the alps, accessible by a winding one land road. Driving through the tiny village and continue on the dirt road, about 2 km more to the parking near the dam.

By public transport: Not convenient, but you can take a bus to the Pigniu village, then a 2km walk on the road to reach the dam. The bus only runs a couple times day, so check the schedule carefully.

More info on SwissFamilyFun.com