Grimentz combines cultural heritage and alpine landscapes with activities to suit a range of interests. Visitors can bake rye bread in the village; the cup-marked stones, old village and mountains offer further highlights. This makes it possible to plan a varied trip without focusing on any one activity.
Cultural Heritage and Rye Bread
The cup-marked stones of Grimentz are explained at nine educational stations. They are attributed to the Stone Age, Neolithic or Bronze Age—their dating therefore remains an attribution. Since 1988, the ensemble has been listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property Protection as a monument of national importance. The stations therefore provide information both about the archaeological site and its recognised status as a monument.
The old village also offers various insights into its architectural heritage. The historic trail features very old houses and granaries around the church, as well as the White Cellars, as examples. The Moulin de Grimentz is a watermill in the centre of the old village. It opens to visitors every Friday in July and August; check the date before your trip. The BĂĽrgerkeller, the House of the Grandmother and the old mill are also considered heritage sites worth seeing. Grimentz is regarded as a tourist destination that has preserved its cultural heritage and authenticity.
Rye bread baking offers another way to discover local culture: visitors can bake bread themselves in Grimentz. The dough contains no potatoes. Alongside the historic sites, this provides a hands-on culinary experience.
Mountain Landscapes and Excursions
Grimentz is located on a sun-drenched terrace facing southeast, on the left bank of the Gougra. The terrace was formed by moraine deposits from the Glacier de Moiry. The peaks of Roc d’Orzival, Becs de Bosson and Sex de Marinda rise above Grimentz. These geographical features give the landscape its distinctive setting, without implying any particular hiking route.
Nearby is Lac de Moiry, whose turquoise waters attract many visitors. The high-altitude Tour du Lac de Moiry circular trail runs around the reservoir at an elevation of about 2,500 metres; route details may vary depending on seasonal conditions. The Moiry Dam is located at the upper end of the Grimentz Valley. In summer, guided tours covering its construction and operation are offered there. From the dam, you can reach the Moiry Glacier via Grimentz by car or PostBus in about ten minutes. The road is subject to seasonal restrictions, so check conditions before setting off.
Hiking and Activities Throughout the Seasons
In summer, Grimentz is known for its many hikes through alpine landscapes. The tourist office provides information and hiking brochures. One stage of the Tour of Val d’Anniviers leads from Zinal to Grimentz, reaching Grimentz after descending through the Val de Moiry. The route connects the two villages, while seasonal conditions remain an important factor in planning.
For a shorter option explicitly rated as easy, the Animal Trail is a family route from Grimentz to St-Jean. It passes through forest and pastureland and can be enjoyed in both summer and winter. The Tour of Val d’Anniviers and the Animal Trail therefore differ in their described routes and ratings: the Animal Trail is rated easy, while no difficulty level is specified for the stage from Zinal to Grimentz.
The Grimentz-Zinal ski area offers skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing and sledging for beginners and advanced skiers. Check the season dates before your trip. Mountain biking enthusiasts can try Parcours n°6 – Avoin, a route that starts in Grimentz and is aimed at people who want to discover single-track trails. As well as hiking, there are winter activities and an introduction to single-track riding.
Discover more destinations: Zinal.
View the main travel overview: Anniviers.
