Lac de Moiry Monastery
Alpine reservoir famed for turquoise waters and dam
Moiry reservoir above Valais, reached by a mountain road and dam walk; visited for turquoise glacial water, summer hiking routes and views of surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Lac de Moiry at a Glance#
Address: Lac de Moiry (Moiry Reservoir), Anniviers valley, Valais, Switzerland
Admission: Free
About Lac de Moiry#
Lac de Moiry is a reservoir in the canton of Valais formed behind the Moiry Dam in the Val d’Anniviers. It occupies a high valley basin and is known for its clear, often turquoise water and the surrounding moraine and peak scenery.
Hiking routes start at the lakeshore and climb into the surrounding alpine terrain; the area is a base for day hikes and glacier viewpoints rather than extensive water recreation. The dam and reservoir dominate the immediate landscape and are commonly photographed.
The lake was created when the valley was impounded by dam construction to provide water storage for hydroelectric use and seasonal regulation. Infrastructure around the reservoir has been developed for both operations and visitor access.
It sits above the Anniviers valley near the village of Grimentz in Valais, surrounded by high alpine ridges and glacier-fed streams.
- Scenic water: Noted for its clear, often intensely blue-green water and for trails leading from the dam into the surrounding high valley.
How to Get to Lac de Moiry#
From Grimentz or Sierre: follow valley roads to the parking at the Moiry dam. Cable car services from nearby villages operate seasonally; check local timetables.
Tips for Visiting Lac de Moiry#
- Walk the path along the lake for good views of the dam and the cirque above - the water has an intense turquoise hue on calm days.
- Take the cable car from Grimentz (seasonal) and hike down toward the lake for a longer loop with glacier views.
- Visit the small mountain refuge near the lake for a rest and classic alpine snacks.
Best Time to Visit Lac de Moiry#
Summer for hiking and views; autumn for quieter trails and early snow risk at higher elevations.
Weather & Climate near Lac de Moiry#
Lac de Moiry's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1305 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -9° - -3° | -12° | 113 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -10° - -3° | -13° | 110 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Poor | -8° - -2° | -11° | 108 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 4.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -6° - 0° | -8° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 4.3 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Poor | -1° - 5° | -2° | 117 mm | overcast | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.8h |
| June | Acceptable | 2° - 10° | 3° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 4.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Acceptable | 5° - 13° | 7° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 8° | 97 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 3.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.0h |
| September | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 4° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.0 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -1° - 6° | -1° | 118 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.1 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -5° - 1° | -7° | 127 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -8° - -2° | -11° | 120 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
