Bisse du Torrent-Neuf
Wallis
The Bisse du Torrent-Neuf, also known as Bisse de Savièse, is a historic irrigation canal (suone) located near Savièse in the Swiss canton of Wallis. Constructed between 1430 and 1448, it was designed to channel water across challenging terrain, including steep cliffs above the Morge valley. Its upper section, noted for its impressive engineering with wooden troughs suspended on beams along limestone and schist rock faces, was operational until 1934. In 1935, a tunnel through the Prabé mountain replaced the dangerous upper route, allowing safer water conveyance. After decades of neglect, a local association formed in 2005 to restore the abandoned upper section and develop it into a publicly accessible hiking trail, which opened in stages from 2008. The trail features suspension bridges and retains visible remnants of the original wooden water conduits, offering visitors a unique glimpse into medieval alpine water management and stunning natural scenery. The Bisse du Torrent-Neuf stands as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the mountain communities that built and maintained it over centuries.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Bisse du Torrent-Neuf hiking trail is from May to November when the path is open to the public. Visitors should avoid the trail during rain or adverse weather, as certain sections can be hazardous. It is advisable to check local conditions and consider guided tours or information from the Association Pour la Sauvegarde du Torrent-Neuf. No specific ticket is required, but supporting the preservation association is encouraged.
Interesting facts
- •The Bisse du Torrent-Neuf is considered the most impressive suone in the canton of Wallis due to its challenging cliffside construction.
- •The upper section was abandoned in 1934 and replaced by a tunnel through the Prabé mountain in 1935, which was blessed by the local clergy on August 4, 1935.
- •Original wooden elements of the water channel, dating back centuries, are still visible along the restored hiking trail.
- •The canal’s route crosses varying geological layers, requiring different construction techniques such as suspended wooden troughs in limestone and rock-carved channels in schist.
- •Historical photographs of the canal’s upper section by Charles Paris are preserved in the Mediathek Wallis in Martigny.
History
The Bisse du Torrent-Neuf was constructed in stages between 1430 and 1448 to supply water to alpine pastures near Savièse.
In the 16th century, significant modifications included a new water intake to increase flow.
The canal's route through the steep rock walls of the Morge valley required innovative engineering, with wooden troughs suspended in limestone sections and open channels carved in schist.
In the 1880s, the canal was extended through the Prabé mountain to access a higher water source, greatly enhancing its capacity.
The dangerous upper section was finally abandoned in 1934 when a tunnel was completed to replace it.
After decades of neglect, restoration efforts began in 2005 to preserve the historic structure and open it as a hiking route.
Place Guide
Suspended Wooden Water Troughs15th century
These are the original wooden channels hung on beams along the limestone cliffs, showcasing medieval engineering techniques to guide water over difficult terrain.
Prabé Mountain Tunnel1935
Constructed in 1935, this tunnel replaced the dangerous upper canal route, allowing safer and more efficient water transport through the mountain.
Morge Valley Hiking Trail2008
A scenic trail opened from 2008 onwards that follows part of the original canal route through the Morge valley, featuring suspension bridges and visible remnants of the historic water channel.