A narrow road with 15% parts and unlit tunnels to Lac du Vieux Emosson

Lac du Vieux Emosson is a high mountain reservoir at an elevation of 2,205m (7,234ft) above sea level, located in the Canton of Valais, in Switzerland. The road is closed to private vehicles.

Lac du Vieux Emosson

Where is Lac du Vieux Emosson?

The lake is located in the southern part of the country, near the French border. It drains into the reservoir Lac d'Émosson, 300 m below. Near the dam, there’s a restaurant called Old Émosson Cabin Hostel & Restaurant.

Is the road to Lac du Vieux Emosson paved?

Built in 1955, this unbelievable road starts at Lac d’Emosson, at an elevation of 1,965m (6,446 ft) above sea level. It’s fully paved yet pretty narrow and steep with dangerous drop-offs.

Is the road to Lac du Vieux Emosson open?

Set high in the Alps, the road is open to the public during the summer season only.

How long is the road to Lac du Vieux Emosson?

This little road with restricted access is 5 km (3.10 miles) long. It’s extremely steep and narrow; for almost 2 km it averages 15% – going through a couple of little unlit tunnels.

Is the road to Lac du Vieux Emosson worth the drive?

The drive is simply stunning, and the view down to the bigger lake is pretty incredible. It’s a quiet road with unbelievable views of Mont Blanc.
Pic: Simos Kozanidis

 

 

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