The Bisse du Torrent Neuf – also called Bisse de Savièse – is one of the Best Bisse hikes in Valais of its kind. This hike is only for you and your family if the whole crew likes wobbly suspension bridges, maybe even a bear and are ok with steep drop-offs.
Due to the suspension bridges this hike may not be for the faint hearted, or for anyone that suffers from vertigo.
If you and your family make it all the way to the end of the Bisse du Torrent Neuf and back (approx. 8 km) you will have had the great joy of crossing 4 amazing suspension bridges twice, each about 100m long.
As this is a there and back hike you can turn around whenever you want. This may help when planning to hike the Bisse du Torrent Neuf.
If this still sounds good for you, carry on reading and plan your trip to Valais.
History of the Bisse de Savièse – Torrent Neuf
This historic water irrigation system was built between 1430 and 1448, and was one of the boldest constructions and best known in the Valais. Along this particular bisse one can really see the different ways of how they built such water-irrigation systems.
The simplest and most widely used technique is to dig the channel into the loose soil and cover it with the water proof materials available at that time.
But one can quickly see that in some areas there was no soil and the bisse crosses more resistant terrain. The only option to carry on with the water path was to dig into the rock or to make small tunnels. This came with great difficulties as one can imagine. As an alternative, it was preferred to hang a wooden channel on the rock face. These passages, which were very difficult to build and difficult to maintain, are still a symbol of the boldness of the bisse builders today.
Such a section is still today visible at the Bisse du Torrent Neuf.
Another absolute amazing bisse in Valais is the Bisse du Ro (Roh) in Crans Montana.
How to get to the Bisse du Torrent Neuf
Arriving by Car
Once arriving in the village of Savièse in Valais, follow the brown signposts for “Bisse du Torrent Neuf”.
Drive to the very last carpark which will be on your left next to the forest. This way, you will save yourselves a fair bit of time and walking (see map).
It is from this car park where we start the hike.
Hiking tip: If you have little kids in your group you can drive even a bit further which gets you to the main section of the Bisse quicker. For this carry on driving past the last car park. The road makes a 180° turn to the right. Continuing driving for another 50 or so metres. You can see that the actual hiking path crosses the road. It is here on the left where you can park your car as well.
From this spot it is only about 20 minutes to the historic part of the Bisse de Torrent Neuf and the snack bar.
If you click on the map you should get the parking location on Google maps.
Arriving by public transport
From Sion Gare (train station) take the Post Bus B341 or 342. One is direction Savièse the other Anzère, but both will bring you to the Savièse Binii bus stop.
From here you have to walk the 1.8 km to the first parking lot before starting the hike.
Hiking the Bisse du Torrent Neuf
From the official parking lot, take the steepish path straight up along the trees and then turn left to follow the Bisse (water stream). It feels a bit like walking in the Harry Potter forest.
The historic part of the Bisse du Torrent Neuf only starts after the snack bar la Vouasseur and the St Marguerite Chapel. Both you will reach about 30 minutes after leaving the car park. (1.5km)
As this beautiful hike is a historical path of the Bisse de Savièse (Torrent Neuf) you will find old impressive photographs along the path. Furthermore you find explanations of how the Bisse de Torrent Neuf was built and other important facts.
In addition to the four suspension bridges you will be crossing on the way to the Buvette Brac, the views along the route are amazing. And because you will be walking it two times it feels like another hike on the way back.
In two areas are picnic tables and a second chapel is located near the end.
Enjoy the following picture story on the trail of the Bisse du Torrent Neuf (also called ancient bisse de Savièse).
Hiking facts of the Bisse du Torrent Neuf / Savièse
On the hiking map I have started the route as if you would arrive on public transport. Click on Learn More, to get full access.
On the maps above under the “How to get to the Bisse du Torrent Neuf” you can see where the parking is.
Location:: Savièse Valais
Length:: 8 km return trip (but just walk as long as you think is ok and turn around)
Level:: easy hike with suspension bridges, some places with steep drop offs
Highest point:: 1300m
Good to Know:
- Shorten the hike by parking at Parking 2 (see map & photos)
- This hike is NOT push chair nor wheelchair friendly
- It may happen that they close some sections, mainly the last one due to high risk of falling rocks.
- Smaller kids should be walking with or close by you, as some sections need your attention. When our kids where 3-5 we even walked hand in hand on some areas. I strongly suggest to be at least one adult per two younger kids.
Hiking in Valais & Close by
These following hikes may also interest you. And if you are hiking with smaller kids you night love our 14 family friendly hiking guide in Valais
- Hiking to Lac de Salanfe
- Oeschinensee Panorama Hike
- Grimsel Hospiz to Oberaar-Galcier and Lake
- Gelmersee Circular Hike with Kids
- Lacs de fenêtre – Pays du St. Bernard
Accommodation & Hotels in Valais
As there are so many great hikes in Valais and the surrounding cantons, why not stay for a weekend and get the best out of it.
On the map below you find available accommodations and hotels for your visit. Just add your dates, and move the map with your mouse to the desired hiking location.
Travel Guide to Switzerland
- Grison-Flims- Where to find the Best Rheinschlucht viewpoints
- Valais – Hiking to the Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge
- Jura & 3 Lakes – Biking Along Lake Neuchâtel
- Epic Summer Road Trip Through Switzerland 2020
- How to Travel Switzerland on a Budget
- Switzerland Itinerary , 7, 10 & 14 Days
- Valais – Autumn Hike along the Bisse de Mont d’Orge
Voilà, I hope you enjoyed virtually hiking with us along the Bisse du Torrent Neuf in Savièse – Valais.
If you have any questions please ask in the comments below. This way other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries and stories as well.
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2 thoughts on “Hiking Bisse du Torrent Neuf in Valais”
I was wondering how far it would be until the first suspension bridge? I would love to experience that but not sure I could do the whole trail with time constraints.
Thank you,
Marylu Schwintek
Hi Marylu
If you can park on the 2nd parking lot mentioned on our blog post it is about 1.8km to the first suspension bridge, and another r500m to the 2nd bridge.
Hope this helps
Corina