Gebidumsee

Gebidumsee (also spelled Gibidumsee) is a small alpine lake in the municipality of Visperterminen, canton of Valais, sitting right beside the Gebidum Pass. It lies at roughly 2,193 m above sea level and covers only about two hectares. Hikers reach it on an easy mountain walk above one of Europe's highest vineyards.

Where is Gebidumsee?

The lake is in the Pennine Alps, close to the Gebidum Pass, which links the Visperterminen side with the Nanztal valley. Most walks begin at the Giw cable-car station above Visperterminen, and the trail toward the pass goes past the water.

What will you see there?

Gebidumsee is a tarn ringed by meadows and rocky slopes. In summer it makes a natural rest stop, and route descriptions mention swimming as an option. In winter the lake freezes over and becomes a waypoint on snowshoe routes, one of which continues to the Gibidum viewpoint at 2,317 m.

The lake also works as a reservoir for the Heido, one of Valais's historic suonen, the hand-built irrigation channels. The upper and lower Heido once brought water to the meadows of Visperterminen; today only the upper channel is still running. Sources also mention an old channel called the Biss or Eida that feeds the basin with meltwater from the Fletschhorn glacier area.

Under the pass runs a 2.65 km tunnel, in use since 1916, that carries water from the Nanztal to Visperterminen. The pass itself appears on maps from 1842 and 1843, and a road was later built along the old mule track. A wooden cross stands at the top.

How do you get to the lake?

A popular route is Giw – Gibidum Pass – Gspon: about 11.6 km, around 3.5 hours, rated easy. It starts at the Giw cable-car station and ends in Gspon, where you can descend into the valley. A longer option leads from Visperterminen through the Nanztal all the way to the Simplon Pass.

When should you go?

Summer and early autumn, when the paths are free of snow, are the best months. In winter the area is open to snowshoers, for example on the Panoramatrail loop from Giw over the Gibidum Pass and back.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gebidumsee the same as the Gebidem dam? No. Stausee Gebidem (Gibidum) is a separate reservoir near Naters at 1,436 m. The lake at Visperterminen is much smaller and sits far higher.

Where do I start the hike? Take the cable car from Visperterminen to Giw and follow the trail toward the Gebidum Pass.

Can you swim in the lake? Route guides list it as an option. At 2,193 m, expect cold water.

How long is the walk from Giw to Gspon? About 3.5 hours over roughly 11.6 km.