Lac Bleu

Lac Bleu is a high-mountain lake in the municipality of Evolène, in the Swiss canton of Valais. It sits at roughly 2,090 m above sea level at the head of the Val d'Hérens, a few kilometres from the village of Arolla. A walk of under an hour brings you to vivid turquoise water framed by larches and rocky summits.

Which Lac Bleu is this?

Several lakes in Switzerland and France share the name. This one belongs to the Val d'Hérens in the Pennine Alps and is tied to Arolla, a well-known mountaineering and ski base. It falls under the commune of Evolène. The shore has no facilities at all: no toilets, no waste bins and no water-quality monitoring.

Why is the water so blue?

The colour comes from a blend of algae and glacial clay suspended in the water. On sunny days the surface shifts from turquoise to deep blue, which makes the lake one of the valley's most photographed spots.

How do you get there?

You can only reach the lake on foot. The shortest route starts at La Gouille, a hamlet on the road to Arolla, where cars can park along the roadside. A steep path climbs about 260 m in 40 to 45 minutes. From Arolla itself, an easy trail via the Pramousse pond takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. By public transport, travel through Sion and take the postbus up to Les Haudères, from where services continue up the valley.

Keen hikers can try the demanding loop from Arolla past the Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges and back by the lake. It covers about 14 km and takes roughly 5.5 hours.

When should you go?

The trail is easiest in the snow-free months, usually June to October. Start in the morning for good photo light and a quieter path. Carry water and a warm layer, since weather changes fast at this altitude. Check current trail conditions with the Evolène region tourist office before setting out.

What else is nearby?

You pass the Pramousse pond on the way, and the upper valley has routes to mountain huts and glaciers. The Pension du Lac Bleu serves regional dishes, including ruchya. The Val d'Hérens is known for its traditional villages and its Hérens cattle.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Lac Bleu? The tourist office asks visitors to stay out of the water. The lake is unsupervised and its water quality is not tested.

How long is the walk? About 40 to 45 minutes from La Gouille, or about 1 hour 30 minutes from Arolla.

How high is the lake? Around 2,090 m above sea level.

Can I drive to the lake? Not all the way. Park by the road at La Gouille and walk the rest.