Lake Derborence
Intro
Two huge landslides in the 18th century led to the formation of the lake in the Lizerne valley, near Ardon in Valais. The eponymous valley is a nature reserve with a pristine beauty that fascinates geologists, botanists and nature lovers alike.
Lake Derborence at a glance
Two immense landslides occurred in the years 1714 and 1749 at the Diablerets. At the time these mountains were called Rochers or Scex de Champ, and the landslides were considered to be works of the devil. The mountains were consequently renamed Diablerets, Devils Mountains. The mounds of rubble a hundred metres high covered a fertile meadow and created a lake, which was long thought to be cursed, allowing nature to spread freely. The story of the landslide inspired the author C.F. Ramuz to write his successful novel, Derborence.
Today the pristine Derborence Valley is a nature reserve, and the old forest that arose on the debris mounds is especially important.
The journey to Derborence (by car or PostBus) is a dream for those who love romantic, narrow mountain roads. Just after Aven the road winds its way into the valley, passing through exhilarating tunnels with windows in the rock.
