Stausee Ferden, reservoir
Stausee Ferden is a small reservoir in the Swiss Alps located at 1,310 meters (4,300 feet) elevation in the Lotschental valley, surrounded by gentle hills and open meadows. The water comes from the Lonza River and several mountain streams, then flows downstream toward the Rhone after passing through the reservoir.
The dam was built to regulate water flow from the Lonza River, controlling flood conditions and ensuring water supply for downstream villages and farmland. Over the decades, it became integrated into regional water management and remains essential to the area today.
The reservoir takes its name from the nearby village of Ferden, a mountain settlement with deep roots in the landscape. The area reflects how local people have always connected closely with nature, where water management and outdoor life shape daily routines and community habits.
The reservoir is easy to reach by car from nearby Gampel in about 20 minutes, or by bus to the village of Ferden. The area is open and walkable, with marked paths that make exploring on foot or by bike straightforward and safe.
The water in this reservoir drains remarkably fast, passing through in less than a day before flowing onward to the Rhone. This unusually short retention time makes it one of the most interesting water systems in the region for those curious about how mountain rivers are managed.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
