Pyramides d'Euseigne, Natural earth pyramids in Val d'Hérens, Switzerland.
The Pyramides d'Euseigne are natural earth pillars in the Val d'Hérens, in the canton of Valais, formed from glacial deposits each topped by a hard protective stone. The columns are made of softer sediment shaped by water and frost, and show clearly visible layers of different materials stacked on top of each other.
These pillars began forming when the Eringer glacier retreated from the valley, leaving behind thick layers of rock and earth. Over long periods, rain and frost wore away the softer material while the hard stones on top protected the columns beneath them.
The pillars are a natural stop for travelers passing through the Val d'Hérens, and many pull over simply because the shapes are so unexpected. Their presence has made this stretch of road one of the most photographed spots in the valley.
The road through the Val d'Hérens passes directly through the formation via a short tunnel, so the pillars can be seen from the car. Parking is available on both sides of the road, and a short walk brings you close enough to see the different layers in the rock clearly.
The tunnel that runs through the formation was built around the pillars rather than demolishing them to clear the road, which was considered the better option at the time. This makes the site one of the few geological formations in Switzerland that has been built into a main road rather than bypassed or removed.
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