Griessee, reservoir
Griessee is a small reservoir in Switzerland's Valais region, situated at over 2,380 meters elevation among mountains. The water comes from the Gries Glacier and is held back by a dam built in 1965 to store water and manage flow in the area.
The Gries Dam was built in 1965 to create the reservoir and manage water flow in the region. The valley was used for centuries by shepherds and farmers who relied on natural water sources and left behind old paths that serve as hiking trails today.
The name Griessee comes from the local language and means "stone lake," referring to the rocky landscape surrounding it. Local people value this spot as a place for simple outdoor visits where the quiet of the mountains can be experienced.
The lake sits at over 2,380 meters elevation and is normally reached by car via the nearby Nufenen Pass, with the drive passing through rocky mountain terrain. Bring your own food and water since there are no facilities at the site.
The water at Griessee typically freezes over during winter months, forming a thin layer of ice that transforms the lake into a quiet winter landscape. This seasonal change creates an entirely different experience depending on the time of year.
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