Grande Dixence dam, Gravity dam in Hérémence, Switzerland
Grande Dixence is a gravity dam standing 285 meters tall and stretching 700 meters across a Swiss mountain valley. It holds back approximately 400 million cubic meters of water in Lac des Dix and consists of a thick concrete structure built against the valley walls.
Construction started in 1953 and finished in 1961, with thousands of workers facing harsh conditions in the mountain environment. The project marked a major milestone in Switzerland's post-war hydroelectric development.
The dam holds status as a national cultural property and represents how Switzerland developed its mountain resources. It shapes the landscape and stands as a symbol of engineering capability in this Alpine region.
A cable car connects the parking area to the top in about five minutes. The location is high in the mountains, so weather can change quickly and visitors should check conditions before arriving.
Six climbing routes run along the concrete face, allowing experienced climbers to ascend the structure. These routes attract adventurous visitors seeking an unusual vantage point on this engineering work.
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