The Finges forest in the Pfyn-Finges Regional Nature Park – one of the largest pine forests in the Alps – is a nationally important protected site. The Bois de Finges is adjacent to the wild Rhône (one of the last undammed sections of the river) and is home to a large number of animals and plants.
Since 1997, the region has been protected, and in 2000, the neighboring municipalities founded an association to develop sustainable tourism in the reserve and establish a nature park. Since November 2005, the Bois de Finges has been proudly named a Regional Nature Park.
The hike, after leaving Sierre, crosses the entire forest parallel to the Rhône. It passes through a multitude of different natural areas: hills formed by a landslide, pond zones sheltering dozens of protected natural species, arid steppes... all constantly surrounded by pines, making the crossing pleasant even in the middle of summer.
OUR ADVICE
Crossing this natural area is an experience in itself, as diversity is present throughout the route.
| Turn-by-turn directions | From the Sierre Tourist Office, head east and pass in front of the Town Hall before taking Rue du Bourg and then reaching the Glarey district. Cross the new square and head towards the industrial zone before crossing the Rhône and then the motorway slip road via an underpass. From there, enter the forest with an initial climb on the hills, then follow the path, more or less straight, until a small forest road. After a few meters, turn left and continue through the forest until the ponds (which can be bypassed on either side). Then you arrive at the long dyke of the Finges farm. Halfway there is the intersection to the Bouthanais bridge. Then return to the pine forest, cross the Rhône diversion canal before arriving at the Illgraben. You must pass under the road and go up to the sidewalk on the other side, before entering the village of Susten and reaching the Leuk/Susten station. |
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