Hiking from Derborence to Gryon
Derborence is a remote and wild natural park in Switzerland that inspired the famous novel by Charles Ferdinand Ramuz. It is located on the south side of the Diablerets massif, which is a majestic mountain range that shapes the Swiss landscape. To reach Derborence, you have to drive along a narrow and winding road with many tunnels that offer stunning views of the cliffs.
One of the best ways to explore Derborence and its surroundings is by hiking from Derborence to Gryon. This hike will take you across two cantons: Valais and Vaud. You will see different types of scenery along the way, from the rare virgin forests of Derborence to the alpine valley after the steep climb to Pas de Cheville. You will also pass by Anzeindaz, which is the end point of Via Alpina’s R105 stage. From there, you can either take a bus from Solalex or continue walking to Gryon, a beautiful village with forest paths.
This hike is rated T2 on the Swiss hiking scale, which means it is suitable for mountain hikers with some experience. The most challenging part is the ascent from Derborence to Pas de Cheville, but the rest of the hike is mostly flat or gently downhill. You can find more technical information and download the GPX track below. The GPX track leads to the outskirts of Gryon, where you can catch a train to Bex every hour during daytime. Please check the SBB website for bus schedules to Derborence and plan your trip accordingly.
Hiking from Derborence to Gryon is a great way to discover one of Switzerland’s most fascinating and scenic regions. Don’t miss this opportunity to follow in Ramuz’s footsteps and enjoy nature at its best.
Practical Information for the Derborence to Gryon Hike
Getting There: To start the hike, take a train to Sion from any major city, including Geneva, then transfer to a PostBus to Derborence. Check schedules on PostBus as bus services are limited.
Hike Details: This T2-level hike covers about 17 km, featuring steep ascents, especially from Derborence to Pas de Cheville. Ensure you have proper gear, plenty of water, and snacks.
Returning from Gryon: From Gryon, trains run hourly to Bex, connecting to larger cities via the Swiss Travel System.
