Sanetsch-Muveran-Weg, Stage 2/3

A long stage with an impressive itinerary along the furrowed limestones of Lapis de Zanfleuron over exposed areas into the nature reserve of Derborence, one of Switzerland's last primaeval mountain forests.

The twelve-kilometre route begins at the Hôtel du Sanetsch, not far from the Sanetsch, hôtel bus stop. The white-red-white-marked mountain path climbs across open pastures and briefly follows the course of the Morge. The terrain becomes increasingly rocky as the ascent continues. After a good hour, the highest point is reached near Tête Noire at around 2,300 m.

The route now descends for the most part. Initially, the mountain path leads through barren, rocky terrain, with the forest drawing closer later on. Overall, the route loses considerably more elevation than it gains at the start; a good four hours should be allowed for the hike. Towards the end, Lac de Derborence appears between the trees. The path reaches the shore near the Refuge du lac de Derborence. Formed by a rockslide in 1749, the lake is one of Switzerland’s youngest naturally formed mountain lakes and, together with the surrounding primeval pine forest, forms a nature reserve. The destination is in Derborence; the bus stop of the same name is around 500 m away.