The Suonen of Valais

6 November 2021

The region around Visp (Viège), Raron (Raronge), the Lötschberg (Steg-Hohtenn and Niedergestein), and the Baltschiedertal in the canton of Valais is a dry area in the Rhone basin. Its dry and mild climate promotes viticulture, agriculture, and cattle breeding.

Suonen (bisses in French) Irrigated the land. Suonen are wooden or stone irrigation systems that lead water from the source (glaciers, springs and streams) to the agricultural areas.

The Suonen system (Suonenlandschaft) was once thousands of kilometres long at the foot of glaciers or springs. The glacier water is rich in minerals and natural fertiliser, which has resulted in fertile agricultural and wine-growing land and a great diversity of flora.

Modern methods, such as water cannons and sprinkler systems, irrigate the fields today. Nevertheless, about 2,000 kilometres of traditional Suones still function.

The Canton of Valais maintains them as a cultural heritage. Various hiking trails follow the paths of the Suonen through beautiful areas. Today, the Suonen have an additional function: they produce energy for houses and villages.

(Source and further information: Die Suonen und Bisses des Wallis)