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Grande Dixence Dam

Museums · 6/14/2010 · Original language: Russian

30 kilometers of pure mountain switchbacks and you are at the top of the mountain, and before you is the 285-meter concrete wall of the Grand Dixence Dam — the highest concrete dam in the world! Construction of the dam began in 1950. Fourteen years later, in 1964, the dam was ready for use.

Grande Dixence Dam
This house was built for the workers who labored on the construction of the dam. Now it is a hotel. And on the first floor, there is a restaurant.

This house was built for the workers who labored on the construction of the dam. Now it is a hotel. And on the first floor, there is a restaurant.

By the end of September, the reservoir is usually filled to capacity. This was the water level in June.

By the end of September, the reservoir is usually filled to capacity. This was the water level in June.

Grande Dixence Dam
You can take a walk along the lake. Tunnels have been carved into the mountains, and they are even lit.

You can take a walk along the lake. Tunnels have been carved into the mountains, and they are even lit.

You can get to the dam by cable car. We walked up. The climb isn’t difficult and took about 20 minutes.

You can get to the dam by cable car. We walked up. The climb isn’t difficult and took about 20 minutes.

Grande Dixence Dam

We were very lucky and got onto a tour of the dam. More details about the tour are on the official website. We really enjoyed the tour — we even stayed overnight by the dam for it, and we absolutely did not regret it.

Grande Dixence Dam
These are the tunnels used to move around inside the dam.

These are the tunnels used to move around inside the dam.

Grande Dixence Dam