Top 7 Gorges around Ollon

The canyons around Ollon are characterized by deep river gorges and valleys carved into the Swiss Alps. You'll encounter impressive natural formations where mountain streams have cut through the landscape, creating dramatic rock faces and natural waterways. Highlights include the refreshing environment of Gorges de la Vièze with its rushing river and suspension bridge, the impressive rock layers of Gorges de l'Avançon, and the beautiful mountain landscape of Salentse Valley with its small stream and distant snow-capped peaks.

Yes, several options are suitable for families. The walk through the Trient Gorge, located near Vernayaz and accessible from the Ollon area, is relatively short (around 20 minutes) and features suspended walkways and bridges, making it suitable for families with small children. For hiking, the Gorges de la Vièze offers a refreshing hike with educational boards, providing insights into the area's heritage.

For a refreshing hike through an impressive and shady environment, consider the Gorges de la Vièze. It features educational boards and a 90-meter long suspension bridge. Another impressive trail is through the Gorges de l'Avançon, known for its dramatic rock layers. The Salentse Valley also offers a path through a beautiful mountain landscape with a small stream and views of snow-capped peaks.

The best time to visit the canyons and gorges around Ollon for hiking and exploration is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During this period, the weather is more favorable, and trails are typically clear of snow. For canyoning, the season usually runs from late spring through summer, when water levels and temperatures are suitable.

While the immediate Ollon municipality isn't a primary canyoning hub, the broader region offers opportunities. Château d'Oex, approximately an hour's drive from Villars-sur-Ollon, is a known center for rafting and canyoning. Here, you can find guided tours for river trekking and canyoning in places like La Tine Canyon, involving jumping into natural pools, sliding over rocks, and rappelling down waterfalls.

Many of the gorges themselves offer spectacular viewpoints. From the 90-meter long suspension bridge over the Vièze in the Gorges de la Vièze, you can enjoy fantastic views of the valley, Lake Geneva, and the surrounding mountains. The Pont de Torgon, a 151-meter suspension bridge, provides impressive views over the roaring Avançon torrent and its gorge.

Visitors frequently highlight the dramatic scenery and the refreshing experience. Many appreciate the feeling of being swept away by the force of nature, as described by one visitor to the Gorges de la Vièze. The impressive rock layers, the sound of rushing water, and the adventurous bridges, such as those found on the Route through the valley, are also commonly praised.

Yes, for those interested in the area's heritage, the Gorges de la Vièze features seven educational boards along the rushing river. These boards provide valuable insights into the geological, biological, and historical aspects of the region. The Trient Gorge, while a bit further afield, also offers informational signs about its geology, fauna, and history along its walking path.

The region around Ollon offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, including road cycling and touring bicycle options. For road cycling, explore routes like the Col de la Croix Loop or the Ollon - Gryon - Bex Loop. For general cycling, consider the Château de Saint-Maurice – Pissevache Waterfall loop. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Ollon and Cycling around Ollon guides.

Many of the canyons and gorges in the broader region are reasonably accessible. For instance, the Trient Gorge near Vernayaz is easily reachable by public transport or car. For specific trails like the Gorges de la Vièze, it's advisable to check local transport links or parking availability for the starting points, which are typically well-served for outdoor enthusiasts.

Beyond the gorges themselves, the wider region boasts impressive natural attractions. The Trient Gorge, for example, culminates in an impressive view of the 114-meter Pissevache waterfall, which has inspired visitors for centuries. Within the canyons around Ollon, the sheer rock faces and the powerful flow of rivers like the Vièze and Avançon create their own dramatic natural spectacles.