There is quite a contrast between the southern village of Martigny at the elbow of the Rhone and the wilderness of Durnand Gorge, or the Gorges du Durnand as it is called in French.
Located in the village of Bovernier the visible part of Durnand Gorge is about one kilometre long. The gorge has been open to the public since 1877 with an idyllic trail bordered by wild blueberries and strawberries. A network of suspended wooden walkways, tunnels and stairs with a total of 330 steps turn the gorge into a veritable adventure park. The walls of the gorge tower above you on both sides. The water flows down 14 cascades until it reaches the Dranse Valley below. The roaring sound fills the narrow gorge and the sky is just a thin blue ribbon against the grey stone. The hanging catwalks even appear delicate against the backdrop of this imposing scene. The fine spray often creates gorgeous rainbows in the sunlight.
Getting there: By public transport or car from Martigny to the entrance of Durnand Gorge.
