The Pyramids of Euseigne, located in the Hérens Valley, are a unique geological phenomenon and one of the main natural attractions in the canton of Valais, Switzerland.
These formations, rising majestically between 10 and 15 meters in height, are the result of glacial and erosion processes dating back to the last ice age, between 80,000 and 10,000 years ago.
Recognized as a protected monument by the Swiss Confederation, these structures stand out not only for their singular appearance but also for the geological history they reveal.
During the retreat of the Hérens Glacier at the end of the last ice age, massive deposits of moraine, composed of mixtures of rock, clay, and sand, accumulated. Over time, this material compacted under the pressure of the ice, forming an extremely dense type of soil known as “moraine concrete”.
Erosion caused by rain, melting snow, and wind slowly sculpted these formations, revealing large stone blocks that protect the underlying moraine, acting as “protective caps”.
The blocks, some weighing up to 20 tons, are made of gneiss and serpentinite, materials transported from the glacier’s farthest reaches. This balance between resilience and vulnerability allows the pyramids to continue forming and evolving over time.
The constant impact of natural elements continues to shape the Pyramids of Euseigne. This process, however, is irreversible.
The stone caps will eventually fall, exposing the softer material to accelerated erosion, which will lead to the pyramids’ collapse within a few centuries.
The pyramids are located near the village of Euseigne, on a route that connects to the majestic Grande Dixence Dam, the highest gravity dam in the world. The road passing through the pyramids, via a short tunnel, offers a close-up view.
They are also a popular destination for hiking, with routes that include alpine landscapes, ancient irrigation channels, and the nearby sulfurous thermal springs of Cambioule.
This monument is a living testament to the interaction between ice, rock, and time, making it an invaluable site for both scientists and tourists.
The region strives to preserve this natural heritage, not only as a tourist attraction but also as a testimony to the Earth’s climatic and geological changes. Visiting it is a unique opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most fascinating geological wonders.
This article was first published on our Spanish Edition on December 13, 2024: Las Pirámides de Euseigne: un fenómeno geológico único en los Alpes Suizos
SOURCES
Cantón de Valais, The Earth Pyramids of Euseigne
Schweizerseiten, Euseigne die Erdpyramiden von Euseigne
Schweiz Tourismus, Die Erdpyramiden von Euseigne
Val D’Hérens, Die Pyramiden von Euseigne
Wikipedia, Erdpyramiden von Euseigne
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