The forest of Pfyn-Finges nature reserve is the centrepiece of the regional nature park Pfyn-Finges. The forest of Pfyn-Finges has been officially protected since 1997, after it had already been included in the KLN inventory in 1963 (Inventory of the landscapes and natural monuments of national importance to be preserved).

Rightly so, because the Forest of Pfyn-Finges is not only one of the largest coherent pine forests in the Alps. It is also home to the most important water meadow reserves of Switzerland and is an amphibian spawning area of national importance. With its unique and multifaceted flora and fauna, it is THE biodiversity hot spot of the Pfyn-Finges Regional Nature Park.

Be Respectfull

The Pfyn-Finges Regional nature park boasts numerous protected areas of national importance. The most well-known is the forest of Pfyn-Finges with the wild river Rhone between Leuk and Sierre. Please take note of the information signs and markings. In addition, in this region we ask that you:

• remain on the marked trials
• do not bathe in the ponds
• enjoy the plants, flowers and bushes but do not pick them
• keep dogs on a lead
• take your rubbish with you
• fires are strictly forbidden in the forest of Pfyn/Finges!

Thank you for helping to preserve this unique area

No other nature park is home to such a wide range of bird species in such a small space as the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park. The king of the air did not have to be domesticated by humans in the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park. He found out on his own that it is best here!

In spring, the European bee-eater moves into the Leukerfeld quarter and attracts numerous visitors. Here you will learn which other colourful birds can be seen in the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park.

Wine-growing also plays a very important role in the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park. Over 80 wineries invite you to linger and taste the regional products. Most of these are in the wine village of Salgesch and the wine island of Varen.

The best wines from the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park carry the Swiss Parks label. Our partner companies look forward to your visit!

Wild & dynamic

The imposing Illgraben is unique in its dynamism. This phenomenal mudslide could never be tamed and has formed the Pfyn-Finges Nature Reserve with its water meadows and pond landscapes. It is considered to be the most active mudslide in Europe. It leads into the Rhone, which in this area is still allowed to be free-flowing.

Pure nature

The landscape between Leuk and Sierre was witness to historic natural forces. A prehistoric rock avalanche on the right shore of the Rhone formed an almost bare slab with steppe-like vegetation. The avalanche mass created the origin of the hills in the Forest of Pfyn-Finges. Ultimately the Illgraben mudslides formed the cone of Susten.

The different locations and the special topography, the lean earth and the moist ground explain the variety of plants with different origins in the grass landscapes, ponds and moors, pine forests and water-meadow woods. Stags, deer, lynx, beaver, golden eagles, hoopoe and crag-martins can be seen in within the park perimeter with a bit of luck.