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.

GEOLOGY IN THE FOREST OF PFYN-FINGES

The landscape between Leuk and Sierre is a witness to historical 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.