Copper mine and guided tours

Zinal Culture & Heritage
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  • minedecuivre-6605140
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Presentation


A true witness of the mining industry in the Val d'Anniviers, the La Lée copper mine is today the only one open to the public in Switzerland.

The Val d’Anniviers has seen more mining exploration than most other valleys in Switzerland. Discovered in 1832 on the La Lée mountain above Zinal, the copper mine had to wait until the end of the century before it was exploited. It was the mineral seam containing copper ore that attracted attention at the time, but the copper content was ultimately deemed to be too low, and all mining activity soon ceased.

Of the twenty or so mines recorded in Anniviers, only the La Lée copper mine is open to the public. At an altitude of 1937 m, 1½ hours’ walk from Zinal, it contains 500 metres of galleries hollowed out by human activity.

Tours in French

  • 11 am
  • 1 pm
  • 3:30 pm

Tours in English | > Booking here

  • 12:00
  • 2:30 pm

Practical information

  • Free admission for holders of an "Anniviers Liberté" pass
  • Tour in French or English
  • Tour's duration : 45 minutes
  • Max. 15 people per tour
  • Mountain shoes, warm clothing and battery lamp are reccomended
  • Group tours available on request.
  • Access: about 1 hour30 minutes walk from Zinal
  • Meeting point at the entrance to the mine (1½ hours’ walk from Zinal). Have a look at the map here
  • Mandatory reservations until 5 pm the day before
  • For group bookings (>6 pers.), please contact Anniviers Tourisme by e-mail (info@anniviers.ch). We have the right to cancel your booking in the event of non-compliance

Contact

  • Office du Tourisme de Zinal
    +41 27 476 17 05 - zinal@anniviers.ch
 
Label(s), Classification
  • Accroche Billetterie :
    • Inclus dans le Pass Anniviers Liberté

Availability

Map

FICHE_INFO_SIMPLE_LIBELLE_DESTINATION
GPS coordinates
Latitude : 46.10644
Longitude : 7.62996