The Blue Lake of Arolla

Some places have to be earned. The Blue Lake of Arolla is one of them: a small alpine lake at 2,090 metres whose water turns, depending on the light, a deep turquoise. Cradled in an amphitheatre of larches at the foot of Mont-Collon, it is among the most photographed sights in the Val d’Hérens — and, a short walk from the Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus, it remains one of our favourite outings.

Three ways up

Several routes lead to the lake from the hotel; choose according to how far you fancy walking and the time you have. All of them cross the same forest of century-old larches and Swiss stone pines that gives Arolla its character.

• Via the Pra-Gra trail: about 1 hr 30 of steady climbing from Arolla, through the pastures.
• As a loop via the hamlets of Satarna: a roughly 3-hour, more contemplative variant linking the high-altitude chalets.
• From the La Gouille car park: the shortest way, about 40 minutes, ideal for families or a late afternoon.

The climb from La Gouille is suitable for occasional walkers and children; the Pra-Gra and Satarna variants call for half a day and a little hiking experience.

The best season

The lake can be reached from summer into autumn. But it is from mid-October that it offers its most striking scene: the larches turn gold, the first snow dusts the summits, and the contrast between the blue water, the copper forests and the white peaks becomes almost unreal. Crowds thin out after summer and the lake regains its stillness — our favourite window.

Along the way

Two simple stops punctuate the walk. At La Gouille, the Pension du Lac Bleu — Jo and Margot’s place — serves beer and snacks where the trail begins. A little before the lake, the Chez Léon kiosk offers homemade tarts and drinks: a welcome pause before the final switchbacks.

The Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus makes an ideal base for the lake: set off on foot from the garden and return for tea in the lounge or dinner at L’Honorine — a day of gentle walking, as the first holiday-makers once loved it.