Copper mine and guided tours

A living witness to the mining industry in the Val d’Anniviers, the La Lée Copper Mine is currently the only one in Switzerland that is open to the public. Frequent guided tours are organised between mid-June and September .

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.

- Duration of visit : 45 minutes
- Max. 15 people per visit
- Wear mountain shoes , warm clothing and battery lamp
- Group tours available on request.

Visits in French
11:00
13:00
15:30

Visits in English
12:00
14:30

Access: 1 hour 30 minutes walk from Zinal

For group bookings (>6pers.), please contact Anniviers Tourisme by e-mail (info@anniviers.ch). We reserve the right to cancel your bookings in the event of non-compliance.