As part of the project d’un champ à l’autre / von Feld zu Feld, which aims to weave connections between various places in Valais through art and co-creation, the association least, the collectif facteur, Luzia Carlen, the team from Landschaftspark Binntal, and Sabrina Gurten (ecologist and biologist) invite you to take part in two days of immersion in the unique ecological context of the Saflisch valley.

In response to the ongoing debates around solar panel installations in the Alps, this event seeks to open a space for dialogue and collective reflection on how we inhabit, protect, and reimagine these transforming alpine territories.

On Saturday, August 9, a round table will take place at the Gasthaus in Heiligkreuz, bringing together members of the local community as well as experts in alpine culture, biodiversity, and energy transition. Together, they will build a shared narrative of the delicate relationships between inhabitants and the precious alpine ecosystem. Among the speakers: botanist Annekäthi Heitz (UNIBAS) and energy engineer Stéphane Genoud (HES-SO Valais-Wallis).

The evening will continue with a convivial raclette dinner made with Grengiols cheese, followed by screenings of films by Alex Agten — a visual journey through Landschaftspark Binntal, where landscape, culture, and poetry intertwine.

On Sunday, August 10, we will bring to life the ideas explored the day before: accompanied by local guides, we will set out on a 12-kilometre walk along the trails of the Saflisch valley, to experience the place with all our senses and reflect through embodied presence. Throughout the day, the collectif facteur will gather a collection of “traces” drawn from impressions and conversations during this immersive walk.

Program and info

Saturday, August 9, 2025 – Heiligkreuz, Binntal (VS)
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Round Table Discussion (Gasthaus Heiligkreuz)

Speakers:
• Annekäthi Heitz, botanist (University of Basel)
• Stéphane Genoud, energy engineer (HES-SO Valais-Wallis)
• Klaus Agten, resident of Grengiols and chalet owner in the Saflisch Valley
• Marcel Heinen, farmer from Grengiols and landholder in the Saflisch Valley
• Almut Schneider, anthropologist specializing in human-environment relationships in Alpine regions (HES-SO Valais-Wallis)

Together, they will explore the transformation of Alpine landscapes, biodiversity, and current challenges facing mountain agriculture and the energy transition.

8:00 PM – Shared Raclette Dinner
Prepared with cheese from Grengiols, in support of local producers.

9:00 PM – Film Screening
A selection of works by filmmaker Alex Agten, offering a poetic and visual journey through the Landschaftspark Binntal.

Sunday, August 10, 2025 – Immersive Hike
9:00 AM – Departure from Gasthaus Heiligkreuz
Guided by Dominique Balmer, a local guide, participants are invited on a 12 km round-trip hike through the Saflisch Valley (approx. ±750 m elevation gain). The walk invites participants to experience the landscape with all their senses and to continue the previous day’s reflections through movement and embodied perception. Throughout the day, the collectif facteur will gather “traces” based on the impressions and conversations that emerge during the hike.

Practical Information
Dates: August 9 & 10, 2025
Location: Heiligkreuz, Binntal, VS
Languages: Discussions will take place in French and German
Registration: Please confirm your attendance for the round table, dinner, and/or hike at this link.
Cost: Pay-what-you-can for activities. Raclette and drinks payable on site.
Accommodation: If you wish to stay overnight in the valley, a list of lodging options is available upon request.