Turtmanntal
Origin of the name Turtmanntal
The Turtmanntal, the « Turtmann valley », opens onto the Rhône plain at Turtmann. The 1545 map of Valais names « Turthman » but leaves the stream unnamed. The first places in the valley, Tschavil, Gruben, Meiden, Plumatt and Grossenthum, appear on a map of 1768.[1][3]
Founding of Turtmanntal
The Turtmanntal is first of all a land of alpine pastures. Turtmann, at the mouth of the valley, practised alpine farming there until well into the 20th century. The valley path, leading from the plain to the double settlement of Gruben and Meiden, was also a trade route for the dizain of Leuk and partly for that of Raron. From the head of the valley the Meidpass, the Forcletta (Furggilti) and the Augstbordpass led into the neighbouring valleys. These passes mattered for trade until the Little Ice Age. Today they serve tourism. The valley is shared between the municipalities of Oberems and Turtmann-Unterems.[1][2][3]
History of Turtmanntal
before 1500. The alpine meadows are divided into private pastures.[1]
16th century. Alp co-ownership groups (Alp-Geteilschaften) are formed.[1]
1612. Start of a long boundary dispute: Oberems, although it holds no alp rights in the valley, contests Turtmann's sovereignty over the Turtmanntal.[1]
1843-1891. Between Zer Tänt and Pletschu the path is moved to the left side of the valley.[1]
1868. The Valais government issues an interim decision in favour of Ems. Afterwards the users' upkeep of the path declines.[1]
1920. A funicular is built for the power station.[1]
1957. A road is laid out in the valley step below the Turtmann glacier.[1]
1964. The road from Turtmann via Gruben and Meiden to the Sänntum below the reservoir is opened to private traffic.[1]
1966. The power station road from Pletschu to Gruben and Meiden is completed. It covers the old valley path.[1]
around 1970. The 17 independent alp cooperatives are merged into a single one as part of a land improvement scheme.[1]
2002. The Valais cantonal government settles the old dispute and divides the contested territory equally between Oberems and Turtmann.[2]
Historic sites in Turtmanntal
Gruben and Meiden. Double settlement at the end of the road, made up of the spring pasture settlements of the Gruben alp, on the right bank, and the Meiden alp, on the left bank. A Holy Family chapel stands on the boundary between the two alps.[1]
Toibuwald chapel. Built around 1770 after a vow by Josef Kalbermatten, who had been stopped at a narrow passage. It later became a place of pilgrimage for the sick. Its votive offerings disappeared around 1950.[1]
Tschafil chapel. Chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua.[1]
Follutschugge chapel. Chapel of 1925, donated by the cantonal archivist Leo Meyer.[1]
Passes at the head of the valley. The Meidpass (2'790 m), the Forcletta or Furggilti (2'874 m), the Col de Tracuit and the Augstbordpass (2'894 m) lead from Meiden into the neighbouring valleys.[1]
Sources
- Inventaire des voies de communication historiques de la Suisse (IVS), objet VS 302 « Turtmann - Gruben/Meiden; Turtmanntal » (Office fédéral des routes, état 2001)
- Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, « Oberems » (Bernard Truffer, version du 20.01.2009, version allemande)
- Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz, « Turtmann » (Alois Grichting, version du 05.01.2017, version allemande)
- geo.admin.ch, recherche de lieux (coordonnées)
Other villages near Turtmanntal
Missing information, or do you have a source? Suggest a correction or addition. Every submission is checked before it's published.
Suggest a change