The 12 things to do in Valais

It is time to convert to hiking with these 12 essential things to do in Valais!

Discover the must-see places to visit in Valais. Valais is the canton of glaciers that fly at 4,000m altitude. But it is also that of the sun-baked vineyards whose wines delight the palaces. Nothing surprising therefore that it is the main tourist destination of Switzerland .

Add to this stations that offer a host of activities, more landscapes instagrammables some other and villages populated with old chalets, you get something that looks like the ideal destination.

As a bonus, you can even leave with the degree of "master scraper". Because no, the Valais raclette has nothing to do with the French raclette, it seems.

Here are some ideas to create a perfect holiday with these 12 essentials to visit in Valais.

1. Aletsch glacier

It is the largest river of ice in Europe and without wanting to play the pessimists, it is now necessary to visit it in Valais. 23 kilometers long with a maximum depth of 900 meters, you can only feel ridiculously small face this wonder.

Fortunately for visitors, there is no need to be a seasoned mountaineer to admire it. Several views are easily accessible by cable car. Eggishorn has the most impressive panorama as it allows you to observe the glacier in its entire length. Located at 2,869 meters above sea level, it also allows to admire other summits including the Matterhorn.

The other views are Bettmerhorn, Moosfluh and Hohfluh. Trails allow you to join them if you want to enjoy the opportunity to hike in an unforgettable setting.

Obviously, if you’ve just explored the glacier, you’ll have to be accompanied by a guide. You can also visit the Pro Natura centre for biodiversity exhibitions around Aletsch.

2. Zermatt

The Zermatt station owes its fame to the most famous mountain to visit in Valais, the Matterhorn. It must be said that its form of triangle, some say tooth, which rises to the sky is original. From Zermatt, many cable lines on the nearby summits allow you to admire the panorama.

The Matterhorn is worth hosting a large number of mountaineers and outdoor sports enthusiasts in summer and winter. In addition to winter sports, hiking and mountain biking, you can go on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise alias the highest summer ski resort.

Moreover, the city itself is conducive to rides, especially since it is closed to cars. The old village is very interesting because it retains its old chalets and barns typical of Valais built. There is the architectural heritage of the Walser, a people of peasants who lived in high-montagne.

If you're interested, don't miss the Cervin Museum. Finish your days in beauty by watching sunsets on snowy peaks.

3. Saas-Fee

This village in the Saas Valley is located 1,800 metres above sea level and is literally surrounded by glaciers. This exceptional environment is a wonderful open-air amusement park. In winter, the region attracts many skiers but you can also opt for the sled with a trail of 11 km.

During the beautiful days, Saas Fee does not dampen thanks to 350 km of marked roads and 13 peaks of more than 4,000 meters. The crossing of the Alpine Gorge via ferrata will appeal to the extreme athletes. But the two famous attractions of the region are the ice pavilion and the Allalin Drehrestaurant.

The first is a cave built under the glacier at 3,456 meters altitude with light games and ice sculptures. The second is a rotating panoramic restaurant that is the highest in the world with a unique view, of course.

Both are accessible via an underground funicular, the alpine metro, much more pleasant than the one borrowed to go to work.

Also take advantage of your stay to go to the nearby village of Saas-Balen. There are old chalets in a bucolic setting, a baroque church of unique circular shape and the beautiful waterfall of Fellbach.

4. The gates of the sun

With 650 km of slopes, it is neither more nor less than the largest ski area in the world that you can visit in Valais. The Portes du Soleil are on the border of Switzerland and the France , which explains the vastness of the connected domain.

If this situation makes it a popular destination for all outdoor sports regardless of the season, it is also a cultural and thermal destination. Thus the commune of Troistorrents is known for its built heritage with old mills, an old chalet converted into an art gallery or its legendary Devil Bridge.

On the sidewalks, the Pointe de Bellevue offers an exceptional view of the Dents-du-Midi, the Mont-Blanc but also Lake Geneva.

For bucolic landscapes, it is on the plateau of Barme that you have to climb. In particular, you can observe migratory birds in addition to geological beauties. And to delight you, go to the thermal baths of Val d’Illiez.

5. Gianadda Foundation

This artistic foundation to visit in the Valais in Martigny is in reality 4 spaces. The first is a space of temporary exhibitions dedicated to art where presentations of private collections are organized, but also works from major international museums.

The second is a park of sculptures in the gardens of the Foundation. Visitors can admire the contemporary works of 20th century Swiss artists with sculptures by Brancusi, Rodin and Miro for the most famous.

We also find Gallo-Roman vestiges such as the foundations of ancient thermal baths among others. If they are apart, they go with the discovery of the vestiges of a Celtic temple around which the third space was erected, an archaeological museum.

In addition to the temple, there are the discoveries made on the site during archaeological excavations on the commune. Finally, the last space is a museum of the Automobile.

6. Dams

To change, here is an idea of unusual sites to visit in Valais. The canton has on its territory the two largest dams in the country. The Dixence dam that accumulates superlatives, including that of being heavier than the Kheops pyramid and almost as big as Eiffel Tower , is the first.

This giant visits, there is even a sound and light inside. If you want a good dose of strong sensations, you can also walk the concrete wall of the dam thanks to a zipline of 700 meters. Otherwise, for the quietest visitors, there are very beautiful hiking trails.

The Mauvoisin dam is the second largest in Switzerland with a wall of 250m high. He also visits but upon request. But its strength is above all to be built in a natural reserve with magnificent landscapes.

The hike of the lake tower allows you to appreciate all the beauty and biodiversity. There is even a passage of several hundred meters in the entrails of the earth in an old building gallery.

7. Val d’Hérens

If you are looking for authenticity, unspoiled landscapes, traditions and cultural heritage, it is the Val d’Hérens that must be seen in Valais. It is in this valley that you can admire one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, Evolène.

It is famous for maintaining its typical architecture of Valais chalets, barns and barns. In Hérémence, a museum retraces the peasant life in Valais and presents a number of local traditions. A path in the village also allows to admire the mountain buildings.

There is also nature side with about 500 km of trails. Do not pass next to the pyramids of Euseigne that remind of fairy chimneys.

To see one of the most beautiful colors in the world, go up to the blue lake of Arolla. You can’t forget his turquoise.

At the Mandelon pasture, the landscapes are bucolic and you will become acquainted with the famous Hérens cow, its black dress and its bellicose character.

8. Bits

The bisses are irrigation channels whose construction dates back to ancient times since the first mentions date back to the 12th century. They bring water from the streams to the cultures. They are unique to the canton, so it is a peculiarity that you can only see in Valais.

Paths allow you to follow these bisses and to discover at the same time part of Valais history and picturesque landscapes. Some paths are even dizzy. This is the case of the Bisse de Torrent-Neuf that you follow through suspended bridges.

It dates from the 15th century and was a technical prowes at the time. The Grand Bisse de Lens also has a few air passages with stunning views of the Rhone valley.

There are dozens in all so you will necessarily find a hike that suits your feet.

9. Sion

It is the capital of Valais and it even seems that the city is the most sunny in Switzerland. It is recognizable among all thanks to its two rocky promontories on which the fortresses of Valère and Tourbillon sit. In the beautiful days, visitors take advantage of the old medieval town to stroll through the streets but also enjoy the many terraces and shops.

Obviously, you must not miss climbing towards the two castles. The best preserved is that of Valère whose fortifications always encircle the village of the Middle Ages. The Basilica is worth a look, the oldest organ still playable in the world.

You can also visit the Valais History Museum. The castle of Tourbillon, which served as a residence to the bishop, is in ruin but a charming chapel is still visible.

In addition to its heritage, Sion offers a lot of other activities. The city houses several museums but also art galleries oriented to the contemporary scene. It is also the starting point for many outdoor activities around.

10. The vineyards

Visiting Valais must be through the discovery of the wines of the canton, true national treasures. The Valais vineyards represent 1/3 of the country’s production and spread over 100 kilometres. The vineyards are located on the slopes along the Rhone.

As a result, crops are for many in terraces with traditional stone walls that stabilize soils. With 24 red vines and 31 whites and more than 370 producers, you will find no problem what to do with beautiful tastings, especially with the Valais Wine Pass.

Discovering the vineyards, it is also taking one of the many marked paths that pass through them, the landscapes are enchanting. One of the most recommended is the didactic hike of the Visperterminen which is the highest vineyard in Europe.

Go for a tour also in the cellars of Val d’Anniviers where the wine of Glacier is tasted, the oldest wine in the region.

11. Verbier

With its emblematic view of Mont Blanc, Verbier attracts visitors regardless of the season. Alpine skiers love the 400 km of slopes and the famous Mont-Fort black track at 3,330 m altitude. Ski hikers also visit the resort because it is a stage of the "High-Route" that runs to Chamonix in Zermatt.

Otherwise, there's also the 10 km sledge track. From the beautiful days, Verbier becomes one of the many paradises of the hike, the sky is paragliding and the mountain bikers derive the slopes. There are also via ferrata, Tyrolean and so many other activities that will have to be returned.

As a bonus, old Verbier does not lack charm. And don’t forget to taste some local specialties.

12. Crans-Montana

It is Switzerland, a country of mountains, so we finish this list of unmissable to visit in the Valais by a station that has city airs. Indeed, Crans-Montana can steal those who come for nature with its many shops, convention center and international golf competitions.

Fortunately, there is also a much quieter facet with 5 mountain lakes, parfais for summer bathing and water sports.

There is also the opportunity to discover the Plaine-Morte glacier and follow the many bisses with their picturesque landscapes.

In summary, we must not stop at the concrete and mass tourism aspect of Crans-Montana, nature is right next to it.

How to get to Valais?

By car

Small reminder, to ride on the highways in Switzerland, you have to buy a valid thumbnail all year round. To go to Valais, if you arrive from Geneva , follow the direction of the A9 .

You can also go through the Haute-Savoie as Valais is on the other side. You have to reach Martigny via departmentals and then climb to the A9 .

By train

Switzerland is clearly a country that has thought of travel through public transport. Many railway lines connect the major cities of the country including Sion. High speed lines go through Geneva from France.

It is also possible to cross the high-savoyarde border via regional trains. For example, since Chamonix, you have to make changes in Vallorcine and Martigny to reach Sion.

By plane

Sion has an airport that offers a connection with Calvi and Saint-Tropez . For more regular and diversified connections, it is best to opt for the Geneva International Airport.

Think of the comparison sites of flights as Skyscanner to check all available options.

Where to stay in Valais?

It is the most touristy canton in Switzerland, so the offer of accommodation is plethora, in the whole canton. Apart from classic offers such as hotels, holiday homes, campsites and hostels, you can opt for agritourism or mountain huts.

Many furnished apartments are also available. To get an overview of the offer, you can go to a site Compare hotels .