You are here: Home Tips Tips in Valais

Excursion tips in Valais

There is so much to see in the Rhone Valley. From our vacation homes, the tips can be reached by car in a maximum of 2 hours.

  1. Alpine sightseeing flight: If you spend your vacation with us, you should definitely book a sightseeing flight. The view of the imposing mountain world and fascinating mountain landscape is an unforgettable experience. Air Zermatt is the right address for a helicopter flight.
  2. Aquaparc: A visit to the Aquaparc in Le Bouveret on Lake Geneva is not only worthwhile in bad weather. The largest water park in Switzerland is open all year round and offers fun, excitement and a touch of Caribbean ambience for the whole family. www.aquaparc.ch
  3. Brigerbad: The largest open-air thermal spa in the Alps is just a few minutes' drive from Brig. For water rats and thermal bath enthusiasts, there is an Olympic pool, a river and grotto pool and a 182-metre-long water slide. www.brigerbad.ch
  4. Bungy jumping: For adrenaline fans and other daredevils, we recommend the adventure park in Niouc, in the Val d'Anniviers. A 190-metre free fall and many other challenges await you. www.bungy.ch
  5. Botanical garden: Would you like to know what plant species there are in Valais? And which of them are protected? There is a botanical garden in Orsières, not far from Martigny. Over 3000 plant species have been successfully cultivated here in recent years. Several thousand square meters can be explored from May to October. www.fondationaubert.ch
  6. Bach flowers: The central thesis of Bach flower therapy is that every physical illness results from a mental imbalance. 38 flower essences are said to help restore this balance. Between Ausserberg and Eggerberg along the Lötschberg south ramp, you will find Switzerland's first Bach flower nature trail in a natural setting. www.sonnige-halden.ch
  7. Salt mine: The village of Bex in the Lower Valais is home to the only salt mine in Switzerland that can be visited during the day. The 40-kilometre-long tunnel shows the importance it had for the population from the 16th century onwards. Guided tours take place daily from June to November. A large underground restaurant with a banquet hall can also be reserved for groups. www.mines.ch
  8. Domodossola: The small Italian town can be reached by train from Brig in 30 minutes. A different world awaits the visitor. There is a large market here every Saturday of the year. With specialties and everything a huckster's soul could desire. Our tip: take the yellow Postbus over the Simplon Pass to Domodossola and enjoy the best pizza and pasta in one of the Italian taverns before heading home.
  9. Bahncard experience: This rail card gives you free travel on 482 kilometers of rail and PostBus lines in the Valais vacation region on days of your choice. Plus a 50 percent discount on many cable cars and offers. You can reserve your Passepartout for Valais by calling 027 927 77 77 or visiting www.mgbahn.ch
  10. Fasnacht (carnival): Because the Catholic faith dictates that people should abstain for 40 days during Lent until the Easter lamb, carnival is also celebrated here in Valais the weeks before with drums and trumpets - a folk festival in February with masked activities and schnitzel evenings, Guggenmusik and colorful children's parades through the decorated streets. This is also part of Valais tradition.
  11. Fondue: A real Valais cheese fondue consists of a mixture of melted cheese and white wine as well as garlic and a "shot" of kirsch to taste. So much for the theory; see for yourself. Especially in the cold winter months, you should not miss out on this specialty.
  12. Fishing: The crystal-clear mountain streams and the Rhone are a paradise for amateur fishermen. If you want to catch a brown trout, you need a fishing license. This is available at the police station. Our tip: If you still haven't caught your prey in the evening, you can have a fresh fish served in many Valais restaurants.
  13. Guards Museum: In the old military fortress above Naters, visitors can tour the "Zentrum Garde" museum. And immerse yourself in 500 years of history of the Swiss Guards, who still provide security in the service of the Pope in Rome today. Further information at www.zentrumgarde.ch.
  14. Glacier Express: Accompany the famous Glacier Express on a fascinating journey through Europe's railroad history. Over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels in 7½ hours. Past quaint mountain villages, icy glaciers and idyllic valleys. The journey from St. Moritz/Davos to Zermatt in the glass-roofed panoramic coach is an unforgettable experience. And if you get hungry from all the amazement, you can enjoy a delicious meal. www.glacierexpress.ch
  15. Fondation Gianadda: The Fondation Gianadda is located in Martigny. The museum is known beyond the country's borders and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to its exhibition halls every year. Fancy Picasso, Monet or Van Gogh? Chagall, Rodin or Kandinsky? The current program at www.gianadda.ch
  16. Gornergrat: Every year, thousands of holidaymakers take the cogwheel railroad from Zermatt up to the Gornergrat, 3000 meters above sea level. From the viewing platform, not only do the Matterhorn and 19 other four-thousand-metre peaks smile at you, you also seem to be a little closer to heaven. The two towers of the mountain hotel are home to a research institute with two large telescopes used to measure solar neutrons. www.gornergrat.ch
  17. Grande Dixcence: The gigantic dam in the Val d' Hérémence supplies around 2 billion kWh of electricity per year and contributes to the energy supply in 18 Swiss cantons. The film "Time of the Titans" by Edgar Hagen tells the story of the 25,000 workers, miners, engineers and surveyors who built the dam wall and the kilometer-long labyrinth of tunnels connecting 35 glaciers. A visit inside the dam is possible during the summer months. Information and registration at www.grande-dixence.ch
  18. Grengijer Tulip: the Tulipa Grengiolensis blooms worldwide only in the Upper Valais village. Around 3000-5000 wild tulips bloom in yellow, yellow-red or red from around mid-May. www.grengiols.ch
  19. Grüezi: The Ausserschweizer say "Grüezi" as a greeting. In Valais they say "Tagwol" or "Güete Nabe(nd)". People from outside Switzerland (i.e. non-Swiss from Switzerland) are therefore also called "Grüezini" by the Valaisans.
  20. Happyland: Switzerland's largest amusement park is located in Granges - between Sierre and Sion - and offers everything you need for an exciting day out. The park with its roller coaster, rafting descent and slides is open from April to the end of October. Information at www.happyland.ch
  21. Heliskiing: Over 8,000 passengers a year are whisked away by Air Zermatt on a helicopter flight in the Valais Alps. The company has been operating successfully and safely for 40 years. As a highly concentrated rescuer in mountain accidents, for tourist flights and as a transportation company. Heliskiing adventures can also be booked.
  22. Hunting: Hunting chamois, deer and ibex is not a privilege of the rich in Valais. Instead of hunting grounds, the canton has patent hunting. This patent is also available to hunters not resident in the canton - albeit at an additional cost - once they have successfully passed the hunting test. Enjoying game specialties is less expensive. Restaurants offer the best creations during the hunting season in September.
  23. Cow fights: Valais is the land where Hérens cows (see also Hérens cow) are queens. Passion and fire are kindled among animals and spectators during the fights. The queen of queens is crowned in the final in Aproz. From spring onwards, fights take place in St-Maurice, Aproz, Raron, Les Haudères, Leukerbad and Martigny. Info at www.valais.ch
  24. Agriculture: Many people in Valais still live directly or indirectly from agriculture. They receive subsidies so that the meadows and forests can be cared for. In Termen above Brig, you can hike along a themed trail. The approximately one-hour hiking trail tells the history and development of mountain farming in our region at 33 signposted stations.
  25. Massa Gorge: The Massa Gorge is Switzerland's Grand Canyon. It was created by the waters of the Aletsch Glacier, which have carved their way into the granite over the centuries. Crossing the gorge with local mountain guides is a very special experience. The Alpin Center Belalp is the right address. www.alpincenterbelalp.ch
  26. Chapel trails: The majority of the inhabitants of Valais were and are Catholic. As well as impressive village churches, there are also many chapel trails, each with 14 stations. The most beautiful paths with large baroque statues can be found in Visperterminen and Saas-Fee.
  27. Matterhorn: The Matterhorn is the most photographed mountain in the world. Every year, thousands of holidaymakers make the pilgrimage to Zermatt to snap a few souvenir photos. The more daring among them climb the 4448-metre-high mountain with a guide. Ulrich Inderbinden, probably the most famous of all Zermatt mountain guides, conquered the "Horu" for the 371st time on his 90th birthday - twelve years before his death. www.zermatt.ch
  28. Museums: There are smaller and larger museums for culture and history enthusiasts in almost every village in Valais. Information on the website www.wallisermuseen.ch
  29. Open air: Open Air Gampel is one of the largest and most popular festivals in Switzerland. Just like the Caprices Festival in Crans-Montana. For fans of live music and open-air parties, we also recommend the Open Air Lax and Simplon Dorf. www.openairgampel.ch www.capricefestival.ch www.openairlax.ch www.openairsimplon.ch
  30. Pfynwald: One of the largest largely intact pine forests in Central Europe, the Pfynwald, stretches between Leuk and Sierre. Robbers once made the area unsafe. Later, fluorine emissions from industry destroyed many pines. Today, environmentalists care for and nurture the nature park with its moors, untamed Rhone and dry hills. Excursions are organized throughout the year. Information at www.pfyn-finges.ch
  31. Pyramids: On the way to the Grande-Dixence dam (see Grande-Dixence), visitors pass the pyramids of Euseigne. A unique natural spectacle. The pressure of the glaciers petrified the moraines 10,000 years ago, and lengthy geological processes have led to their present form. The pyramids are in the process of natural decay and will collapse sooner or later. Information at www.thyon.ch
  32. Postbus: The yellow Postbuses take our guests to the most remote hiking and adventure spots in Valais. Whether a journey in the footsteps of the great Stockalp over the Simplon Pass to the Italian town of Domodossola or a trip through the Saas Valley to the pearl of the Alps, Saas-Fee. "Postbus Valais" has many attractive offers. Information at www.postauto.ch
  33. Saffron: The red gold is still considered a precious spice. The sunny village of Mund - above Brig - is the northernmost place in the world where saffron is successfully cultivated. The production yields just three kilos from a cultivation area of 17,000 square meters. At a price per kilo of an incredible 14,000 francs. Anyone traveling to Mund should definitely hike the exciting saffron nature trail or visit the saffron museum. All important information at www.mund.ch
  34. Black noses: Without false modesty: our domestic sheep - the Upper Valais black-nosed sheep - is one of the most beautiful of its kind. Characteristic are the black parts of the nose, eyes, ears, front knees, hocks and feet. The proud breeders look after their animals with great passion and choose the most beautiful of the beautiful from hundreds of animals at the ram market on the 2nd Saturday in March. Information at www.sn-verband.ch
  35. Summer skiing: If you always want to do everything at the wrong time, you can ski on the glacier in Saas-Fee, Zermatt, Crans Montana and Verbier during the summer months. Or try snowboarding in the halfpipe. During this time, many international professional athletes are also training for the coming season. Why not take to the slopes in a bikini and swimming trunks?
  36. Sion/Sitten: Valais is bilingual. The capital for the French-speaking Valaisans is called Sion, while the Upper Valaisans - who speak German - call it Sitten. The government, a bishop and even a cardinal reside here. The beautiful old town is well worth a visit. The walk to the two castles of Valeria and Tourbillon is also worthwhile. www.sion.ch www.siontourisme.ch
  37. Stockalper Castle: Kaspar von Stockalper was the Fugger of the Alps and the most ingenious early capitalist far and wide. He bought and sold everything that promised any kind of profit. The Stockalper Palace in Brig bears witness to his wealth. It is the largest private building of the 17th century in Switzerland. A visit to the palace and a tour of the newly designed garden is highly recommended.
  38. Tschäggättä: During carnival, the young men from the Lötschental dress up in sheep and goat skins, wear dangerous-looking wooden masks and rumble all night long. The wooden masks are still made here and are an important cultural heritage of the Lötschental. Those interested can find out all about the history at www.masken.ch.
  39. Bisses: Valais, the land and its people suffered from drought for a long time. The clever farmers used bisses and wooden churns to channel the icy water from the side streams onto their mats. The most famous bisses along which hikers can walk are those from Ausserberg and Eggerberg in the Baltschiedertal, from Birgisch into the Gredetschtal and from Ergisch into the Turtmanntal. Information at www.suone.ch
  40. Underground lake: The largest underground lake in the Alps is located in St. Léonard. The village lies on the right bank of the Rhone between Sion and Sierre. A half-hour round trip on the lake can be booked between March and October. www.lac-souterrain.ch
  41. Wine: Anyone driving from the west towards Valais will see our vineyards from afar. The Mediterranean climate with above-average sunshine is one of the main reasons for our excellent vintages. Whether Pinot Noir, Petit Arvine, Fendant, Humagne, Syrah or Heida from Visperterminen, the highest vineyard in Europe. A guided tour in Salgesch or in the Heid village is highly recommended. Ask at the respective tourist office about wine tours with tastings. Further details can be found at www.weinwanderungen.ch
  42. Wellness: In our hectic times, rest and relaxation are becoming increasingly important. Those moments of happiness when time seems to stand still and the soul can recharge its batteries. Our guests can also find this peace and quiet in many wellness oases. One good place is the Sportcenter Olympica in Gamsen. And of course the hot springs in Leukerbad and Brigerbad.
  43. Dried meat: The most important ingredient on every Valais plate is local dried meat. Our butchers salt selected cuts of beef according to their own recipes and dry them for three to four months in well-air-conditioned rooms.
  44. Rye bread: An old saying goes: "Hard bread is hard, no bread is harder". Hard rye bread used to be the staple food of the Valais population. The special thing about its production is the use of sourdough so that a crust can form during the baking process. Most of the villages in Valais had communal bakehouses. Some of them have been preserved. A tour can be booked in Erschmatt and in Blatten ob Naters.
  45. Ornithology: Birds and birdwatchers alike feel at home in Valais. The Pfynwald in particular (see Pfynwald) is a paradise for research purposes. Very rare animals such as the hoopoe or the rock thrush can also be seen. Guided observations take place from January to June. Registration and further information at www.pfyn-finges.ch
  46. Raclette: Cheese melted over an open fire is one of the few specialties unique to Valais. This is why the name "Raclette" was sought to be protected as a designation of origin and lost before the Federal Court in 2007. However, you shouldn't end your vacation with us without tasting a "Raclette du Valais AOC".
  47. Toboggan runs: New studies prove it: Only half of all winter visitors still ski or snowboard. Many simply enjoy the winter wonderland and recharge their batteries for everyday life on hikes. Equally popular are speedy toboggan rides through snow-covered winter landscapes. It's best to ask at the respective tourist office about the toboggan runs in the area.
  48. Labyrinth: In the adventure park in Evionnaz - between St. Maurice and Martigny - young and old search for exits and treasure chests. More than 18,000 thuja bushes create a fantastic labyrinth. The park is open from mid-March to mid-November. www.labyrinthe.ch
  49. Bernardine dogs: Barry is said to have saved the lives of over 40 people on the Great St. Bernard Pass. The pass - often buried by avalanches in winter - used to be the most important border crossing between Italy and France. A museum in Martigny has been dedicated to the many St. Bernard dogs that have rescued countless people from avalanches over the centuries. www.museesaintbernard.ch