The History of the Walser

The Walser – pioneers in the mountains The history of the Saas Valley is closely linked to the Walser – those courageous people who settled in high-altitude valleys in the 13th century and created a unique culture. In search of freedom and new habitats, they ventured to places where hardly anyone else could live. With passion and perseverance, they shaped the landscape, cleared forests, built their typical wooden houses and shaped village life to this day. Anyone walking through the villages in the Saas Valley can still feel their heritage – in the architecture, in old field names and in the special culture of cohesion. As an amateur historian, Eddy Steiner has been studying the fascinating history of the Walser people for many years. In his lecture, he takes you on an exciting journey through time: Why did the Walser people move to the ‘wild heights’ of the side valleys throughout the Alpine region? What traces did they leave behind? And what does their heritage mean for us today? Discover the Saas Valley with new eyes – and be inspired by the history of the Walser people.