Experiences along the Grand Tour in Valais

As you explore the alleys of the Old Town, you can really feel the many centuries of history that have given Sion its very special charm.

Swim against the Matterhorn in Europe’s highest outdoor pool in the Riffelalp resort 2,222 metres above sea level (hotel guests only).

While in the past it was only courageous crystal hunters who braved the Massa Gorge, it is now accessible to the general public thanks to the building of the Gibidem Dam.

Hikers can admire the Japanese garden perched atop a glacial moraine deep in the Tortin Valley, south of Nendaz.

Kaspar Stockalper (1609–1691), merchant, banker, large-scale entrepreneur, military official and politician, built Stockalper Palace in Brig in the years 1651 to 1671. The impressive castle with its three gilded onion domes was the largest private building constructed in the 17th century in Switzerland and reflects the immensity of Stockalper’s wealth. Today, his fortune would be worth far more than half a billion Swiss Franks. It is to no surprise that Stockalper was called ‘The King of Simplon’.

Discover the highest dam in Europe. Visit the interior of the concrete giant in Valais, hike along the turquoise Lac des Dix and enjoy the view of the Alpine landscape.

Located at the heart of the Val d'Hérens valley, in the village of Hérémence, the “earth pyramids” of Euseigne are a fascinating geological phenomenon. Carved by glacial erosion at the end of the Würm glaciation (the last glacial period in the Alpine region, around 80,000 to 10,000 years ago), these columns of earth topped with rock – nicknamed “fairy chimneys” or “coiffed ladies” – have shaped the landscape of the valley. These slender and mysterious formations are the only ones of their kind in Switzerland, where geology provides insights into the history of time and ice. The pyramids have been designated as a protected natural site or monument of national importance since 1983.

This route is ideal for both families and nature enthusiasts. The new Barefoot Trail was created to enjoy unforgettable walks and unusual sensations.

In Goms, villages are picturesque, churches baroque, and its wooden houses and barns burned to a very dark brown by the sun – as can be seen when looking at the magnificent barn, which was built in 1617. The old farm building is a historical representative of traditional Valais architecture. A typical feature of Valais barns are the stilts with the round stone slabs that form a cavity between the base and the actual silo, making it impossible for mice and vermin to enter.

A major Christian site, the Abbey was founded in 515 in honour of the martyrdom of Saint Maurice and his companions in the Theban Legion. Its present-day Basilica dates back to the 15th century and contains elements dating from between the 11th and 20th centuries. A visit to the basilica, the treasury and its precious collection of gold and silverware, the archaeological excavations, the catacombs and the cloister retraces more than 1,500 years of uninterrupted monastic life.

Drive over the legendary Furka Pass and follow the route from the James Bond movie "Goldfinger". The pass is located between the Uri and Valais Alps. It offers you a unique view of glaciers and majestic four-thousand-metre peaks.

Surrounded by no fewer than 29 peaks above 4,000 meters, such as the majestic Matterhorn and the Dufourspitze as well as the third-longest glacier of the Alps, Gornergrat rewards visitors with unparalleled views.

Hop on the historic steam train and ride along the Furka mountain route between the cantons of Uri and Valais. The 18-kilometer cogwheel route takes you through gorges and past the Rhone Glacier to over 2000 meters.

The moment when the sun kisses the Matterhorn awake is unique. During this exclusive sunrise trip on the Gornergrat Bahn cog rail, guests can marvel at Switzerland’s most famous mountain as they see it in a whole new light. The perfect experience for nature enthusiasts, pleasure-seekers and lovers.

The summit of the Foilleuse is at 1,850m and welcomes visitors in an extraordinary environment. The photo spot offers an impressive view of the majestic Dents du Midi and the surrounding peaks. With a length of three kilometres, the mountain massif of the Dents du Midi is not hard to spot.

Since the summer of 2006, Mund has had another attraction: the Saffron Nature Trail. There are six stations with information panels along the easy walk explaining the saffron culture of Mund.

Historic pass since 1182, first mentioned as the main road between Valais and Bern in the 15th century. A link with a long history and tradition. Well-known and popular with 250,000 visitors per year. Spectacular 360° view in high alpine surroundings. Family-owned for 3 generations. The cable car was built in 1957 and has been renovated time and again. New hotel opened in 1998 and renovated in 2006. A new aerial tramway was opened in 2012, the new restaurant in 2019 and the new mountain station in 2022.

Indulge in some wonderful relaxation and recharge your batteries by spending a fasting week in the Chalet L’échappée belle, located above the sun-soaked village of Morgins. The grandiose landscape and the towering Dents-du-Midi, Alpine meadows and numerous mountain lakes are the perfect backdrop.

In Mase one can discover mother nature in a modern way. The application shows the way and provides exciting information about the forest and the region’s flora and fauna.

Between Sion and Sierre in Valais lies Europe's largest natural underground lake. In a rowboat, you will travel 300 meters through the illuminated cave and learn exciting facts about the geology and history of the lake from your guide.

Visitors can explore a rich geological diversity in the Binntal valley thanks to its exceptionally varied flora. The treasure of this valley is concealed within the mountain – nature has made the Binntal valley one of the regions of the Alps which is richest in mineral deposits.

The Aletsch Arena offers an impressive mountain backdrop in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage site Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, with a view of the longest glacier in the Alps, the Great Aletsch Glacier.

With its impressive rock formations surrounded by thundering waters, the Gorner canyon between Furri (1865m) and Zermatt (1620m) presents a unique display of the beauty and power of nature.

Belvédère means beautiful view – a most fitting name for views from the top of the via ferrata that commences beneath Nax.

The largest herd of Eringer cattle in Upper Valais grazes every summer in the magnificent mountain world of Alpe Rotingen. Traveling there is an idyllic nature experience, and it is also a spectacle when the battling cows determine their hierarchy.

The idea behind the "Senses Trail" is that nature should be felt, touched, tasted, smelled, heard, and seen, and learning about it should be fun.

After an active day on the slopes or in the snow, relax your muscles in the soothing thermal water or steam-filled sauna: what more could you want? This is something that is almost taken for granted at the Leukerbad, the biggest thermal spa and wellness holiday resort in the Alps. The sauna complex in the Valais Alpine resort is particularly recommended.

On this trail, you don't have to be faster than your shadow! You simply stand no chance against the one and only Lucky Luke... Two treasure hunts (French and German) let you discover, while having fun, both the adventures of the hero and the Ovronnaz region.

Above Fluri lies the glacier garden Dossen, a witness of the last ice age. The visitors can see what is hidden underneath the glacier.

With its length of about 20 km (14 mi), the Great Aletsch Glacier is at the centre of Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 10 billions tonnes of ice make the Great Aletsch Glacier the Alps’ largest glacier, which is easily accessible thanks to many hiking trails and glacier tour offers. The 360° panoramic view from the Eggishorn is just as impressive: Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Wannenhorn and Finsteraarhorn – and to the west the Weisshorn, the Mischabel with the Dom as well as Matterhorn in all its glory.

Freerider dreams come true in Zermatt! Carve out tracks in fine powdery snow on 36 kilometres of secured but not prepared pistes. The trails are marked in yellow and can be found on the Rothorn, the Stockhorn and along Lake Schwarzsee.

A short but marvelous fixed-rope trail over the rooftops of Saas-Grund fascinates novices. The highlight: the 40 meter rappel!

This activity is somewhere between rambling and mountaineering, and is suitable for both children and adults.

The chapel of Maria zum Schnee, built in 1697, stands in a very prominent location on a rocky mountain ridge and is the key landmark of Bettmeralp, visible from afar, at about 1,950m above sea level in the Aletsch area.

Europe's highest open-air cog railway has been transporting visitors from Zermatt to the summit of Gornergrat at 3,089 metres above sea level since 1898. Every second of the 9,339 metre-long, 33-minute journey is an incomparable delight. The Photo-Spot is open all year round and included in the ticket price. It offers one of the best views of the Matterhorn and 28 other peaks over 4,000 metres, including the Monte Rosa massif and the highest mountain in Switzerland, the Dufourspitze which stands at 4,634 metres above sea level.

Bathe and dine like the ancient Romans. Embark on a journey back in time to the heyday of the Roman Empire. The Roman-Irish Bath is the backdrop for a sumptuous bathing ritual as once observed in ancient Rome.