Grand Tour Photo Spots in Valais

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.

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.

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’.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Combe d’Enfer is one of the steepest vineyards in the world, with a 200m height differential. Its grapevines are grown in the terraces, with each level supported by a dry-stone wall. Grape harvests are done on foot, since the site can only be accessed via a footpath. The Combe d’Enfer (meaning “Valley of Hell”) takes its name from its amphitheatre shape and the intense heat there. It’s the hottest vineyard in the region.

The majestic Weisshorn rises ahead: at 4,505 meters, it is among the highest Alpine peaks. It blushes pink in the morning, stands clear and strong at midday, and fades in the golden evening light.   Next to the Weisshorn, other giants in the group stretch up to the sky, from Pointe Burnaby and the Bishorn to the Brunegghorn. A true parade of three- and four-thousand-meter peaks.   Here at 2,100 meters, there’s only nature, the view, and you. Welcome to Hannigalp, Grächen’s most beautiful viewpoint.

As high as it gets: with its 2,429 m a.s.l. (7,969 ft), Furka Pass connects the cantons of Uri and Valais, making it the highest alpine pass on the ‘Grand Tour of Switzerland’. The European watershed between the Mediterranean and North Sea also runs along here. In summer, a ride in the lovingly restored cars of the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway or a walk to the famous Rhone glacier make for a special visit. As the name implies, the river Rhone – also known as ‘Rotten’ in Wallis – originates from here.

With glorious views of the Matterhorn, a trip to Sunnegga-Rothorn is sure to be an unforgettable experience for young and old alike. It’s part of the Matterhorn ski paradise in winter, turning into a hiking paradise and land of adventure in summer: Whizz down on mountain carts and kick bikes or embark on the five-lake trail and discover the idyllic Lake Stelli, famous for its impressive reflection of the Matterhorn.

This is a symbolic place in the city of Sion, located below the Bisse du Montorge and above the Gravelone district. Built in 1885, the Bisse de Montorge collects water from the Lac de Montorge and supplies the southern flank of the slope, including the famous Mont d'Or area. The photo spot is located in an environment with a gentle blend of iconic panorama, quiet residential area and vineyard terraces.