All hikes in Valais

The mule track over the Simplon, developed over 300 years ago by Kaspar Stockalper, has long handed over its economic importance to new roads. However, a few years ago it was reborn as a cultural hiking trail.

Descent on the south side of the Simplonpass through fascinating Alpine cultural and natural landscape with alp settlements and hamlets to Simplon village. Almost always along the Stockalperweg trail. Museum on the history of the pass in Simplon village.

Just after Saint-Maurice you reach Vérolliez, where a tiny chapel commemorates the martyrdom of St Mauritius and his companions. On the path into the Rhonetal, you meet the famous Pissevache waterfall and the 200-metre-deep Trient gorge.

Wonderful high-level hike above the Rhone Valley through Valais villages, on down into Vallon de Réchy. From the head of the Grand Bisse de Vercorin alongside the open suone (irrigation channels) to Réfuge du Bisse. Lovely old centre at the church in Vercorin.

The skilfully laid «bisses» irrigation channels are evidence of Valais history and culture. Fabulous flora along the way, the babbling water so soothing. The «Chemin des Bisses», a hike for all senses, follows the holy waters.

Crossing of the wild Gondoschlucht (gorge) on three generations of roadways with historic buildings from four centuries and breathtaking natural landscape. History of the Simplon in the old army barracks and Stockalperturm in Gondo.

Between Saillon and Martigny you’re in the land of Gamay wine and fascinating contrasts: at your feet the completely cultivated Rhonetal valley, in the distance the glistening snow fields of Mont Blanc. Fully is the capital of the Petite Arvine grape.

Steep limestone walls tower imposingly above the scree at Chamoson. Vines grow on the scree, almost baking in the sun. Vétroz is the birthplace of the rare grape variety Amigne. Enchanting vineyard terraces with ancient Suonen (irrigation channels) encircle Sion.

Alongside the Bisse de Vex to Mayens de Sion. Mighty concrete church in Hérémence, the fairytale world of the earth pyramids in Euseigne is an invitation to daydream. Ascent to St. Martin, which clings to the side of the Val d’Hérens like an eagle’s nest.

The around 500-year-old suone (irrigation channel) «Bisse des Sarrasin» and its 17 information panels are of great historical and technical interest. The route then leads via the «Grand Bisse de St-Jean» suone to the typical Valais village of Grimentz.

Beautiful picnick area at Taillay near the Bisse de Saxon with waterwheel and warning hammer. Lovingly restored part of the Bisse. En route to Nendaz, the silence of the forest is equally as striking as the splendid views to the Rhone Valley.

From Col des Planches over meadows to Col du Lein, a wonderful spot to stop with barbecue places. Then into the forest at Boveresse and on romantic paths alongside the Bisse de Saxon (irrigation channels), at first dry, later running with water, to Tsoumaz.

Beneath the gaze of the Valais Alps, this hike winds its way from Sierre to St-Léonard through the region’s vineyards. The sun-kissed Valais offers many interesting vistas and experiences.

A pleasant, level path through the Lower Valais Valley passes through the wine-growing village of Ardon, continuing to Sion. The route often leads along the banks of the Rhone river as you take a relaxing rural excursion with views of the Valais Alps.

Panoramic hike on high-level BLS railway Südrampe (south ramp). Popular classic hike beside the Lötschberg Railway tracks to imposing Bietschtal bridge. Lovely path beside historic water channels (suonen) to hanging bridge; superb views at Brägji and Riedgarten.

Discover the fabulous odyssey of salt and its tremendous challenges on a didactic walk between Ollon and Bex, where you will encounter kings and smugglers, minors and mercenaries, dwarves and witches! Re-experience Switzerland's «white gold rush» which took place on this route five centuries ago.

An age-old trail leads to the quaint village of Albinen in a superb location above the Dalaschlucht (gorge); along the way, the ancient hamlets of Brentschen, Engersch and Jeizinen also sit on the sunny slope, linked by peaceful hiking paths.

A quarter of the Pinot noir produced in the Valais comes from the Leuk, Varen and Salgesch region. Pure paradise for nature lovers with always something new and surprising to discover. Fantastic views from the hill-top church at Varen.

This stage marks the end of the climb to the Grossen Sankt Bernhard-Pass. From Martigny a sometimes steep path leads over the narrow Les Trappistes pass to the medieval village of Sembrancher. From here the route follows the Napoleon-Weg.

Nendaz is a paradise for suone (irrigation channel) hikers, with eight suonen (or bisse) it is the largest network still in use. Enjoyable tour from Planchouet to Veysonnaz, through flowery meadows alongside the open channel of the restored Grand Bisse de Vex.

A spectacular climb high above the Saltinaschlucht (gorge) and through the lonely Taverntal valley to the Simplonpass. Impressive historic trail and buildings such as Stockalper Castle in Brig and the Hospiz (hospice) at the head of the pass.