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.

Three days under the spell of the Valais glacier landscape. Sensational scenic tour with many vantage points onto the two longest glaciers in the Alps. The grey-white of ice and rock contrasting with shades of green in the Aletschwald (forest) provides stunning scenic beauty.

From the Rhône Valley directly into Val de Bagnes, past the Grand Désert Glacier and over Col de Louvie – a challenging trail that requires a high level of fitness.

Peace in the nature reserve around Lac de Derborence, then ascent via Lac de la Forcla to the Col de la Forcla. Descent face to face with the mighty walls of the Grand and Petit Muveran to Ovronnaz and a relaxing time in the thermal spa.

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.

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.

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.

Powerful combination: the Balfrin high-level trail from Saas-Fee to Grächen and the Europaweg trail from Grächen to Zermatt form the «Swiss Tour Monte Rosa». Three-day panoramic hike with stunning views of the icy 4000-m mountains of Saastal and Mattertal.

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.

Spectacular panoramic views of the Valais Alps await the visitor on the Chemin des Ruinettes path above Verbier. Take the aerial gondola to the Croix-des-Ruinettes top station, where this breath-taking tour begins and ends.

Looking down into the abyss from the world record suspension bridge at Randa is a thrilling experience. It connects the long hiking trail from Grächen to Zermatt at giddy altitude. The two-day tour offers views and panoramic vistas of the Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Bernese Alps.

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.

Best views of glacier snout and lower part of Aletsch Glacier from Aletschbor. Over a hanging bridge to Aletschwald (forest) with 100-year-old Swiss stone pines. Villa Cassel looms like an eagle's nest on the Riederfurka ridge, surrounded by the magnificent Valais mountains.

Scenic high-level trail with panoramic views of the Valais Alps and views down into the Rhone Valley. Variety of attractions along the route: thermal spa in Leukerbad, viaducts on the Lötschberg-Südrampe, splashing water channels and the Museum of the Swiss Guard at Naters.

A marvellous high-level trail, a scenic tour from Oberwald to Andermatt: Day 1: sensational panoramic views of the Rhone Glacier, Lauteraarhorn and Finsteraarhorn. Day 2: pleasant hike on the Urschner Höhenweg with much to discover en route.

Whichever direction you walk the Lötschental mountain path - whether from the Fafleralp to the Lauchernalp and on to Goppenstein or the other way round - this must be one of the most impressive high-altitude routes of its kind. Gushing mountain streams rush down from the glaciers on the surrounding mountains, contrasting with the still waters of the picturesque Schwarzsee.

Second section of the Europaweg trail. Challenging, in places hewn from solid rock, running through tunnels, galleries and over bridges. Spectacular panoramic tour with views of the Valais 4000-m peaks, fabulous finale at the Leisee lake above Zermatt.

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.

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.

The route leaves Aigle via the vineyard to reach Gryonne and later the Rhone, which it crosses at Massongex, the old capital of Celtic Valais. At St-Maurice, pilgrims have covered exactly half the distance from Canterbury to Rome.

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.

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.