Valais Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and when to go in Valais, Switzerland. Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide.


Valais, located in Switzerland’s Central Europe, is a captivating destination world-renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery, exciting outdoor adventures, famous resorts, delicious cuisine, and cultural attractions. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, cultural buff, adrenaline junkie, foodie, or history lover, Valais has something to offer.

Introduction to Valais

Valais is a picturesque region in Switzerland known for its stunning scenery. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, Valais is a land of pristine lakes, towering mountains, glaciers, and valleys. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, two of the highest peaks in Europe. Valais is also home to some of the world’s most popular ski resorts, such as Zermatt, Saas-Fee, and Verbier.

List of Places to Visit in Valais

Valais is dotted with numerous charming towns, delightful villages, museums, and other attractions. Here is a list of the top places to visit in Valais:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne
  • The Swiss National Museum in Zurich
  • The Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt
  • The Foundation Pierre Gianadda in Martigny

Natural Attractions of Valais: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and Weisshorn
  • The Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps
  • The Rhone Glacier
  • The Lötschental Valley
  • The Val d’Anniviers

Hiking/Biking Routes of Valais

Valais is a hiker’s paradise, with over 8,000 km of trails offering stunning views of the Alps, glaciers, and valleys. The hiking trails range from easy family-friendly paths to challenging mountain hikes.

Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Valais are:

  • The Matterhorn Glacier Trail
  • The Tour of Monte Rosa
  • The Chemin des Bisses
  • The Grand Tour of Switzerland

Best Things to Do in Valais: Activities and Tours

Valais is full of exciting activities and tours that will keep visitors entertained throughout their trip. Whether you love adventure, history, or food, there’s something for everyone in Valais.

Some of the best things to do in Valais are:

  • Skiing and snowboarding in some of the world’s most famous ski resorts
  • Paragliding over the stunning mountainscape of Valais
  • Visiting some of Valais’ charming towns and villages
  • Taking a wine tour in the region’s vineyards

Week-Long Itinerary for Valais

If you are planning a week-long trip to Valais, here is a sample itinerary to consider:

Day 1: Arrive in Geneva and travel to Valais Day 2: Explore the city of Sion and its charming Old Town Day 3: Visit the Matterhorn and take a cable car to the top of the mountain Day 4: Take a scenic train ride to the Lötschental Valley and enjoy a hike Day 5: Visit the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps Day 6: Relax in the thermal baths of Leukerbad and enjoy a wine tour Day 7: Depart from Valais and return to Geneva

Food and Drink Scene of Valais

Valais’ cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean and alpine flavors, with dishes that highlight the region’s locally grown ingredients and wines. Visitors can indulge in some of the region’s specialties, such as raclette, fondue, and dried beef. It is also home to some of Switzerland’s most prestigious wineries.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Raclette: Melted Alpine cheese served with boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions
  • Fondue: Melted cheese served in a pot that is used for dipping pieces of bread in it
  • Beef Jerky: Thin slices of beef that are dried and seasoned

Local Beverages

  • Fendant: A light and fruity white wine that pairs perfectly with raclette and fondue
  • Pinot Noir: A red wine with a fruity aroma and a velvety texture

Where to Stay in Valais: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Valais offers a range of accommodation options to cater to different budgets and preferences. Visitors can choose from luxurious hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and cozy guesthouses.

Some of the best places to stay in Valais are:

  • The Omnia in Zermatt
  • The Hotel Bella Tola & St-Luc in Saint-Luc
  • The Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa in Nendaz
  • The Youth Hostel in Zermatt

What to Buy in Valais: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Valais is known for its delicious wines, artisanal cheeses, traditional handicrafts, and locally made chocolates. Some of the best souvenirs to bring home from Valais are:

  • Swiss Army knives
  • Swiss chocolate
  • Alphorn

Local Culture and Customs of Valais

Valais is a multi-lingual region with three official languages: German, French, and Italian. Visitors can expect to encounter cultural traditions that include seasonal festivals, regional cuisine, and folk music.

Best Time to Visit Valais

Valais is a year-round destination, with each season offering a different set of activities and attractions. Ski season runs from December to April, while summer is the perfect time for hiking and outdoor adventures. Autumn is the best time to visit if you are interested in wine tasting.

Do’s and Don’ts of Valais

Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Valais:

Do:

  • Try the local wine and cheese
  • Respect the region’s cultural traditions and customs
  • Take advantage of the stunning outdoor scenery and go hiking or skiing

Don’t:

  • Be loud or disruptive in public places
  • Leave trash or litter in natural areas
  • Ignore warning signs and safety regulations in ski resorts

Safety and Health

Valais is generally a safe destination, but visitors need to take precautions when hiking or skiing. It is also important to be aware of health risks such as altitude sickness.

Safety in Valais

  • Be careful when hiking in mountainous areas and always carry a map and compass
  • Follow safety regulations and guidelines in ski resorts

Health in Valais

  • Be aware of altitude sickness and take necessary precautions when hiking or skiing
  • Make sure to purchase travel insurance before your trip

Getting to Valais: Transportation Options and Logistics

Valais is easily accessible by air, road, and train. Geneva International Airport is the nearest airport, with regular train services connecting the airport to Valais.

Airports Near Valais

  • Geneva International Airport

Bus Stations Near Valais

  • Sierre/Siders, Martigny, Brig

Other Options

  • Swiss trains run regularly throughout the region

How to Get Around in Valais

Getting around Valais is easy and convenient thanks to its extensive public transport network. Visitors can travel around the region using buses, trains, or cable cars.

Where to Go Next from Valais: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Valais is perfectly situated to explore other areas in Switzerland and nearby countries. Here are some top destinations to visit after exploring Valais:

  • Lake Geneva region
  • The Bernese Oberland
  • Milan and Lake Como in Italy

Conclusion

Valais is an enchanting destination that offers something for everyone. With its breathtaking scenery, exciting outdoor activities, and rich culture, it is the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation. Plan your trip to Valais today and discover the beauty of Switzerland’s Central Europe.

View of the Aletsch Glacier and several Alpine peaks from Eggishorn Mountain View of the Aletsch Glacier and several Alpine peaks from Eggishorn Mountain Traditional cow fight. Traditional cow fight.


    Brig
    Lötschental
    Martigny
    Saas-Fee
    Sierre
    Sion
    Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch
    Visp