Valais Canton | A Visitor's Introduction to The Canton of Valais

Why is Valais Worth a Visit?

Valais is worth visiting for its unparalleled mountain scenery, diversity of experiences, and deep-rooted traditions. The canton is home to 45 peaks over 4,000 metres – more than any other region in the Alps – making it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. It also boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, giving it one of the sunniest climates in Switzerland.

Yet it’s not all about snow and summits. The Rhône Valley, which runs the length of the canton, is one of Switzerland’s most important wine-producing regions. Terraced vineyards cling to the hillsides, while charming towns like Sion and Sierre offer a blend of modern culture and ancient history. Roman ruins, medieval castles, alpine folklore, and unique local dialects (Swiss French, Swiss German, and even some Arpitan) make Valais as culturally rich as it is geographically spectacular.

Whether you're carving down world-famous ski slopes, hiking through flower-filled alpine meadows, soaking in a thermal spa, or discovering quiet villages tucked away in the valleys, Valais offers a complete and memorable Swiss experience.

Valais Highlights: Things to See and Do in Valais

Zermatt and the Matterhorn

Arguably the most iconic mountain in the world, the Matterhorn dominates the skyline above Zermatt, a car-free village famous for its alpine charm and outdoor activities. Zermatt offers year-round skiing on the Matterhorn Glacier, scenic hikes like the Five Lakes Walk, and luxurious spas and hotels. Don’t miss the Gornergrat Railway, which climbs to over 3,000 metres for unforgettable panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. The Matterhorn Museum in town gives fascinating insights into the mountain’s history and the lives of the early mountaineers.

Verbier

Known for its lively après-ski scene and world-class freeride skiing, Verbier is a magnet for adventurous travellers. Part of the vast 4 Vallées ski area, it offers more than 400 km of pistes in winter and a mountain biker's paradise in summer. Yet beyond the adrenaline, Verbier has excellent restaurants, art galleries, and the annual Verbier Festival – a top-tier classical music event that draws performers from around the globe.

Saas-Fee

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Alps,” Saas-Fee is a high-altitude village surrounded by towering glaciers and 13 peaks over 4,000 metres. Like Zermatt, it's car-free and full of traditional wooden chalets. Saas-Fee is known for its excellent year-round skiing, summer hiking routes like the Glacier Trail, and the world’s highest revolving restaurant at Mittelallalin (3,500 m). The village also has a quirky side, including the Ice Pavilion inside the glacier and the Feeblitz toboggan run.

Crans-Montana

Set on a sunny plateau above the Rhône Valley, Crans-Montana is a twin-resort (Crans and Montana) that blends alpine sport with a hint of Riviera style. It’s a year-round destination offering skiing in winter and golf, hiking, and lakeside leisure in summer. The area is popular with families thanks to its gentle slopes and accessible walking trails. Crans-Montana also hosts the Omega European Masters golf tournament and several cultural festivals.

Sion

The capital of Valais, Sion is one of Switzerland’s oldest towns and blends ancient history with modern vitality. The skyline is marked by twin hilltop fortresses – Valère and Tourbillon – both offering stunning views and a strong sense of the past. Wander the old town’s narrow streets to find medieval churches, market squares, and wine bars. The Valère Basilica is home to the world’s oldest playable organ (dating to 1435), and the town regularly hosts concerts and cultural events.

Aletsch Glacier and Bettmeralp

The Aletsch Glacier is the largest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can view it from various vantage points, but one of the best is from the Eggishorn near Bettmeralp – a charming, car-free village perched high above the Rhône Valley. The glacier’s scale is truly breathtaking, and the surrounding Aletsch Arena is full of hiking routes and family-friendly activities.

Leukerbad Thermal Baths

Leukerbad is the largest thermal spa resort in the Alps, with 65 natural hot springs feeding its pools. This is the place to come if you’re after a relaxing soak with a view of towering cliffs and snowy peaks. The Walliser Alpentherme is the main spa complex, offering indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and Roman-Irish baths. After a day of hiking or skiing, there’s nothing better than sinking into warm mineral-rich waters surrounded by alpine scenery.

Martigny and the Fondation Gianadda

Martigny, located near the French border, is an underrated cultural hotspot. It’s home to the impressive Fondation Pierre Gianadda – an art and archaeological museum that hosts major exhibitions featuring artists like Picasso, Monet, and Rodin. The museum also houses a Roman amphitheatre, vintage car collection, and sculpture garden. The town itself has Roman ruins, good restaurants, and serves as a gateway to the scenic Great St Bernard Pass.

Grimentz and the Val d’Anniviers

Grimentz is a picture-perfect alpine village in the Val d’Anniviers, known for its dark wooden chalets adorned with geraniums in summer. The valley is one of the hidden gems of Valais, offering superb hiking, skiing, and a more traditional, unspoiled feel compared to the big-name resorts. Other villages in the valley, like Zinal and St-Luc, are equally charming and less crowded. The area is also great for trail running, star-gazing, and trying local cheeses and wines.

Great St Bernard Pass and Hospice

One of the most historic mountain crossings in the Alps, the Great St Bernard Pass links Valais with Italy. At its summit is the legendary hospice run by monks, known for the iconic St Bernard rescue dogs. You can visit the hospice museum, meet the dogs in summer, and enjoy high-altitude walks. The pass is only open in summer; in winter, the route is closed to vehicles but can be reached on snowshoes.

Wine Tasting in Valais

Valais is Switzerland’s largest wine-producing region, and wine lovers will find a paradise of vineyards and tasting opportunities. Indigenous grape varieties like Petite Arvine, Cornalin, and Humagne Rouge flourish in the warm, dry climate. The Wine Trail of Sierre to Salgesch is a great walk through terraced vineyards, with stops at cellars and the Musée du Vin. Local wine festivals and open cellar days are great ways to sample the best.

Alpine Festivals and Cow Parades

Valais has strong rural traditions, and if you visit in spring or autumn, you might witness one of the désalpe or inalpe festivals, when cows are moved to and from alpine pastures. The cows, especially the Hérens breed, are decorated with flowers and bells, and sometimes compete in traditional “cow fights.” These events are full of music, local food, and mountain pride, and offer an authentic glimpse into Valaisan culture.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

Valais is well connected by train and road. The main transport hub is Sion, easily reached from Geneva or Bern in around 2 hours by train. Zermatt is car-free, so if driving, you’ll need to park in Täsch and take the shuttle train. Most resorts have good public transport links, and the scenic Glacier Express and Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn traverse the canton, offering breathtaking views along the way.

Parking

In car-accessible towns like Sion, Verbier, and Crans-Montana, parking is available in public garages and street zones, though it can be expensive and limited during high season. For Zermatt and Saas-Fee (also car-free), park in Täsch or Saas-Grund respectively and take the local shuttle or cable car.

Dining

Valais has a rich culinary scene rooted in alpine traditions. Don’t miss raclette – a local specialty made with melted cheese from the region, usually served with potatoes, gherkins and pickled onions. Other regional dishes include cholera (a hearty vegetable and cheese pie), air-dried meats like Bündnerfleisch, and excellent mountain lamb. For something sweet, try abricot (apricot) desserts made with Valaisan fruit. There are many Michelin-starred restaurants in resorts like Verbier and Zermatt, as well as cosy mountain inns offering traditional fare.

Shopping

Valais is a great place to pick up local products such as alpine cheese, dried meat, handmade wooden crafts, herbal cosmetics, and of course, wine. Weekly markets in towns like Sion and Brig are good for regional specialities. Zermatt and Verbier also have high-end boutiques for fashion, jewellery, and Swiss watches.

When to Visit

Valais is a true year-round destination. Winter (December to April) is ideal for skiing, with reliable snow in high-altitude resorts. Summer (June to September) is perfect for hiking, biking, and lake visits. Spring is quieter but lovely for wildflowers and wine tasting, while autumn is particularly beautiful with golden vineyards and fewer crowds. Late September and October are ideal for food and wine lovers.

Local Events

• Carnival (February): Colourful parades and celebrations in towns like Sion and Evolène.

• Sierre-Zinal Race (August): One of Europe’s most famous mountain running races.

• Fête du Vin in Salgesch and Sierre (Autumn): Local wines, live music, and food stalls.

• Verbier Festival (July–August): Prestigious classical music event.

• Zermatt Unplugged (April): Acoustic music festival in unique alpine venues.

Exploring Beyond Valais

From Valais, it's easy to explore other parts of Switzerland or dip into Italy and France. The Mont Blanc region is just across the border, as is Aosta Valley in Italy. Lake Geneva is nearby, with towns like Montreux and Lausanne easily reached by train or car. If you’re based in Upper Valais, consider a trip on the Glacier Express to St. Moritz – one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

Valais is a land of contrasts and richness – where glaciers meet vineyards, and centuries-old traditions blend with cutting-edge alpine resorts. Whether you're gazing at the Matterhorn, tasting a glass of Petite Arvine, or hiking above a sparkling glacier, this canton delivers the quintessential Swiss mountain experience with its own unique flair. From famous names to secret valleys, Valais has something to enchant every traveller.