From hiking in lush mountains to soothing wellness treatments, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque canton of southern Switzerland.
09.12.2024 by L’Officiel
Known for its unique and diverse landscape, Valais is where you will find majestic mountains of towering peaks and icy glaciers juxtaposed with sprawling vineyards and sun-kissed valleys as far as the eye can travel. And it is precisely this wonderful medley of backdrops that gives the beloved Swiss canton so much to see and do. Here’s our pick for a memorable itinerary in Valais:
Capture Panoramic Views of the Great Aletsch Glacier
Be it Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn, or Eggishorn, take a leisurely hike or the mountain railroad through mystical stone pine forests high up to a viewpoint in the Aletsch Arena. There, marvel at the natural landscape of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Great Aletsch Glacier, the mightiest ice flow in the Alps, and Valais’s stunning 4,000m mountain peaks are highlights not to be missed.
Find Adventure on the Unesco High Altitude Trail
There’s something so invigorating about the crisp mountain air and alpine snow, not to mention the adrenaline rush of trekking from Bettmerhorn Mountain Station to Eggishorn Mountain Station. After all that exercise, you are rewarded with an epic view of the 23km Great Aletsch Glacier with its 10 billion tonnes of ice (800m at its thickest when it reaches Konkordiaplatz) snaking prettily down to the Massa Gorge.
Meet the Cute Blacknose Sheep of Zermatt
Fall in love with the sheep’s adorable black faces and ears, contrasted with white woolly coats. Watch as they quietly graze on the Gornergrat ridge. Be sure to steer clear of those spiralled horns – they’re tougher than they look.
See the Matterhorn Reflected Upon Lake Riffelsee
Board a train from Gornergrat to Rotenboden, then take a 10-minute stroll to Lake Riffelsee. While the scenery is picnic-worthy at any given moment, wait until the wind is still and the crystalline waters cease to ripple. It is only then that the Matterhorn is reflected on the surface of the mountain lake, giving you a one-of-a-kind mirror image that’s 100 metres long and 50 metres wide.
Have Fun in the Sun 300 Days a Year at SAAS Valley
Few would associate Switzerland with summer activities and yet here we are. Slap on your sunscreen and choose from hiking, mountain biking or climbing via Ferrata. If you’d rather chill out, you can explore the valley by cable car or hop on the PostBus instead.
Trek the Murmeli Trail on Spielboden
This circular trail traverses from the Spielboden mountain station along a hiking trail towards Saas-Fee and straight into marmot territory. Here, learn exciting facts about the friendly marmots that inhabit the area – and feed them carrots, peanuts or dandelions if you’re lucky enough to see any.
Befriend the Marmots of Stafelwald
Can’t get enough of the sweet little marmots? Head over to Stafelwald and pet them to your heart’s content. They usually awaken in mid-April to run, play and maybe nibble on treats from your waiting hands – all summer long.
Discover 350KM of Hiking Trails in Saas-Fee
In this high-altitude paradise, views of Valais’s 18 peaks constantly change. To enjoy them, there are numerous tours with professional mountain guides available. Go for the Allalin climb (4,027m above sea level), which begins from the mountain station of the highest subway in the world, the Metro Alpin.
Blaze Through Saastal’s Scooter Bike Routes
Gear up for rapid descents and pure action. Journey from Furggstalden down a 3.5km long road that’s wide, tarred and easy right to Saas-Almagell. Alternatively, go from Kreuzboden down to Saas-Grund for 11 km on monster scooters.
Cruise Down the Famed Feeblitz Toboggan Run
Take a deep breath and the steepest toboggan lift in the Alps up to the start of the track before zooming down the snowy mountain at speeds of up to 40km/h. It’s family-friendly fun all year round, regardless of whether you go alone or in pairs.
Embark on the Glacier Experience Tour
Equipped with crampons, ski poles and a climbing harness, ascend the Feegletscher secured by your mountain guide’s rope. For the next 3-4 hours, check out the monumental seracs and incredible crevasses up to the rocky Längfluhoutcrop of the Pennine Alps.
Cross the Wild and Rugged Fee Gorge Like a Boss
In the Gorge Alpin tour, a mountain guide will take you from Saas-Fee down to Saas-Grund past spectacular waterfalls and across suspension bridges, ladders, and steel ropes. Highlights include the high-speed Tyrolean zip-line and cable pulley.
Rejuvenate Mind and Body at Leukerbad
Don’t leave Valais exhausted beyond meaning. Amid enchanting mountain vistas, allow the healing thermal waters of myriad pools and hot tubs to work their magic. Pop into the sauna to revitalize your body and renew your senses with a calming massage or two.
