Last updated on April 5th, 2024
Valere Basilica, Sion
Valais
The canton of Valais (Wallis in German) runs along the Rhone River from the Furka Pass all the way down to Lake Geneva in a large glacial valley. The valley is on the opposite side of the popular Jungfrau peaks in the Berner Oberland. The best known location to visit in the Valais area is Zermatt, but there are a number of other popular destinations here too. Consider a Erlebnis Card Regional Pass for the upper half of the valley and some adjoining areas. Many thanks to Djemo Graphic for the inspiration to develop the information on Valais.
Valais Gondola and Ski Areas
- Zermatt click for a complete web page on this popular summer gondola and winter ski area.
- Saas-Fee – another popular ski area in the valley just east of Zermatt. This area is a favorite for Swiss tourists who want to avoid the international congestion at Zermatt. See traditional wooden houses and take the Metro Alpin underground funicular up to the Ice Pavilion. Like Zermatt, Saas-Fee is a car free village. From Saas-Grund take a cable car via Kreuzboden to Hohsaas and hike the one hour path of the 18 four-thousand-meter peaks.
- Fiesch – at the east end of the canton of Valais. Take a gondola up to the Eggishorn for views of the southern end of Europe’s largest glacier, the Aletsch Glacier. The top end of the Aletsch Glacier can be seen from the Jungfraujoch in the Berner Oberland. You can also view the Aletsch Glacier from the Moosfluh viewpoint and the Bettmerhorn by starting at Morel or Betten instead. Continue on from Fiesch by train for 10 minutes to the Fürgangen stop. Then walk less than 5 minutes to the GOMS Suspension Bridge with a fantastic view down to the Rhone River.
- Verbier of Quatres Vallees – one of the top ski resort areas in Switzerland. You can reach the town from Val de Bagnes. Take 5 cable car rides from Bagnes to reach the peak at Mont-Fort. The ride takes you right over the village of Verbier on its route. Enjoy Europe’s highest zipline at the top.
St-Leonard Underground Lake
St-Leonard Underground Lake
The St-Leonard Underground Lake is located along the valley floor near Sion. An earthquake in 1946 dropped the cave’s water level enough to allow boats to navigate the underground lake. Walk down to the lighted underground lake and take a boat ride through the crystal clear waters as fish swim beneath you. This is the largest underground lake in Europe.
Oeschinensee, thanks to Swiss Family Fun
Oeschinensee
The Oeschinensee is actually in the Canton of Bern, but it’s closer to Valais than to Bern. Ride the Lötschberg Railway for an hour from Brig to Kandersteg. Then walk 15 minutes to the Oeschinen gondola station or catch the #242 bus if you are lucky. Oescheninsee is one of the most beautiful and popular spots in the Swiss Alps, so time your summer visit early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
Villages of Valais
- Sion – in the main Rhone River valley. Stroll the European style old town with its many restaurants. Visit Valere Basilica and the ruins of Tourbillon Castle. Both are on promontories overlooking the city and they are about a 15 minute walk from each other.
- Grimentz – in a small side valley just west of Zermatt. See traditional wooden frame homes and buildings on a steep hillside. Also catch the Grimentz cable car to Corne de Sorebois.
- Leukerbad – between Sion and Visp, featuring 3 public thermal pools, 27 hotels, 48 restaurants. Take the cable car to the viewing platform at the Gemmi Pass. Nearby, drive to Ober Rotafen and walk across the Höhe Brücke stone bridge spanning a narrow gorge at a height of more than 2,000 feet.
- Bisse de Clavau – hike the wine irrigation pathways constructed in the 1450s between Sion and St-Leonard.
- Champex-Lac – about a half hour south of Martigny. Walk around this beautiful lake surrounded by a picturesque Swiss village.
- Stockalper Palace – in Brig. Visit the palace, its gardens and old town Brig.
Valais – Other Attractions
- Barryland – at Martigny. A St Bernard museum including live dogs.
- Pierre Gianadda Fondation – at Martigny. See a collection of art, Roman ruins, antique cars and gardens built on the site of Roman temple.
- Plaine Morte Glacier – an hour journey by train and bus from Sion to Montana and then two gondola rides up to the glacier.
Valais Railways
- Gornergrat Cog Train from Zermatt.
- Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway – ride this steam train through the Furka Pass between Oberwald and Realp. The Glacier Express bypasses this historic rail line by using the Furka Tunnel. The Furka Cogwheel Steam Train runs 4 days a week from July through September. You can also take a diesel train instead.
- Glacier Express between Zermatt and St Moritz.
- Mont Blanc Express between Martigny and Chamonix.
- Lötschberg Railway – from Brig to the Oeschinensee at Kandersteg. This railway provides great views of the Rhone Valley since it avoids the Lötschberg Tunnel. The modern line runs from Visp non-stop to Frutigen through the 14 mile Lötschberg Tunnel tunnel and misses Kandersteg.
Emosson Dam
The Emosson Dam is about 45 minutes west of Martigny by bus or by rail on the Mont Blanc Express. You stop at Le Chatelard Frontiere. Unfortunately the 3 part ascent from Chatelard on a steep funicular, a cliff side mini train adventure and a mini funicular was closed in 2022. It’s not certain whether they will reopen. Meanwhile you can still bus or drive up to get a great view of the Emosson Dam and even a glimpse of Mont Blanc.
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