Valais

Photo by Xavier von Erlach on Unsplash. D’Arbey in Evoléne

Until recently, Valais (Wallis in German) was a bit of a mystery to me. I have since done loads of research on this mountainous paradise and promise in the future to have a proper look around and, of course, using the info below as a guide.

Update 08/21: I have managed to get down to Valais again and was blown away by each place I visited – The Aletsch Glacier, a walk through the Gemmipass and the Val d’Anniviers (and the spine-tingling bus trip through it). Now that I have first-hand information I have been able to add to the Valais page (see below) but, as with all the pages, I will continuously update as and when I learn more.

Valais is home to . . .

• Over 40 peaks higher than 4,000 metres. The largest, Dufour Spitze, is part of the Monte Rosa massif and is half Italian.
• The Haute Route – a 97 km ski touring challenge between Chamonix in France, and Zermatt in Valais. This well-known route is one that many mountaineers aspire to with incredibly tough ascents and descents – according to Zermatt’s official tourism website.
• The Alp’s largest glacier, the Aletsch is found here; one of Switzerland’s UNESCO world heritage sites.
• The world’s tallest gravity dam is found at the back of Val d’Hérémence – the Barrage de la Grande Dixence. It is possible to ride on a zip line along its width (link below).
• The largest ski area, Les 4 Vallèes (Verbier) with just over 400 km of slopes, is found in the western part of the canton.
• The highest and largest spa resort in Europe – the mineral-rich Leukerbad springs can be found just north of the Rhone valley at Lenk. Learn about it in my post on Unique Thermal Baths.
• Deep wild valleys dotted with remote villages that no train can reach such as Val d’Anniviers (see a link to my visit below) & Val d’Hérens.
• The Gemmipass – A historically significant pass that crosses two cantons and is considered to be a truly classic crossing (see a link to my visit below).
• And last but not least – the world-famous Matterhorn stands proudly above Zermatt. This uniquely shaped peak is one of the most photographed mountains in the world.

Some of the great experiences to be found in Valais

Travelling times for car & public transport to main cities

Public Transport: Check sbb.ch for more details, delays or other routes. Road Trip: Check google maps for traffic delays, roadworks etc. (always allow delays when travelling by car/bus especially in the holiday season). IC = Intercity.

*Surface area according to the Federal Statistical Office, last updated 7/9/2020