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Valais
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Explore Valais for high Alpine scenery, terraced vineyards, historic towns, thermal baths and Swiss mountain villages shaped by two languages.

Valais occupies the upper Rhône valley in south-western Switzerland, stretching from the broad, French-speaking lower valley near Saint-Maurice to the German-speaking Upper Valais around Brig and the high mountain valleys beyond. Its geography is exceptionally varied: orchards and vineyards cover the valley floor, while steep side valleys rise towards some of the Alps’ most recognisable summits, including the Matterhorn above Zermatt and the Weisshorn. The Rhône, channelled and managed through much of the valley, provides the region’s geographical spine.
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The canton’s towns offer a useful counterpoint to its mountain resorts. Sion, the cantonal capital, is marked by the hilltop Valère Basilica and Tourbillon Castle, while Martigny combines Roman remains, cultural institutions and access to the Great St Bernard region. Brig grew around its castle and railway connections, and Saint-Maurice has long been an important religious and strategic gateway at the narrow western entrance to the Rhône valley. Between these centres, historic villages, terraced vineyards and orchards give the lower slopes a distinctly cultivated appearance.
Valais is one of Switzerland’s most important wine regions, particularly known for varieties such as Fendant, Petite Arvine, Amigne, Cornalin and Humagne Rouge. Dry-stone vineyard terraces around Sion and villages such as St-Saphorin? No—Valais sites such as Fully, Conthey and Saillon are more appropriate examples—demonstrate how agriculture has adapted to dry, sunny conditions in the inner Alps. Apricots, pears and other fruit are also important, while mountain cheeses and dishes such as raclette reflect the pastoral traditions of the higher valleys.
Outdoor travel changes markedly with altitude and season. Zermatt and Saas-Fee are major bases for walking, skiing and high-mountain excursions, while the Aletsch region provides access to the Great Aletsch Glacier and protected Alpine landscapes. Leukerbad is associated with thermal bathing and mountain trails, and the Val d’Anniviers, Val d’Entremont and other side valleys preserve distinctive village architecture and local customs. Travellers should allow time for the journeys themselves: roads, railways and cable cars connect the canton, but its valleys are long, steep and often separated by high passes.

When is the best time to visit Valais?

Best: July–September · 17–20°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January245
February345
March750
April1150
May1560
June1865
July (best)2055
August (best)1955
September (best)1750
October1245
November650
December250

Getting to and around Valais

How to get there

The principal gateways are railway stations in the Rhône valley, notably Sion, Martigny, Visp and Brig, all connected to the Swiss rail network. International visitors commonly travel via Geneva, Zurich or Bern and continue by train; Geneva Airport is particularly practical for western Valais, while Zurich Airport can serve the eastern canton. There is no major commercial passenger airport within Valais. Mountain resorts such as Zermatt and Saas-Fee are reached by rail, bus and connecting local transport, while road approaches cross Alpine routes that may close seasonally.

Transportation

Rail travel along the Rhône valley is efficient, with branch lines, PostBuses and mountain railways serving many side valleys and resorts. Zermatt is car-free, so drivers leave vehicles in Täsch and continue by local train or taxi. Cable cars and funiculars provide access to high viewpoints, but services vary by season and weather. A car is useful for smaller villages, vineyards and dispersed valleys, although mountain roads can be narrow, steep and winding. Swiss public transport passes may be useful for longer itineraries, but coverage and reductions differ between lifts and private mountain railways.

Top city travel guides in Valais

The cities of Valais, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Valais

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Valais

Valais offers an unusually broad range of experiences within one canton, from Roman archaeology and medieval religious sites to glaciers, vineyards and high-altitude sports. Sion’s historic hilltops, the Roman remains around Martigny and the Abbey of Saint-Maurice provide cultural anchors in the Rhône valley, while the Fondation Pierre Gianadda in Martigny is known for its exhibitions and archaeological collections. The side valleys lead to walking and ski areas around Zermatt, Saas-Fee, the Val d’Anniviers and the Aletsch region. The Great Aletsch Glacier is a defining natural attraction, with viewpoints and trails approached from several mountain communities. Leukerbad combines thermal bathing with extensive hiking terrain, and the valley’s bisses offer gentler walks along historic irrigation channels. Vineyards, orchards and food producers add a strongly agricultural dimension, while cable cars, mountain railways and panoramic trails make the high Alps accessible without requiring every visitor to undertake technical mountaineering.

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Best landmarks in Valais

The hilltop Valère Basilica and Tourbillon Castle define the skyline of Sion and express the city’s medieval ecclesiastical and political importance. At Saint-Maurice, the ancient abbey and its treasury occupy a strategically narrow part of the Rhône valley where religious and military routes converged. Martigny’s Roman amphitheatre and archaeological remains recall the town’s ancient role as Octodurus, while the Great St Bernard road links the canton to one of the historic Alpine crossings. In the eastern canton, Stockalper Castle in Brig is a monumental reminder of early modern trade and the influence of the Stockalper family. The Great Aletsch Glacier is Valais’s most powerful natural landmark, its vast ice flow framed by the high Alps. Above Zermatt, the Matterhorn is visible from the canton’s mountain terrain and remains its most recognisable geographical symbol, although the summit itself lies on the Swiss-Italian border.

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Explore Valais on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Valais

Valais dining reflects the contrast between a sunny, productive Rhône valley and high pastoral communities. Raclette du Valais AOP is the best-known local speciality, traditionally accompanied by potatoes, pickles and onions, while mountain cheeses and dried meats feature widely in village restaurants and alpine inns. The canton’s vineyards produce wines including Fendant, Petite Arvine, Amigne, Cornalin and Humagne Rouge, and wine bars and cellar tastings are particularly characteristic around Sion, Fully, Conthey and other wine-growing areas. Apricots, pears and other fruit contribute to preserves, spirits, tarts and seasonal menus. In resorts and towns, restaurants range from traditional cafés and bakeries to contemporary dining rooms, with menus often combining Swiss, French and Italian influences. Farmers’ markets and specialist food shops are useful for discovering local cheeses, charcuterie, dried fruit, rye products and regional wines.

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Best bars in Valais

Evening life in Valais is shaped more by village cafés, wine bars, hotel lounges and traditional pubs than by a large club scene. Sion, Martigny, Brig and Visp provide the widest choice of restaurants, bars, cultural venues and occasional live music, while resorts such as Zermatt and Crans-Montana have a more developed après-ski and late-evening culture during the winter season. In smaller mountain communities, evenings generally centre on dining, local inns and social gatherings rather than nightclubs. Wine tasting rooms and cellar establishments are an important regional alternative to conventional nightlife, especially in the Rhône valley. Seasonal events and resort entertainment change from year to year, so visitors should check current local listings rather than assume that a venue or programme operates throughout the year.

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Best nightclubs in Valais

Evening life in Valais is shaped more by village cafés, wine bars, hotel lounges and traditional pubs than by a large club scene. Sion, Martigny, Brig and Visp provide the widest choice of restaurants, bars, cultural venues and occasional live music, while resorts such as Zermatt and Crans-Montana have a more developed après-ski and late-evening culture during the winter season. In smaller mountain communities, evenings generally centre on dining, local inns and social gatherings rather than nightclubs. Wine tasting rooms and cellar establishments are an important regional alternative to conventional nightlife, especially in the Rhône valley. Seasonal events and resort entertainment change from year to year, so visitors should check current local listings rather than assume that a venue or programme operates throughout the year.

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Best shops in Valais

Shopping in Valais is strongest in the historic centres and market towns of the Rhône valley rather than in large urban retail districts. Sion, Martigny, Brig and Visp offer everyday high-street shops, delicatessens, bakeries, specialist wine merchants and independent businesses, while resort villages add outdoor equipment, mountain clothing and locally produced gifts. Wine is the most characteristic regional purchase, with bottles of Petite Arvine, Fendant, Cornalin and other Valais varieties available from estates, cooperatives and specialist shops. Other useful souvenirs include raclette cheese, dried meats, fruit preserves, apricot products, herbal goods and chocolate. Village markets and farmers’ stalls vary by season and location, but often showcase orchard produce and Alpine foods. Craft items, local ceramics, textiles and wood products can be found in smaller quantities, while visitors should distinguish genuinely regional goods from generic Swiss souvenirs sold in resort centres.

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Valais essentials

Currency and Payment
Valais uses the Swiss franc, abbreviated CHF, as part of Switzerland. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in towns, hotels, supermarkets, stations and established mountain resorts. Cash remains useful for small cafés, village businesses, lockers, local markets and occasional rural services. Euros may be accepted in some tourist-oriented locations, but change is normally given in Swiss francs and the exchange rate may be unfavourable. Switzerland is not in the euro area, so visitors should check card fees and avoid assuming that euro prices are standard.
Safety
Valais is generally well organised for visitors, but mountain conditions require proper preparation. Check weather, avalanche information and route status before hiking, skiing or crossing exposed terrain, and do not rely on mobile coverage in every valley. Stay on marked routes, take care near glaciers and obey barriers around watercourses and construction areas. Alpine roads can be demanding, particularly in winter, and drivers should use suitable tyres and allow for changing conditions. In towns and stations, take ordinary precautions with valuables during busy periods.
Emergency Situations
In Switzerland, call 112 for the general emergency number, 117 for police, 118 for fire services and 144 for an ambulance. Rega’s number, 1414, is used for Swiss air rescue when an air-rescue response is appropriate and communications are possible. Give the exact location, trail or lift name, altitude if known, and the number of people affected. Mountain rescue arrangements may involve local services, the police or Rega; in an immediate emergency, use 112 or 144 first and follow the operator’s instructions.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect marked hiking routes, private vineyards, pasture gates and local quiet hours, and close gates behind you when a path passes through grazing land. Do not approach cattle or wildlife, especially with dogs. At religious sites and historic buildings, dress and behave respectfully and ask before photographing services or people. Swiss public transport depends on orderly boarding and quiet carriage etiquette, while punctuality is valued. Tipping is not compulsory, but rounding up or leaving a modest amount for good service is customary. Follow local instructions around glaciers, rivers and mountain lifts.
Local Tips
The valley floor is often warmer and drier than the high resorts, so itineraries can combine vineyard walks or historic towns with cooler mountain excursions. Sion, Martigny, Brig and Saint-Maurice each make useful bases for different parts of the canton. In wine-growing areas, tastings may require advance arrangements, particularly outside the main tourist season. Check whether cable cars and mountain railways are operating before committing to a summit walk, and remember that a scenic route through a side valley can take considerably longer than the distance on a map suggests.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloGrüezi[Gree-tsee]
GoodbyeAdieu[Ah-dyuh]
YesJa[Yah]
NoNein[Nine]
Please/You're welcomeBitte[Bit-teh]
Thank youDanke[Dahn-keh]
Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung[Ent-shool-dee-goong]
How are you?Wie goht's?[Vee goht's?]
Fine. And you?Guet. Und dir?[Goot. Oond deer?]
Do you speak English?Spreche Sie Englisch?[Spreh-khe Zee Eng-lish?]
I don't understandIch verstehe nicht[Ish fer-shtay-eh nikht]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte die Karte sehen, bitte[Ish merkh-tuh dee Kahr-tuh zay-en, bit-teh]
I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch[Ish es-seh kine Flysh]
Cheers!Prost![Prohst!]
I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte[Ish merkh-tuh beh-tsah-len, bit-teh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hilfe![Hil-feh!]
Go away!Geh weg![Geh veg!]
Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei![Roo-fen Zee dee Pol-ee-tsai!]
Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt![Roo-fen Zee eye-nen Arts-t!]
I'm lostIch bin verloren[Ish bin fer-lo-ren]
I'm illIch bin krank[Ish bin krank]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...[Ish merkh-tuh kow-fen...]
I'm just lookingIch schaue nur[Ish shau-eh nur]
How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?[Vee feel koh-stet es?]
That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer[Das ist tsoo toy-er]
Can you lower the price?Könnten Sie den Preis senken?[Kern-ten Zee den Price zen-ken?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Wie spät ist es?[Vee shpaet ist es?]
It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr[Es ist ine Oor]
Half past (10)Halb (10)[Hahlb (10)]
MorningMorgen[Mor-gen]
AfternoonNachmittag[Nahkht-mi-tag]
EveningAbend[Ah-bend]
YesterdayGestern[Gest-ern]
TodayHeute[Hoy-teh]
TomorrowMorgen[Mor-gen]
1Eins[Eyns]
2Zwei[Zvy]
3Drei[Dry]
4Vier[Fear]
5Fünf[Fünf]
6Sechs[Zex]
7Sieben[Zee-ben]
8Acht[Aht]
9Neun[Noyn]
10Zehn[Zayn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?[Vo ist ine/der...?]
What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?[Vas ist dee Ah-dress-eh?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Könnten Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?[Kern-ten Zee meer (owf der Kahr-teh) tsai-gen?]
When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?[Vahn komt der nay-shta (Boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ....)[Ine Ticket (nahkh ....)]

History of Valais

Prehistoric Settlements and Alpine Passes

Valais has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence showing communities farming the valley floor and using routes across the surrounding Alps. The Rhône corridor and passes towards Italy made the area a meeting point between northern and southern Alpine cultures. Bronze Age and later Iron Age finds reveal metalworking, trade and changing settlement patterns, while the high valleys remained closely connected to seasonal pastoralism. These early routes established a geographical pattern that endured for centuries: the main valley served as a transport corridor, while side valleys developed more locally distinctive economies and communities.

Roman Vallis Poenina

Rome incorporated Valais into the province known as Vallis Poenina during the first century BC. The Romans developed roads through the Rhône valley and across the Great St Bernard route, connecting northern Italy with the western Alps. Octodurus, near modern Martigny, became an important settlement and administrative centre, and Roman remains can still be seen in and around the town. Roman infrastructure strengthened trade, agriculture and urban life, while the region’s strategic passes gave it importance far beyond its relatively small population.

Christianisation and the Abbey of Saint-Maurice

Christian institutions became central to Valais during late antiquity and the early medieval period. The Abbey of Saint-Maurice, traditionally founded in 515 on the site associated with the martyrdom of Saint Maurice and the Theban Legion, became one of the oldest continuously occupied monastic foundations in Europe. It accumulated manuscripts, relics and political influence, while churches and religious houses spread along the Rhône corridor. The abbey’s long history illustrates the region’s position between Burgundy, the Alpine passes and the wider Christian worlds of western Europe.

Medieval Lords, Bishops and Mountain Communities

Throughout the Middle Ages, authority in Valais was divided among the prince-bishops of Sion, noble families, ecclesiastical institutions and increasingly organised local communities. Castles such as Valère and Tourbillon reflect the political importance of Sion, while fortified sites and parish churches controlled routes and agricultural resources elsewhere in the canton. Irrigation channels, known locally as bisses, helped distribute scarce water to dry slopes and remain an important reminder of medieval and early modern collective labour. Alpine villages also developed systems of shared pasture and woodland management.

The Napoleonic Era and Entry into Switzerland

Valais was drawn into the upheavals of the Napoleonic period and was annexed to France in 1810 as the department of Simplon. French administrative changes and improved control of Alpine routes altered the region’s political framework, although local institutions and geography continued to matter. After Napoleon’s defeat, Valais became a canton of the Swiss Confederation in 1815. Its incorporation strengthened links with the Swiss state while preserving the linguistic and cultural distinction between French-speaking Lower Valais and German-speaking Upper Valais.

Railways, Tourism and Alpine Modernisation

Railways transformed Valais from the nineteenth century onwards. Lines through the Rhône valley and mountain railways to resorts such as Zermatt made the canton more accessible to visitors, traders and seasonal workers. Mountaineering, spa tourism and winter sports expanded, accompanied by hotels, funiculars and cable cars. In the twentieth century, hydroelectricity, road building, industrial development and large-scale irrigation reshaped the valley floor, while agriculture became increasingly specialised in wine, fruit and livestock. Modern Valais therefore combines an international mountain economy with long-established rural practices.

Valais in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Valais, Switzerland

Discover Valais with Evendo: A 100% free travel guide app featuring attractions, landmarks, hotels, restaurants, and more. Plan your perfect Swiss adventure effortlessly.

  • Comprehensive guide to Valais attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
  • Rich information including images, descriptions, local tips, and maps
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More about the Evendo app

Explore Valais, Switzerland like never before with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide. Find attractions, book hotels, tours, and much more with ease.

  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions and amenities
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Welcome to Valais, Switzerland – a region known for its majestic mountains, world-class ski resorts, and picturesque vineyards. With Evendo, your journey to Valais becomes an adventure of discovery and delight. Whether you're planning to visit the iconic Matterhorn, explore the historic city of Sion, or relax in the thermal baths of Leukerbad, Evendo has got you covered.

Our app offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences in Valais. Each location is enriched with images, descriptions, local tips, and maps, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip. Discover the culinary delights at Restaurant de l'Union, take a scenic train ride on the Glacier Express, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Zermatt.

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Download Evendo today and turn your trip to Valais into an unforgettable experience. And remember, our app is 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Explore Valais and beyond with Evendo – your global travel companion.

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