About Valais
Valais is Switzerland's sun-drenched alpine paradise, a canton where majestic peaks meet lush vineyards and authentic mountain culture. Home to the iconic Matterhorn and 45 of Switzerland's 48 four-thousand-meter peaks, this region offers world-class skiing in Zermatt, Verbier, and Saas-Fee, along with spectacular summer hiking through the Aletsch Glacier UNESCO World Heritage site. Valais boasts a unique cultural blend of French and German influences, evident in its charming villages like Sion with its hilltop castles and Crans-Montana's luxury resorts. The canton produces over a third of Switzerland's wine, with terraced vineyards along the Rhône Valley creating exceptional whites like Fendant. From thermal baths in Leukerbad to the historic Great St. Bernard Pass, Valais combines dramatic natural beauty with rich traditions, making it a year-round destination for adventure seekers, food lovers, and culture enthusiasts alike.
Things to do in Valais
Places to visit in Valais
Vénus
Vénus, Route du Toûno, 3961 Anniviers, Switzerland
Hôtel Eden
Hôtel Eden, Rue Centrale, 1983 Villa (Evolène), Switzerland
Hôtel Hermitage
Hôtel Hermitage, Rue Centrale, 1983 Villa (Evolène), Switzerland
Hôtel Garni Artzinol
Hôtel Garni Artzinol, Rue Centrale, 1983 Villa (Evolène), Switzerland
Eden
Eden, Thomas Platter Weg 465, 3925 Grächen, Switzerland
Europe
Europe, Route de la Barmette 20, 3961 Anniviers, Switzerland
Auberge La Navizence
Auberge La Navizence, Rue des Cinq 4000, 3961 Anniviers, Switzerland
Le Mélèze
Le Mélèze, Route de Moiry 22, 3961 Anniviers, Switzerland
Aniviers Indoor Park
Aniviers Indoor Park, Rue du Télécabine 12, 3961 Anniviers, Switzerland
Waldesruh
Waldesruh, Simmigu, Ergisch, Switzerland
Comète de Halley
Comète de Halley, Route de Gilliou, 3961 Anniviers, Switzerland
Grand Chalet Favre
Grand Chalet Favre, Sentier de la Vieille Forge, 3961 Anniviers, Switzerland
Gîte de St-Jean
Gîte de St-Jean, Route St-Jean d'en Haut, 3961 Anniviers, Switzerland
Hôtel Weisshorn
Hôtel Weisshorn, Route de Gilliou, 3961 Anniviers, Switzerland
Statue Chamois
Statue Chamois, Route des Plampras, 3961 Anniviers, Switzerland
Travel Tips for Valais
Getting Around
Excellent public transport includes the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn railway connecting Zermatt to the main line, PostBus services to remote valleys, and cable cars to high-altitude resorts. The Swiss Travel Pass covers most transport. Car rentals are available but unnecessary for most tourist destinations. SBB Mobile app is essential for train/bus schedules. Taxis are expensive; ride-sharing is limited. Bicycles and e-bikes can be rented in major towns.
Best Time To Visit
December to March for world-class skiing and winter sports; June to September for hiking, mountaineering, and festivals with pleasant valley temperatures; September to October for wine harvest experiences and autumn colors. Shoulder seasons (April-May, October-November) offer fewer crowds but some mountain facilities may be closed.
Local Customs
Greet with handshakes and use formal titles until invited to use first names. Remove shoes when entering homes. Tipping is not expected but appreciated (round up bills or 5-10% in restaurants). Dress modestly when visiting churches. Respect quiet hours (typically 10pm-7am). In German-speaking areas, punctuality is highly valued. Try local specialties like raclette, fondue, and Valais dried meats. Always greet shopkeepers when entering stores.
Safety Information
Valais is generally very safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in tourist areas against petty theft. Mountain safety is crucial: always check weather forecasts, follow marked trails, and inform someone of your route. Avalanche risk exists in winter/spring - heed warnings and use professional guides for off-piste skiing. Road conditions can be challenging in mountain passes; winter tires/chains are often required from November to April. No specific areas to avoid, though remote mountain regions require proper preparation.
Health Information
Valais has excellent medical facilities including major hospitals in Sion (Hôpital du Valais) and Visp. Altitude sickness can affect visitors in high mountain areas like Zermatt (1,600m) and Jungfraujoch (3,454m). Tap water is safe throughout the canton. No special vaccinations required beyond standard European travel recommendations. Travel insurance with mountain rescue coverage is strongly recommended for alpine activities. Pharmacies (Apotheke/Pharmacie) are widely available and staff speak multiple languages.
Languages Spoken
FrenchGermanSwiss German dialects
Quick Facts
Currency
Swiss Franc (CHF)
CHF
CHF
Timezone
Europe/Zurich +01:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+41
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
350,000
Area
5224 km²
Government
Cantonal government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches
ISO Code
CH-VS