Things to do in Valais
Discover the best attractions and experiences Valais has to offer
Historic Monuments
Trace Valais’s history through stone fortifications, hilltop churches, and ancient seats of power scattered across towns and valleys.
Basilique de Valère
Hilltop basilica in Sion with ancient crypts and panoramic valley views.
Château de Tourbillon
Fortress perched above Sion featuring dramatic towers and royal rooms.
Stockalper Palace
Baroque palace in Brig-Glis built by Kaspar Stockalper, a symbol of historic wealth.
Museums
Delve into regional art, mountaineering history, and contemporary culture through Valais’s curated museums.
Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis
Engaging museum in Zermatt about mountaineering, geology, and local life.
Fondation Pierre Arnaud
Contemporary art museum in Sierre with striking architecture and rotating exhibitions.
Musée d'art du Valais
Regional art museum in Sion highlighting Valais artists and landscapes.
Religious Monuments
Explore sacred spaces that reveal Valais’s religious history and spiritual heritage.
Cathédrale de Saint-Maurice
Ancient cathedral in Saint-Maurice with a rich monastic history.
Basilique de Valère
Hilltop basilica near Sion featuring distinctive frescoes and views.
Abbaye Saint-Maurice
Historic abbey complex with cloisters and religious artifacts.
National & Theme Parks
Valais is a gateway to dramatic alpine landscapes and protected nature areas.
Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage
Iconic alpine landscape centered on the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks.
Naturpark Binntal
Pristine valley park known for rugged scenery and easy whispers of wilderness.
Parc naturel régional Grand-Saint-Bernard
Protected cross-border landscape around the historic Great Saint Bernard Pass.
Neighborhoods
Discover distinct quarters and charming towns that shape Valais’s character.
Zermatt village
Car-free mountain village at the foot of the Matterhorn with a cozy core.
Brig-Glis
Historic town with riverside walks and the Stockalper Palace.
Sion Old Town
Medieval quarter with towers, markets, and scenic stairways.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy Valais without paying admission by hiking, strolling, and soaking in scenery.
Valais valley hikes
Take in panoramic alpine views on public trails across Zermatt and Aletsch regions.
Walk the Bisses
Explore historic irrigation channels on gentle hillside paths.
Wander Sion's streets
Roam free through medieval lanes and viewpoints in the capital.
Gastronomy
Savor Valais’s hearty cheeses, fruit-forward specialties, and world-class wines.
Raclette with Valais cheese
Classic melted cheese served with potatoes, pickles, and onions.
Wine tasting along Route des Vins
Sample Heida and other local varietals on sun-kissed terraces.
Valais apricots and dried fruit
Regional fruit specialties to enjoy as you explore.
Nightlife
Evenings in Valais range from après-ski buzz to casual bars and night markets.
Après-ski in Zermatt
Lively bars and live music after a day on the slopes.
Bar scene in Brig-Glis
Cozy pubs and casual venues in the historic town.
Nightlife in Sion
Urban bars and late-night spots in the valley capital.
Entertainment
The valley offers scenic experiences, from train journeys to alpine cable cars and concerts.
Gornergrat Bahn
Cog railway to the Gornergrat summit with breathtaking mountain views.
Klein Matterhorn Cable Car
Ride to the glacier paradise for high-altitude vistas.
Open-air concerts in vineyard settings
Seasonal music events set against alpine backdrops.
Sports
Valais thrives as a playground for winter sports, alpine hiking, and active adventures.
Skiing in Zermatt
World-class slopes with iconic Matterhorn scenery.
Snowshoeing in the Aletsch region
Winter hikes through snow-clad valleys and glaciers.
Hiking and mountain biking in the Valais Alps
Extensive trails for all levels across alpine valleys.
Off the Track
Venture beyond the well-trodden routes to discover quieter corners of Valais.
Binntal's remote hamlets
Secluded, scenic villages in the Binntal valley.
Great Saint Bernard Pass routes
Historic pass area with peaceful trails and views.
Lac de Moiry and surrounding trails
Dramatic dam area with dramatic landscapes away from crowds.