Valais

Sights & Activities

The resort of Anzère is an ideal destination during summer, when visitors can take advantage of numerous hiking and biking trails in the area. There are also facilities for skiing and tobogganing during the winter season. Anzère is also the ideal departure point for excursion to the Lac Souterrain de St-Léonard, an underground karst lake considered to be the largest in Europe. Also found within the area is the Grande Dixence Reservoir, which is designated as the highest reservoir in the world. Anzère is also the venue for the wine festival held every August, organized by wine growers who established wineries and vineyards around the town.

Visitors who come with their families can head out to the village of Bettmeralp, which is only accessible by cableways. The village is located near the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. Excursions to this area will reward visitors with spectacular countryside sceneries. There are also several sites that provide excellent vantage points for the Aletsch Glacier, considered the biggest glacier in the continent. The area is also a well-known skiing destination.

The village of Bourg-St-Pierre possesses a rustic charm of its own, replete with historic buildings and houses. This village offers an unusual treat to adventurous individuals, rap jumping. This sport lets participants glide off the side of a dam in a harness for an exhilarating jump.

Visitors should also try to hike up to the Saint Bernard Pass, where a hospice is located nearby that provides shelter and succor to travelers for more than a thousand years. It is also part of the Via Francigena, a ancient pilgrimage route to Rome.

Near the village of Brig is the Stockalper Palace, built in Baroque style by a merchant prince. Brig itself is replete with beautiful houses that bespoke of elegance and history. It is also the location of the Brig Baths, a huge open-air thermal spa that features a grotto swimming pool, freshwater swimming pools, and water chute.

In Champoussin is the Point Sud adventure park in which visitors get to climb ladders and bridges while being secured to high wires connected to trees. This attraction is for the adventurous and daring individuals who don’t mind heights.

Those interested to try mountain climbing, paragliding, and canyoning can head out to the resorts of Crans and Montana, where facilities for these sports are available. In addition, the area is also the location of a luxury golf course located on the high plateau of Crans.

Another place in Valais that is well-known for its thermal baths is Leukerbad, where one of the biggest spas in the country is located. It is a popular destination for skiers and hikers who wish to relax in its hot waters after a day of indulging in their favorite sport. The area is also replete with sporting facilities.

Weather

Valais is considered the sunniest place in the country, with only a small amount of precipitation. Summer days can get as warm as 33°C during the months of July and August. During winter, temperature can get as low as -5°C, though fog rarely makes an appearance. The stable climate of this canton is influenced by its surrounding mountains. Valais’ climate is said to be comparable to that of Provence, a known vacation destination in France.