Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is one of the most iconic mountains in the world, rising to 4,478 metres above Zermatt. Its distinctive pyramidal peak is best viewed from Gornergrat or reflected in the mirror-like surface of the Riffelsee lake.
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About Valais
Valais stretches along the valley of the Rhône River from its glacier source in the east to Lake Geneva in the west, flanked by some of the highest peaks in the Alps. The canton is a year-round destination: world-class ski resorts like Zermatt, Verbier, and Crans-Montana draw winter visitors, while summer brings hikers, cyclists, and wellness seekers to its scenic trails and thermal springs. Valais is also Switzerland's premier wine canton, producing acclaimed Fendant, Humagne, and Petite Arvine varietals from terraced vineyards carved into sun-drenched slopes.
- Capital
- Sion
- Largest city
- Sion
- Population
- 345,000
- Languages
- French, German, Italian
- Currency
- Swiss Franc
- Time zone
- Europe/Zurich (CET/CEST)
Explore Valais by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Valais
The 28 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Aletsch Glacier
The Aletsch Glacier is the longest glacier in the Alps at 23 kilometres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that flows majestically through a landscape of ice and rock. The best views are from the Bettmerhorn or Eggishorn, reached by cable car from Bettmeralp.
Zermatt Village
Zermatt is Switzerland's most famous alpine resort village, entirely car-free and reached only by train. Stroll through charming timber chalets, browse high-end boutiques, and enjoy world-class restaurants all with the Matterhorn towering overhead.
Gornergrat Railway and Viewpoint
The Gornergrat Railway is Europe's highest open-air cog railway, climbing from Zermatt to 3,089 metres above sea level for breathtaking panoramas of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and 29 surrounding four-thousand-metre peaks.
Leukerbad Thermal Baths
Leukerbad is Europe's largest alpine thermal spa resort, fed by natural hot springs at 51°C. The Burgerbad and Alpentherme complexes offer indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and treatments against a stunning backdrop of limestone cliffs.
Sion Old Town
The capital of Valais is one of Switzerland's oldest inhabited cities, with a charming medieval old town dominated by two extraordinary rocky outcrops each capped with a castle. The narrow streets are lined with wine bars, galleries, and Roman-era ruins.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Valais Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Valais, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Valais
- Days 1-2Valais city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Valais
- Days 1-3Valais comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Valais, departure
Where to stay in Valais
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget CHF 85
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range CHF 220
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury CHF 700+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Omnia
Perched on a cliff above Zermatt and accessible by a private rock elevator, The Omnia is a design masterpiece with panoramic Matterhorn views from every room. Interiors blend Norwegian timber with Swiss stone for a uniquely serene alpine aesthetic.
Check rates on Booking.comZermatterhof Grand Hotel
The Zermatterhof is a landmark five-star hotel in the heart of Zermatt, featuring the one-Michelin-starred Alpine Gourmet restaurant. Elegant rooms and suites blend Valaisan tradition with contemporary luxury, with views across the village to the Matterhorn.
Check rates on Booking.comMonte Rosa Hotel
Zermatt's oldest and most historic grand hotel, the Monte Rosa is where mountaineer Edward Whymper stayed before the first Matterhorn ascent in 1865. Lovingly restored, it blends Victorian elegance with modern comfort in a prime village location.
Check rates on Booking.comWalliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa
The Walliserhof is Saas-Fee's premier five-star hotel, featuring an expansive spa and wellness centre with sauna, solarium, and treatment rooms. Luxuriously furnished rooms and suites offer views of the surrounding glacier-ringed peaks.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Valais
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni
The Michelin-starred restaurant at the Zermatterhof Grand Hotel offers creative Alpine cuisine with impeccable service and a cellar of over 400 Valais wines. Chef Martin Göschel presents seasonal tasting menus inspired by mountain traditions.
Restaurant Findeln
Perched between the Sunnegga and Blauherd ski areas with breathtaking Matterhorn views, Findeln offers refined mountain cuisine using the finest seasonal ingredients. A magical dining experience accessible by ski in winter or on foot in summer.
Chez Heini
A beloved local institution in Zermatt serving hearty traditional Valaisan cuisine including raclette, fondue, and seasonal specialities. The rustic timber interior and warm atmosphere make it a favourite with locals and returning visitors alike.
Le Gitan
Le Gitan is a Zermatt institution known for its wood-fired grills and generous Valaisan specialities. The lively, informal atmosphere and central location on the main street make it a perfect post-ski dinner destination.
Spycher
Set in a beautifully converted Valaisan granary (spycher) in Zermatt, this cosy restaurant serves honest alpine food at reasonable prices by Zermatt standards. Soup, pasta, and traditional rösti dishes are perennial favourites.
Grill-Room Grand Hôtel du Rhône
The flagship restaurant of Sion's Grand Hôtel du Rhône showcases the best of Valais produce — local beef, seasonal game, and wine region specialities — in an elegantly restored belle-époque dining room.
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Getting around Valais
Valais is exceptionally well-connected by Switzerland's world-class public transport network. The main rail artery runs through the Rhône Valley from Geneva in the west to Brig in the east, with branch lines serving Zermatt (via Visp), Verbier area (via Martigny), and the Aletsch Arena. The PostBus network fills the gaps to mountain villages. A Swiss Travel Pass offers the best value for most visitors.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in CHF, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | CHF 35 | CHF 130 | CHF 450+ |
| Food (per day) | CHF 25 | CHF 55 | CHF 150+ |
| Transportation | CHF 15 | CHF 20 | CHF 60 |
| Activities | CHF 10 | CHF 15 | CHF 80+ |
| Daily total | CHF 85 | CHF 220 | CHF 700+ |
Best time to visit Valais
Weather through the year in Valais
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Valais.
Essential travel tips
- Buy a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited train, PostBus, and cable car rides
- Book ski accommodation 3–6 months in advance for peak winter weeks
- The Glacier Express scenic train passes through Valais — book early
- Zermatt is car-free; leave your vehicle in Täsch and take the shuttle train
Safety information
Check the avalanche bulletin at slf.ch every morning during winter before skiing or snowshoeing — risk levels change daily
Never ski or hike off marked trails without a certified mountain guide in unfamiliar terrain
Carry a fully charged phone with the local emergency number (112 or 1414 for alpine rescue) saved
Download the weather forecast from MeteoSwiss every morning before mountain activities — conditions change rapidly at altitude
Inform your hotel or a trusted contact of your planned hiking or skiing route and expected return time
Carry at least 1 litre of water per person when hiking — mountain springs are generally safe but carry a filter just in case
Apply high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) year-round when outdoors in Valais — UV radiation increases significantly at altitude
Wear appropriate layers and carry waterproof jacket even on sunny days — afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer
Altitude sickness can affect visitors above 2,500m — ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and descend if symptoms appear
Mountain rescue (Rega) operates in Valais but is expensive without travel insurance — always take out comprehensive travel insurance
Petty theft is rare in Valais but secure your valuables at ski areas and leave nothing visible in parked cars
The roads over high passes (Simplon, Nufenen, Furka, Grand St Bernard) close November–May — check pass status on viasuisse.ch
Winter driving requires snow tyres or chains (mandatory from November 1 in mountain areas); carry chains as a minimum
Be aware of mountain bike trails — hikers and cyclists may share the same paths; yield accordingly
In case of a medical emergency in Valais, call 144 (ambulance) or 112 (European emergency number)
Frequently asked questions
Is Valais safe to visit in 2026?
Valais is one of the safest destinations in Europe, with Switzerland consistently ranking among the world's lowest-crime countries. The main safety considerations are mountain-specific: alpine weather, avalanche risk in winter, and altitude effects. Emergency services: police at 117, medical at 144.
What is the best time to visit Valais?
The best time to visit Valais is June–September and December–March. Valais enjoys the driest and sunniest climate of any Swiss canton, with over 300 sunny days per year in the central Rhône Valley — a consequence of the mountains blocking Atlantic weather systems. The
Do I need a visa to visit Valais?
Entry requirements follow Switzerland rules. Switzerland is a Schengen Area member; EU/EEA citizens need only a valid ID, while most other nationalities require a Schengen visa valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Valais?
The currency in Valais is the Swiss Franc (CHF). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Valais?
The main language(s) spoken in Valais: French, German, Italian. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Valais?
The top attractions in Valais include Matterhorn, Aletsch Glacier, Zermatt Village, Gornergrat Railway and Viewpoint, and Leukerbad Thermal Baths. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.