Best Places to Visit in Valais | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Valais Travel Guide
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Welcome to Valais, Switzerland! Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Valais is a picturesque region known for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and world-class ski resorts. With over 45 peaks reaching heights of over 4,000 meters, including the iconic Matterhorn, Valais offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The region is also home to numerous vineyards, producing some of Switzerland's finest wines. Whether you're seeking adventure on the slopes, a relaxing getaway in a quaint mountain village, or a taste of Swiss culture and cuisine, Valais has something for everyone.
Valais Travel Videos
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Best Places To Visit in Valais
1. Zermatt : Zermatt is a picturesque town located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. It is famous for its stunning views of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains in the world. Visitors can enjoy skiing, hiking, and mountain biking in the surrounding area, as well as exploring the charming town center with its traditional Swiss architecture and cozy cafes.
2. Verbier : Verbier is a popular ski resort town located in the Valais region of Switzerland. It is known for its challenging ski runs and lively apres-ski scene. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and mountain biking in the summer months, as well as exploring the town's many shops and restaurants.
3. Crans-Montana : Crans-Montana is a beautiful mountain resort town located in the Valais region of Switzerland. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and its world-class ski runs. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, golfing, and mountain biking in the summer months, as well as exploring the town's many shops and restaurants.
4. Saas-Fee : Saas-Fee is a charming alpine village located in the Valais region of Switzerland. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and its excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and mountain biking in the summer months, as well as exploring the town's many shops and restaurants.
5. Brig : Brig is a historic town located in the Valais region of Switzerland. It is known for its beautiful old town, which features traditional Swiss architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Visitors can also explore the town's many museums and galleries, as well as enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
6. Sion : Sion is a beautiful town located in the Valais region of Switzerland. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and its historic old town, which features traditional Swiss architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Visitors can also explore the town's many museums and galleries, as well as enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
7. Martigny : Martigny is a charming town located in the Valais region of Switzerland. It is known for its beautiful old town, which features traditional Swiss architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Visitors can also explore the town's many museums and galleries, as well as enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
8. Leukerbad : Leukerbad is a picturesque mountain resort town located in the Valais region of Switzerland. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and its world-class spa facilities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and mountain biking in the summer months, as well as exploring the town's many shops and restaurants.
9. Nendaz : Nendaz is a beautiful mountain resort town located in the Valais region of Switzerland. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and its excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and mountain biking in the summer months, as well as exploring the town's many shops and restaurants.
10. Visp : Visp is a charming town located in the Valais region of Switzerland. It is known for its beautiful old town, which features traditional Swiss architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Visitors can also explore the town's many museums and galleries, as well as enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
Hotels Map Of Valais
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Tours And Activities In Valais
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Food & Drinks To Try In Valais
1. Raclette: Valais is famous for its delicious raclette cheese. This traditional Swiss dish involves melting the cheese and scraping it onto boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions. It is a must-try when visiting Valais.
2. Fondue: Another classic Swiss dish, fondue is a melted cheese dish served in a communal pot. In Valais, you can find variations such as fondue moitie-moitie, which combines Gruyere and Vacherin cheeses. Dip pieces of bread into the melted cheese for a truly indulgent experience.
3. Rosti: Rosti is a Swiss potato dish that originated in the canton of Bern but is popular throughout Switzerland, including Valais. It consists of grated potatoes that are fried until crispy and golden brown. Rosti is often served as a side dish with meat or as a breakfast option with eggs.
4. Birnenweggen: This traditional Valais pastry is made with a sweet dough filled with pears, nuts, and spices. It is typically enjoyed as a dessert or with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of the soft, sweet filling and the flaky pastry crust is simply delightful.
5. Apricots: Valais is known for its apricot orchards, and the region produces some of the best apricots in Switzerland. Try fresh apricots or indulge in apricot-based desserts such as tarts, jams, or liqueurs. The sweet and tangy flavor of Valais apricots is truly unique.
6. Valais wines: Valais is one of Switzerland's premier wine regions, producing a wide variety of excellent wines. The region is known for its white wines, particularly those made from the Chasselas grape. Don't miss the opportunity to visit local wineries and sample some of Valais's finest wines.
7. Chestnut specialties: Valais is also famous for its chestnuts, and you can find various chestnut-based dishes and products in the region. From roasted chestnuts sold by street vendors to chestnut soups, cakes, and even chestnut liqueurs, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this autumnal treat.
8. Bundnerfleisch: Although not exclusive to Valais, Bundnerfleisch is a popular dried meat specialty in Switzerland. It is made from air-dried beef, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, and thinly sliced. Bundnerfleisch is often enjoyed as a snack or used in sandwiches.
9. Swiss chocolate: Switzerland is renowned for its high-quality chocolate, and Valais is no exception. Indulge in a variety of Swiss chocolate treats, from pralines to chocolate bars, and experience the rich and smooth flavors that have made Swiss chocolate famous worldwide.
10. Herbs and Alpine plants: Valais's alpine environment is home to a wide range of herbs and alpine plants that are used in traditional cuisine. Look out for dishes that incorporate these local herbs, such as mountain herb soups or herbal teas, to experience the unique flavors of the region.
Best Time To Visit Valais
The best time to visit Valais, Switzerland is during the summer months of June to September. This is when the weather is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. It is also the peak tourist season, so you can expect crowds and higher prices. However, this is also the ideal time to explore the stunning landscapes of Valais, including the majestic Swiss Alps and the beautiful vineyards. If you prefer skiing or snowboarding, the winter months of December to February are the best time to visit Valais. During this time, the region transforms into a winter wonderland, with excellent snow conditions and a wide range of winter sports activities available. Just keep in mind that the temperatures can be quite cold, ranging from -5 to 5 degrees Celsius, so make sure to pack warm clothing.
Flight Calendar For Valais
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Transportation To Valais
There are several transportation options to Valais, Switzerland.
1. By Air: The nearest international airport to Valais is Geneva Airport (GVA), which is well-connected to major cities in Europe and other parts of the world. From the airport, you can take a train or a bus to reach Valais.
2. By Train: Switzerland has an extensive and efficient train network. You can take a train from major Swiss cities like Geneva, Zurich, or Bern to reach Valais. The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) operates regular train services to various towns and cities in Valais.
3. By Car: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car and drive to Valais. The region is well-connected by highways, and the drive offers beautiful scenic views. However, keep in mind that parking can be limited in some towns, and tolls may apply on certain roads.
4. By Bus: There are also bus services available to Valais from neighboring regions and cities. The PostBus Switzerland operates regular bus services to various towns in Valais.
5. By Cable Car: Valais is known for its stunning mountain landscapes and ski resorts. Some areas in Valais, especially the mountainous regions, can be accessed by cable cars or gondolas. This is a unique and scenic way to reach certain destinations within Valais.
Once you are in Valais, you can use public transportation options like trains, buses, and cable cars to explore the region further.