Hardly anywhere else is there such a fascinating richness and variety in nature, landscape, culture, climate and in the people themselves as in the Valais. Countless footpaths, mountain-bike trails, golf courses, thermal baths and family resorts are set against a backdrop of spectacular mountains reaching up to famously sunny skies.

People of the Valais: authentic and charming

The alpine cheese has been sliced, the wood fire is crackling, and from the oven comes the distinctive sweet-sharp aroma of baking rye bread. The Valais folk are looking forward to receiving their guests: to share the thrill of a traditional cow fight in the arena, or to join in a dance at a traditional Älpler festival.

They are special, Valais people. And proud, too: of their stunning natural landscapes, including of course the Aletsch glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Proud of their living traditions and customs, of the glorious larch forests, the refreshing mountain lakes and the sleepy villages, each with its historic heart. Sitting on the village benches they’ll happily chat with visitors about classic mountain tours, new mountain-bike routes, hidden paths, fascinating theme trails – and where to go for the best view. (It’s from the Eggishorn, so some say. Others disagree…!)

More time for Valais – and an hour closer to heaven

Thanks to the new Lötschberg base tunnel, it now takes one hour less to reach the Valais from the north of Switzerland.