We’ve spent a few summer vacations in the Valais region in southern Switzerland, which is best know as the home of the Matterhorn. But it has so many other wonderful places to visit and hike besides Zermatt. Here are our favorites to get you started, with links to my posts for more details.
Contents
Valais Overview
Valais is a Swiss canton in southern Switzerland, shown highlighted in the map below. It includes Zermatt and other well-known destinations as Aletsch Arena, Crans Montana, Verbier, Saas-Fee, Leukerbad and Sion, the capital. The Valais tourism website has lots of helpful information about activities and accommodation for this region.
There are dozens, if not, hundreds, of hikes in this region. I’m just highlighting a few that we really enjoyed hiking as a family. These would be a good start for exploring this region.
1. Zermatt
Zermatt is the most famous part of the Valais, because of the Matterhorn, so you will definitely spend some time here. Our favorite activity in Zermatt is riding the Gornergrat train up the mountain to catch views of the Matterhorn and glaciers. From there, it’s an easy hike to the beautiful Riffelsee lake shown below. The Sunegga area is also nice for families, with a playground near another small lake with Matterhorn views.
2. Aletsch Arena
The main attraction at the Aletsch Arena is views of the impressive Aletsch glacier, shown below. There are many hiking options with glacier views. But families with small children will like the short and easy panorama path along the ridge above Riederalp. The alpine village has a beautiful lake for picnics, mini-golf, mountain scooters and other amusements.
3. Saas Fee
The Saas Fee area has many great hikes and activities for families. We enjoyed the Hohsaas area, which has a short hike near the glacier plus a big playground and theme trail for children at the middle station. We also liked the Almagelleralp panorama trail, which has an optional cliff walk with suspension bridges, narrow wooden walkways, steep ladders (no safety equipment required).
4. Leukerbad
Beautiful high alpine valley, with thermal baths as the main attraction. Multiple hike options in valley and on surrounding mountains. We had a great time at the thermal baths there.
6. Nendaz
Nendez is a quiet alpine village that caters to families, with theme trails for children with activity booklets, fun playgrounds, and family-friendly amusements. We particularly enjoyed our hike to Lake Cleuson shown below.
See our Nendaz 2 Day Itinerary
5. Verbier
At the far western end of the Valais valley, Verbier is well known as a ski resort, but it is great in summer too. We enjoyed the Bisse du Levron walk along the ancient irrigation canal, one of the many “Bisse” walks in the Valais.
7. Sion
Historic town in the Valais valley, with four castles, including the charming ruins of Tourbillion. See official website.
7. Rainy day options:
Over the two weeks, we had three full days of rain and a few partially rainy days. Swimming at the thermal baths was our best option. We particularly liked Brigerbad in the main Valais valley, near Brig. We also went bowling at Fun Planet in Brig.
2 responses
Thank you for the informative blog – pictures are beautiful.
Do you know any affordable places to stay in the Valais region, particularly near the Arletsch Gletcher? ( CHF 50-180) We are two families, 3/4 people. A Herberge would be great or any other than an expensive Hotel/Pension. Thank you very much. Sunny greetings…S
The only one I know is the https://www.sport-resort.ch/ which is a youth hostel but also has family rooms. It’s definitely more affordable than hotels in the area, but since they charge per person it can add up. They include breakfast and access to their sport facilities, which is great. But I would probably recommend for such a big group renting an apartment. Just a quick search turned up this: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4945235