Rue Pré-Fleuri 6, P.O. Box 1469, 1951 Sion, Switzerland T +41 (0)27 327 35 70, F +41 (0)27 327 35 71 info@valais.ch, www.valaistourism.ch Photos: Andenmatten Thomas, DEPREZ photo crans montana, Fischer Lorenz Andreas, Luftseilbahnen FieschEggishorn AG, Maire Olivier, Panchard F., Perraudin François, Perret Christian, Riederalp Mörel Tourismus, Ritz Olivier, Ruetschi Martin, Schuerpf Christof, Shapiro Mark, Sierre Anniviers Tourisme. Printed in Switzerland.
Stellisee, Zermatt
St. Bernard Dog
The Sunny Side of Holidays Valais
www.valaistourism.ch
An Extraordinary Realm.
Shadows and light, highs and lows, sounds and silence, movement and tranquil relaxation; in Valais, an extraordinary realm between north and south, dream holidays are within reach. Discover alpine landscapes created by Mother Nature – and a matchless place full of contrasts that’s blessed with more than its fair share
Patiefray, Verbier
of sunshine and healthy enjoyment.
Kreuzboden, Saastal
Nature’s Super-Star Valais
Describing the Valais with superlatives is not difficult. Here, stunning sights are lined up like a
tain landscapes at times appear surreal. Such words may seem over the top for the average
beautiful string of pearls contending for the favour of observers. Mother Nature’s superb spec-
Valasian – as excessive devotion is a bit out of character. Born and bred Valaisans leave such
tacle arouses all kinds of emotions in the cradle of the famous four-thousand-metre peaks –
flowery descriptions to individuals they call ‘Üsserschwizer’ (or non Valaisans) as explained with
with splendid deep valleys and tidy terraces, sky-blue glacial lakes and pointed rocks, crispy-clear
an affectionate grin. Yet they’re delighted to share their homeland with others – and pleased to
ice and soft mossy greens. And as if this alone was not enough, the Gods also appear to have
meet kindred spirits who revel in their extraordinary realm of exciting contrasts. When can they
had a hand in things. The region is blessed with so much sun that the bright and beautiful moun-
welcome you?
Info: www.valaistourism.ch SEARCH 2716
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Eggishorn, Fiesch
Les Clochetons (Pierre-Avoi)
Grindjesee, Zermatt
Rhododendrons
Monte Rosa hut, Zermatt
A Place to Clear Your Head Valais
Loads of Sun and Few Clouds
There’s only one healthy recipe to escape all-too familiar grey days and personal lows: Climb
Depending on the region, Valais promises guests over 2000 hours of sunshine annually –
aboard one of our numerous mountain railways – and once here, just let go and submerge in one
even more than Switzerland’s most southern point. How is this possible? Reason is,
of the many activities or simply relax in the naturally stunning and original world of Valais. The
thanks to the Valaisan and Bernese Alps, which, like a barrier, separate the intermediate Rhone valley and numerous side valleys from the humid conditions often prevailing
air couldn’t be more refreshing whether taking a long hike, short tour or even ascending a moun-
in more northern or southern spheres. Rain clouds generally climb before these barriers –
tain summit – and nothing compares to healthy fresh air, relaxing ambiance and beautiful sur-
leaving the remaining winds to penetrate the Valais in the form of the dry and warm
roundings when it comes to wiping the slate clean and coming up with new and clear ideas.
‘Föhn’ wind that grants the region its Mediterranean-like climate.
www.valaistourism.ch/peaks
Blausee, Bettmeralp
Life’s Best Source Valais
As paradoxical as it sounds, at the same time as being the sunniest place in Switzerland, Valais
resources; crystal-clear mountain lakes, never-ending glaciers, enchanting grottos and under-
harbours the countries largest water supply. Arisen over time from natural rainfall, today the
ground lakes. Moreover, gently murmuring streams, at time modest and then again thunderous
reservoirs are a source of major wealth – providing people both at home and abroad with top
waterfalls – and even hot springs from which 51 °C water boldly bubbles. Such thermal sources
quality drinking water. Storing water in the form of artificial lakes with the aid of dams and dikes
invite both young and old to immerse in wellness centres that do you a world of good – and in
for the generation of power began long ago – and they continue to provide Switzerland with
particular are regarded as crowning glory after a delightful but exhausting day’s hike.
clean, renewable energy today. But most impressive of all is the diverse beauty of these precious
Info: www.valaistourism.ch SEARCH 2720
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Mysterious Suonen or Irrigation Channels
Many famous artists have wandered through Valais way back in time; including Johann Wolfgang
Suonen – sounding more Finnish than anything else – known as Bisse(s) in central and lower Valais,
von Goethe who demonstrated a particular fondness for caves and waterfalls – even the
are one of the most ingenious inventions ever found . . . and imagine, developed already during the early
Pissevache Falls in lower Valais were worthy of mention in his records. However, you’re best-off
Middle Ages and mini Ice Age. Call them what you like, these aqueducts were simply fantastic and served as irrigation system for arid areas, making agriculture possible. Exactly how they were constructed, and
asking the locals about the exact name and details of the latter . . . but one thing is for sure –
whether initiated by the Romans remains in part a mystery . . . but even if you can’t help us solve the
visitors back then were no doubt equally as amazed at the sights of the protected Aletsch
puzzle, you’re still welcome to pay us a visit and view our historical legacy.
glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as all tourists from every corner of the world are today!
Info: www.valaistourism.ch SEARCH 90481
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La Tièche, Crans-Montana
«Suone Wyssa», Belalp
Gorner Glacier, Zermatt
Underground lake, St-Léonard
Pure Enjoyment Valais
Imfeld, Binntal
Where Fox and Rabbit . . . Valais
. . . share the same space and fortunately for nature and the human race, more often again
of which around 100 are only found here. 57 different species of dragonflies also share the same
bearded vultures and lynx. Following a century in which even deer and chamois were a rare sight
space, along with 200 species of birds and 34 different types of reptiles, amphibians and fish.
in Valais, mankind has thought again and regained respect for the wonders of nature. Thanks to
Beautiful flowering plants with equally as attractive names such as Adonisröschen, Edelraute and
a number of protective measures a wide variety of animals can today be observed, thus bringing
Alpen-Mannsschild also reveal their faces to the observant, not forgetting of course the classics
life and adventure back to the depths of the valleys and highest mountain peaks. A natural park,
Enzian and Edelweiss. Incidentally, the intense colours of many mountain plants serve as form of
with thousands of surprises awaits visitors to Valais – and home to 1400 species of butterfly,
protection against the extremely bright light at high altitudes.
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Parks for All Senses
Natural Valaisans are said to have oodles of charm . . . and the tiniest inkling of stubbornness.
Valais can certainly be described as one big natural park and not all have the time and luck to
We like to hold fast to our values – and one of these has always been to live in harmony with
discover every nook, cranny and often concealed treasures. But don’t despair, because its good to
nature rather than working against it. Visitors witness this in the tender loving care donated to
know that special offers are available that bring you closer to the rich abundance of natural beauty on smaller spaces. The Binntal and Pfyn-Finges are such examples.
the management of our Alpine environment – comprising beautiful farms whose owners are delighted to show you as much as possible and offer you a cosy bed to sleep in if need be. Such hospitality is only natural here, and a welcome tourist attraction that blends in with the many other genuine and warm-hearted offers.
Info: www.valaistourism.ch SEARCH 90512
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Derborence
Montorge, Sion
Aletsch Glacier – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Crans-Montana
Time to Flourish Valais
Champoussin, Val d’Illiez
Who Discovered Them? Valais
Some bon-vivants insist that healthy pleasures are a Valaisian discovery . . . and words like
mild climate, promoting Valais as proud producer of traditional delicacies such as full-flavoured
Honni soit qui mal y pense . . . say it all! It could be that the centuries-long Italian influence of
cheeses and Valais rye bread, with or without the addition of local fruits and nuts. And be sure
our neighbouring country plays a role here – where there’s no room for understatements and
to try a taste of the special air-dried meat, treated in salt and herbal bath. A glass of exquisite
the virtue of modesty. Palatable pleasure is discovered for example in the approximately
wine goes down well here – and our range of wines are in part produced with grape sorts exclu-
40 different types of herbs grown by 150 families in their own back gardens – from which grand
sive to Valais, such as Cornalin, Petite Arvine, Amigne and Heida. Cheers!
quantities are delivered as vital component to sweet makers. Agriculture flourishes thanks to the
Info: www.valaistourism.ch SEARCH 26491
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Marlene Pass, Verbier
On The Move Valais
It’s not so long ago that horses, donkeys and backpacks were used in this environment as means
accompanied by local guides eager to share smugglers stories with you – as well as introduce you
of transport for getting food and merchandise to remote valleys through mountainous passes
to the cosiest inns with most delicious local specialities. Much is on the move in this part of the
and ravines. In particular, on renowned routes and so-called Saumpfaden trader’s paths that
world . . . with those who prefer walking to more challenging sports getting plenty of action on
connected northern Europe with the south. And we’re pretty sure that traders of those times
steep ascents – and sports such as paragliding, canyoning, kite-sailing and more causing the
would never have dreamt that one day such paths would be advertised as tourist attractions
pulses of the more adventurous to race. And even those who enjoy the simplest things in life,
with mule trekking for guests from all over the world! Today, the winding paths can be followed
such as peace and tranquillity also get their fill.
Info: www.valaistourism.ch SEARCH 2716
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In The Footsteps of Dinosaurs
Just looking at these pictures you get a good idea of what an excellent day feels like after an
Theme paths are particularly helpful when it comes to exploring Valais. For example the historic
active day in the refreshing mountain air beneath sky-blue heavens and radiant sunshine. And
Via Stockalper and cultural path between Brig und Gondo, which cover numerous constructions
here practically every kind of summer sport is possible – whether cycling or downhill biking,
and act as kind of living picture of the works of Napoleon and the famous king-of-trade Kaspar Stockalper. And particularly children are fascinated by the paths of Vallon du Vieux-Emosson;
swimming, riding and mini-golf or the real thing on beautifully kept fairways. Healthy action is a
where around a thousand footprints pertaining to different types of dinosaur that inhabited the
natural part of Valais, boon for your body and soul . . . and all rounded up with wine tasting or
earth over 200 million years ago make minds boggle.
good food in amicable and cosy ambiance at the end of the day . . . our idea of a perfect life!
Info: www.valaistourism.ch SEARCH 22088
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Kreuzboden, Saastal
Thermalp, Ovronnaz
Plan-Cerisier, Martigny
Adventure Forest, Vercorin
Riederalp
Derborence
Cheers! Valais
Stockalper Castle, Brig
The Land of Kings Valais
Powerful folks and rulers have left their mark on Valais during the course of its exciting history,
tell. The historic centre of the capital of Valais, namely Sion or Sitten, was already described by
all read about in the official tourism and culture guide. We have never had a king of our own –
the poet Rainer Maria Rilke as a delightful mix between Spain and the Provence. And attractive
unless, on second thoughts, we want to consider Kaspar Stockalper, king-of-trade in the 17th
alleyways between Tourbillon Castle and the Château de Valère entice one to linger a while and
century as such. He earned so much money he was able to build the monumental castle in Brig,
enjoy the many galleries, boutiques, coffee shops and tasteful restaurants. Martigny is certainly
comprising the three towers lovingly named Kaspar, Melchior and Balthasar after the three kings.
also worth a visit – and a trip to the Fondation Pierre Gianadda art museum, the reputation of
And the famous Baroque-style Stockalper Palace is not the only sight worth seeing with a tale to
which extends far beyond our borders, a must!
Info: www.valaistourism.ch SEARCH 2719
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Cow fighting, Alpe Tschorr, Ergisch
And the Land of Queens Valais
Something worthy of its own newspaper ‘Gazette des reines’, not surprisingly continually
more than a few scratches and no serious injuries. An interesting and not uncommon sight is
attracts more and more visitors. We are naturally talking about the traditional cow fights typical
also that of peaceful cows, game to surrender without a fight and consequently led back to the
to the region – where it’s the girls who enter combat for the precious crown! The notorious
pastures to graze. Queen of Cows is naturally the girl who stands her ground throughout. It goes
fights take place in a number of locations and end with Grand Final in Aproz. Contenders for the
without saying that these events are more lively festivals than dead-serious competitions . . .
Queen of Cows title are a robust and unique breed of Heren cow, characterised by their drive to
and furthermore that the festivities are accompanied by all sorts of Valasian specialities to wet
be the herd’s number one and willing to fight for it. And although they follow natural instincts
the throats of spectators and appease appetites.
with a good bit of head-banging and horn-locking, such battles fortunately end with nothing Info: www.valaistourism.ch SEARCH 34124
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From Golf Tournaments to Gampel OpenAir
Celebrating festivals is an easy task in Valais. Joyfulness is part of our nature – and we love
Whoever visits our website gets the impression that Valais is one big party and festival scene.
ancient traditions as much as new ideas and any special occasion that encourages us to blow our
And we’re not likely to contradict them, with highlights for lovers of classical music, the prestigious
horns. The sounds of the Alps are varied; folklore, classical concerts, jazz evenings, pop and rock
Verbier Festival in July, Gampel OpenAir in August for rock and pop fans and Saas-Fee Alpine Folk Music Festival for folklore fans. The late-summer Omega European Masters Golf Tournament
events with live acts, and all sorts of sounds surrounding regional and international sporting
in Crans-Montana with big names is yet another reason to bang the drums – and naturally the
events. And cultural events that delight the hearts of practically all are found in just about all
Vinea Swiss Salon for wine lovers at the beginning of September in Sierre, is reason enough to
places of our special realm.
pay us a visit! Info: www.valaistourism.ch SEARCH 2713
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International Alphorn Festival, Nendaz
European Masters, Crans-Montana
The Lord’s Grenadiers, Lötschental
Verbier Festival
Festivities in Trend Valais