Valais
The Valais is known for its spectacular high mountain landscape in the heart of the Western Alps. Some of the highest peaks in Switzerland rise here. Both the Bernese Alps in the north of the canton and the peaks of the main Alpine ridge on the border with Italy rise well above 4000 metres. The Matterhorn and Monte Rosa are two of the most famous Alpine peaks in the Valais. Deep down in the valley, the Rhone crosses the canton from east to west.
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The Valais – fascinating alpine landscape in the southwest of Switzerland
The Valais certainly does not lack scenic superlatives. The majestic Matterhorn, probably the most photographed mountain in the world, rises just like the Dufourspitze - at 4634 metres the highest peak in Switzerland.
The canton also has the three largest glaciers in the Alps - the Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gorner Glacier and the Fiescher Glacier.
Photo: Frederic Huber, Valais/Wallis Promotion
But it is not only the High Alps that characterize the landscape in Valais. The Rhone Valley runs right through the entire canton and with its vineyards, picturesque towns and idyllic side valleys is particularly beautiful.
Close to the town of Sierre is the border between the German-speaking Upper Valais and the French Lower Valais.
Photo: David Carlier, Valais/Wallis Promotion
Outdoor activities in Valais
The Valais, with its 300 sunny days a year, is a popular destination for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts.
In winter, first-class ski areas such as the Matterhorn Ski Paradise, Saas-Fee or the Aletsch Arena offer a great guarantee of snow and the finest skiing fun.
In the summer months, hikers cavort in the Valais side valleys, while mountaineers climb the rugged peaks of over 45 four-thousand-metre peaks and cyclists pedal along the Rhone or over steep mountain passes.