Hiking in Val d’Anniviers

Find your hiking trail in Val d’Anniviers

Val d’Anniviers is a region in the Valais canton of Switzerland. It’s an alpine valley that has many villages and activities year-round. But of course, we’re focused on the hiking! You’ll be able to see peaks over 4000 meters, complete hut-to-hut tours, day hikes, and long-distance hikes in this perfect holiday destination. The region is beloved for its sweet villages, as well. You’ll have the possibility to hike through the mountains from one village to another, or to the Moiry Dam, or even up to the top of the Bella-Tola, a 3000+ meter peak in the region. The options are endless! But the benefit is you can end each day with delicious food and in a comfortable bed.

The hiking season typically runs from late spring to early autumn, though snow can linger on higher trails well into summer. You’ll want to book your accommodations in advance, especially if you’re planning to spend a night (or a few!) in the mountain huts, called cabanes.

One of the defining features of Val d’Anniviers is the Imperial Crown, a circle of five peaks that rise above 4000 meters. These mountains—Dent Blanche, Ober Gabelhorn, Zinalrothorn, Weisshorn, and Matterhorn — form the skyline that’s so unique to this region. You’ll see that the views will follow you throughout the valley, which is what makes them such a treat. And of course, as you hike higher into the mountains, you’ll have even better, unobstructed views.

Another special environmental feature in the area is the glaciers, which you can hire a guide to take you across. They reach far into the valley, and will even cover some sections of popular hikes, like the Bishorn Climb, right before you reach the peak. There are always some special elements like this sprinkled into what feels like a normal hike when you’re in Val d’Anniviers!

Day hikes in Val d’Anniviers

It’s possible to explore the valley in a day, and there are plenty of trails to choose from to do so. Some hikes lead to panoramic viewpoints, while others take you to alpine lakes or villages.

One great option is the hike to Moiry Dam, which starts from the village of Zinal. The trail climbs through forests and meadows before reaching the dam, where you’ll also be able to enjoy a restaurant, and if you so choose, can continue onward to the Cabane de Moiry for a final view before heading down.

Another popular day hike is the trail from St-Luc to the top of the Bella-Tola. This trail will take you a lot of the day, as you climb 1542 meters to the top of the peak, which sits at 3025 meters. You’ll have the chance to stop for snacks at the Cabane Balla-Tola as a reward for all your climbing before heading back down to St-Luc and can feel proud of a day well spent!

Finally, for a longer day, you can hike from Sierre to Illhorn, where you’ll also get to experience the sweet town of Chandolin, one of the highest towns lived in year-round in Europe, as you make your way. The trail itself is a T2, which means it’s accessible for most hikers.

Long Distance Hikes in Val d’Anniviers

The area has much to explore, which means you could spend days and days on the trails and would always be seeing new things! The long-distance hikes in the region are unmatched in Swiss views.

One of the best ways to experience the valley is the Walking Tour of Val d’Anniviers. This route takes you through the valley, linking together different villages, meadows, and mountain passes. Along the way, you sleep at traditional Swiss mountain huts or small hotels, which makes it a great option if you want to hike without carrying camping gear. The tour is rated as easy for most hikers and takes approximately five days.

Another famous long-distance route that passes through Val d’Anniviers is the Haute Route. This is a classic trek that connects Chamonix in France to Zermatt in Switzerland. However, something nice is that it passes through Val d’Anniviers, which makes it perfect for section hiking while you’re in the region.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can attempt the Bishorn Climb, which is the summit of the 4151-meter peak in the area. You’ll start in Zinal and spend the night at the Cabane de Tracuit before summiting and descending back to the valley on the second day. This trek is not for the faint of knees, as it climbs 2553 meters, and descends the same amount, in two days.

Val d’Anniviers should be a top consideration when you pick your next hiking holiday destination. The valley is located within one of the most beautiful cantons in Switzerland, and perhaps the world, and has something for every skill level.