Hiking in Valais/Wallis

Find Your Hiking Trail in Valais/Wallis

Valais is one of the best regions in Switzerland for hiking. Also known as Wallis, the canton is comprised of 13 different districts and has some of the most impressive peaks, gorging valleys, and well-marked trails in Europe. With over 8,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails, there’s something for everyone, from relaxed walks to multi-day treks. The canton is home to some of the country’s most famous hiking destinations, including Zermatt, Saas-Fee, and the Aletsch Arena. These are also where you’ll find some of the most distinct peaks in Europe, including the Matterhorn.

It’s also really easy to get around Valais to explore. Trains and buses connect all the major towns, and many trailheads are accessible by public transport. There are plenty of accommodation options, from hotels in towns like Martigny and Sion to mountain huts along the high-altitude routes. Whether you’re looking for a basecamp with good food or a remote hut in the mountains, you’ll find that this area has everything.

Day Hikes in Valais/Wallis

Valais is a very large region and has many hikes. Here you’ll find some of the most popular ones. The Mont de l’Arpille is a loop trail that starts at Col de la Forclaz, which you can reach by bus from Martigny. It’s a great day hike that takes you through forests and open landscapes before reaching the summit. The route has wide views over the Rhône Valley and is a solid choice for a half-day hike.

The Lac de Moiry hike from Val d’Anniviers is an accessible but rewarding trail that starts near the Moiry Dam. The path takes you along the lake and up towards the Moiry Hut, where you can stop for food or stay overnight. It’s a great way to see high alpine scenery without a long approach.

In the Aletsch Arena, you can try the Aletsch Panorama Trail. This route follows the edge of the Aletsch Glacier, which is also the largest glacier in the Alps. It connects Bettmerhorn to Fiescheralp and has nonstop views along the way. You can access the trail with cable cars from Bettmeralp or Fiesch, making it an easy day trip.

Finally, the Aiguille de Mex hike starts from the village of Mex and takes you up to Aiguille de Mex, where you get a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The climb is steady, and the trail is well-marked, which makes it a good option if you’re looking for a moderate challenge on your holiday.

Long-Distance Hikes in Valais/Wallis

In addition to day hikes, there are plenty of well-loved long-distance and hut-to-hut tours in Valais as well. One, the Tour des Dents-du-Midi, is a multi-day loop that circles the Dents-du-Midi mountain range. It’s a well-marked route with meadows, rocky ridges, and forest. You will stay in huts and lodges along the way, and the route is known as one of the classic long-distance hikes in the region.

Another great long-distance hike in Valais is the Tour du Grand-Chavalard. This is a loop trail that takes you around the Grand Chavalard with a mix of high-altitude trails and valley crossings. This is a hut-to-hut tour, which makes it a great way to stay immersed in the mountains without needing to return to town each night.

For a properly long hike, the Chemin des Cols Alpins is a trail that connects many high mountain passes in the Alps over almost 700 kilometers. It is possible to section hike the three stages that pass through Valais, which can be a great option if you’re looking for a multi-day trail without committing to a full thru-hike.

One of the favorite and most beautiful high-alpine routes in Europe is the Haute Route, which goes from Chamonix to Zermatt. The trail crosses multiple valleys in Valais, with stops in towns like Arolla and Grimentz. It’s a demanding route, but one of the best ways to experience the region’s alpine. Not to be taken lightly, it’s worth trying a few sections before you commit to hiking the full trail. This requires much experience in the alpine before attempting.

Choosing to hike in Valais is a strong decision if you’re looking for some classic Swiss culture intermixed with your nature. The canton is home to some of the highest peaks in Switzerland, including the Matterhorn, Weisshorn, and Dent Blanche. It’s also known for its wine, cheese, and prime alpine culture. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic trail or a challenging long-distance trek, you’ll find plenty of options here.