Valais is Switzerland's third-largest and most dramatically alpine canton, home to 40 of the Alps' 52 four-thousand-metre peaks including the iconic Matterhorn. With the driest climate in Switzerland, over 300 sunny days a year, and the country's largest wine-growing region, it offers an extraordinary blend of high-altitude adventure, luxury resorts, and centuries-old culture.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Valais.
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1
Matterhorn
The Matterhorn is one of the most iconic mountains in the world, rising to 4,478 metres above Zermatt. Its distinctive pyramidal peak is best viewed from Gornergrat or reflected in the mirror-like surface of the Riffelsee lake.
Tip: Take the Gornergrat Railway for the classic panoramic view · Visit the Riffelsee in late summer for iconic reflection photos
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2
Aletsch Glacier
The Aletsch Glacier is the longest glacier in the Alps at 23 kilometres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that flows majestically through a landscape of ice and rock. The best views are from the Bettmerhorn or Eggishorn, reached by cable car from Bettmeralp.
Tip: Hike the Aletsch Panoramaweg trail along the glacier's edge · Stay in car-free Bettmeralp for a magical overnight experience
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3
Zermatt Village
Zermatt is Switzerland's most famous alpine resort village, entirely car-free and reached only by train. Stroll through charming timber chalets, browse high-end boutiques, and enjoy world-class restaurants all with the Matterhorn towering overhead.
Tip: Leave your car in Täsch and take the shuttle train · The Matterhorn Museum chronicles the dramatic history of the first ascent
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4
Gornergrat Railway and Viewpoint
The Gornergrat Railway is Europe's highest open-air cog railway, climbing from Zermatt to 3,089 metres above sea level for breathtaking panoramas of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and 29 surrounding four-thousand-metre peaks.
Tip: Book tickets online to save time · Stay on the train to the top rather than getting off at intermediate stops
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5
Leukerbad Thermal Baths
Leukerbad is Europe's largest alpine thermal spa resort, fed by natural hot springs at 51°C. The Burgerbad and Alpentherme complexes offer indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and treatments against a stunning backdrop of limestone cliffs.
Tip: Combine with the Gemmi Pass cable car for alpine views · Bring your own towel and bathrobe to save on rental fees
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6
Sion Old Town
The capital of Valais is one of Switzerland's oldest inhabited cities, with a charming medieval old town dominated by two extraordinary rocky outcrops each capped with a castle. The narrow streets are lined with wine bars, galleries, and Roman-era ruins.
Tip: Walk up to both Tourbillon and Valère castles for sweeping Rhône Valley views · Try local Fendant wine in one of the old town wine bars
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7
Tourbillon Castle
Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop above Sion, Tourbillon Castle is a ruined 13th-century fortress offering spectacular panoramic views over the Rhône Valley and surrounding Alps. The climb takes about 20 minutes and rewards with sweeping vistas.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky path up · Combine with a visit to Valère Basilica just across the valley
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8
Valère Basilica
Valère Basilica is a remarkable 12th-century fortified church that houses one of the world's oldest playable organs, dating from around 1390. Perched on the twin hill opposite Tourbillon, it offers magnificent views and extraordinary medieval art.
Tip: The attached Cantonal Museum of History is included in admission · Summer organ concerts are held here — check the programme
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9
Stockalper Palace
The Stockalper Palace in Brig is the largest secular Baroque building in Switzerland, constructed in the 17th century by merchant and statesman Kaspar Jodok von Stockalper. Its distinctive triple-towered facade and ornate arcaded courtyard are unmissable.
Tip: Join a guided tour for the full history · The palace garden is free to enter
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10
Verbier Ski Area
Verbier is the centrepiece of the 4 Vallées, Switzerland's largest ski area, with 410km of pistes spread across four valleys. Famous for its challenging off-piste terrain, vibrant après-ski scene, and stunning Mont-Fort glacier views.
Tip: Rent equipment in the village to save weight on the journey · Take the Mont-Fort cable car to 3,330m for unbeatable panoramas
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Matterhorn
Iconic 4,478m pyramidal peak above Zermatt
Stockalper Palace
Switzerland's largest secular Baroque building in Brig
Tourbillon Castle
Ruined 13th-century fortress above Sion with panoramic views
Zermatt Village
Car-free alpine resort beneath the Matterhorn
Grand St Bernard Hospice
11th-century mountain hospice at the Swiss-Italian border pass
Museums
Fondation Pierre Gianadda
World-class art and Roman history museum in Martigny
Matterhorn Museum (Zermatlantis)
Underground museum telling the story of the first Matterhorn ascent
Valère Basilica
Fortified medieval church housing the world's oldest playable organ
Cantonal Museum of History
Regional history and archaeology collection in Sion
Martigny Roman Amphitheatre
1st-century Roman amphitheatre and open-air archaeological park
Nature
Aletsch Glacier
23km UNESCO-listed glacier, the longest in the Alps
Riffelsee Lake
Alpine lake with iconic Matterhorn reflection
Lac de Moiry
Pristine turquoise alpine lake in Val d'Anniviers
Rhône Glacier
Source of the Rhône River with accessible ice grotto
Gemmi Pass
Dramatic alpine pass connecting Valais with the Bernese Oberland
Obergoms Valley
Remote cross-country skiing and hiking valley in eastern Valais
Cultural
Sion Old Town
Medieval capital with Roman roots and twin castle hills
Val d'Anniviers Villages
Authentic traditional Valaisan villages of Grimentz and Zinal
Bisse de Clavau
Ancient irrigation channel hiking path through vineyard terraces
Valais Wine Region
Over 22,000 winegrowers producing Fendant, Humagne, and Petite Arvine
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most attractions open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; some close Monday
- Fees
- Museum entry typically CHF 8–22; cable cars CHF 20–50 return
- Best Times
- Arrive early morning to avoid crowds at Zermatt and Gornergrat
- Booking
- Book Gornergrat Railway and Verbier ski passes online in advance
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Buy a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited access to trains, PostBus, and many cable cars
Zermatt is car-free — park in Täsch and take the shuttle train (CHF 9 return)
Check the weather forecast before mountain activities; conditions change rapidly
Many cable cars offer half-price in the shoulder season (May–June, October)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Valais?
Summer (June–September) for hiking and glacier access; December–March for skiing
Are guided tours available for Valais's attractions?
Available at major sites; typically CHF 15–40; mountain guides from CHF 150/day
Can I take photos at attractions in Valais?
Allowed everywhere outdoors; ask permission before photographing people
How much time do I need for Valais's main attractions?
Plan at least 5–7 days to see major highlights across the canton