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.
Local currency: Swiss Franc (CHF).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Valais.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- CHF 30–55/night (dorm bed at Youth Hostel Zermatt or similar)
- Budget
- CHF 60–100/night (simple guesthouse or budget hotel in Sion or Brig)
- Midrange
- CHF 130–250/night (3–4 star hotel in resort areas)
- Luxury
- CHF 350–1000+/night (5-star hotels like The Omnia Zermatt or W Verbier)
Food
- Street
- CHF 5–10 (bread roll, sausage, pastry, or coffee)
- Local
- CHF 15–25 (lunch plat du jour at a café or brasserie)
- Midrange
- CHF 35–65 (restaurant dinner with raclette and a glass of wine)
- Fine
- CHF 100–175+ (tasting menu at a GaultMillau or Michelin restaurant)
Transport
- Bus
- CHF 3–15 (PostBus rides within Valais)
- Taxi
- CHF 25–60 (short taxi rides; metered at CHF 3.50/km)
- Airport
- CHF 45–90 (train from Geneva Airport to Sion or Visp)
- Daytrip
- CHF 20–55 (train to Zermatt from Visp; Gornergrat Railway CHF 44 return)
Activities
- Museum
- CHF 8–22 (Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Matterhorn Museum, Valère Basilica)
- Sites
- CHF 0–10 (Tourbillon Castle free; most nature sites free)
- Tour
- CHF 30–80 (guided walking or wine tours)
- Excursion
- CHF 44–85 (Gornergrat Railway, Aletsch cable cars, ski day passes)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Valais costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
CHF 595 for 7 days (hostel beds, self-catering lunches, one or two paid attractions)
Midrange traveller
CHF 1,540 for 7 days (3-star hotels, restaurant dinners, day passes and cable cars)
Luxury traveller
CHF 4,900+ for 7 days (5-star hotels, fine dining, private guides and ski packages)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Buy a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited train, PostBus, and many cable car rides — it pays for itself in 2–3 days
Stay in Sion or Martigny as a base and take day trips to resorts like Zermatt rather than paying resort-level accommodation prices
Eat lunch at local cafés (plat du jour CHF 15–22) rather than dinner at restaurants
Shop at Migros or Coop supermarkets for self-catering supplies — both are excellent quality and affordable
Visit thermal baths at Saillon (CHF 18) instead of Leukerbad (CHF 26) for a more affordable spa experience
Travel in the shoulder season (May–June or September–October) for significantly lower accommodation and lift prices
Many cable cars offer 50% reduction with a Swiss Travel Pass — essential for budget mountain visitors
Free museum days are offered occasionally — check local tourism websites and Swiss Museum Passport
Pre-book train tickets (SBB app) at least 3 days ahead for supersaver prices on popular routes
Many ski resorts offer half-day passes from 1 PM at roughly half the full-day price
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Walk Tourbillon Castle and Valère Hill
Climb to both castle hilltops in Sion for free panoramic views over the Rhône Valley
Hike the Bisse de Clavau
Ancient vineyard irrigation trail above Sion through terraced vineyards with stunning views
Walk through Zermatt Village
Explore the charming car-free streets, historic chapel, and mountain views at no cost
Stroll the Sion Old Town
Explore medieval streets, Roman ruins, and the cathedral district for free
Walk the Rhône River Path
Flat riverside cycling and walking path through the Rhône Valley between Martigny and Sion
Visit Martigny Roman Amphitheatre
Free access to the well-preserved 1st-century Roman amphitheatre and archaeological park
Hike the Val d'Anniviers trails
Dozens of marked hiking trails through the valley are completely free to access
Explore Grimentz Village
Wander through one of Valais' most picturesque traditional villages for free
Fondation Gianadda Sculpture Park
The outdoor sculpture park surrounding the museum is free in summer
Simplon Pass drive or walk
Drive or cycle over the historic Simplon Pass connecting Valais with Italy for free