Combat de Reines
Spring (finals in Aproz, May)
The famous Hérens cow fights — queens of the herd battle for the crown in a festive arena atmosphere.
- Where
- Aproz and regional arenas
- Arrival
- Sion station / regional bus
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Valais · Travel guide
Language: FrenchCapital: Sion Guest card Glacier Express
Top sights
Zermatt and Matterhorn
Zermatt
Zermatt is a car-free alpine village beneath the Matterhorn, with mountain railways serving viewpoints such as Gornergrat and the Klein Matterhorn.
Visitor tip: Use the village train from Täsch and check mountain railway conditions; high-altitude weather can close viewpoints.
Plan your visitAletsch Glacier
Riederalp and Bettmeralp
The Aletsch Arena viewpoints above Riederalp, Bettmeralp and Fiescheralp look onto the Great Aletsch Glacier, the Alps’ largest glacier.
Visitor tip: Use marked viewpoints and trails only; check cableways and glacier safety guidance before setting out.
Plan your visitValère and Tourbillon castles
Sion
Sion’s twin hilltop landmarks pair the fortified Château de Tourbillon with the church and historic organ at Valère, overlooking the Rhône valley.
Visitor tip: Wear shoes suited to steep cobbled climbs and check access to Valère’s church and organ.
Plan your visit
Festivals & celebrations
The celebrations Valais is known for — confirm exact dates on the official agenda before travelling.
Tschäggättä
February
Lötschental's wild carnival — terrifying carved masks and fur costumes roam the valley.
- Where
- Lötschental villages
- Arrival
- Gampel-Steg / bus to Lötschental
Fête de la Brisolée & chestnut festivals
October
Roasted chestnuts and new wine celebrated in Fully and across the Rhône valley.
- Where
- Fully and Rhône valley
- Arrival
- Martigny station / bus to Fully
Christmas & winter lights
Sion & mountain-village advent
December
Sion's old-town market below the castles; Zermatt and Saas-Fee glow with torchlit processions.
Dates, programme & ticketsBefore you go
Dates above are typical periods, not confirmed schedules. Check opening hours, admission, age limits and accessibility with the organiser. Book popular concerts and accommodation early; public transport is usually the simplest way to reach busy town centres.
Summer spots
Zermatt
Valais
Summer in Zermatt opens high trails such as the Five Lakes Walk, with Matterhorn reflections at Stellisee when conditions are clear.
Visitor tip: Check lift operations and trail status; high routes may retain snow early in the season.
Plan your visitVerbier
Valais
Verbier is a base for alpine hiking and mountain biking, with lifts opening access to trails across the Four Valleys.
Visitor tip: Check which lifts carry bikes or hikers and confirm trail grading and weather.
Plan your visitSaas-Fee
Valais
Saas-Fee’s high mountain setting offers glacier viewpoints and marked walks beneath the Allalin and Mischabel peaks.
Visitor tip: Check cableway operation and altitude conditions; use only designated glacier routes.
Plan your visit
Winter spots
Zermatt winter
Valais
Zermatt’s extensive winter ski domain reaches high glacier terrain, with Matterhorn views from pistes above the car-free village.
Visitor tip: Review the live lift and piste report and respect marked boundaries; altitude and weather affect operations.
Plan your visitVerbier winter
Valais
Verbier anchors the Four Valleys ski area, with steep high-mountain pistes and extensive lift connections.
Visitor tip: Check the daily avalanche bulletin and lift status; off-piste terrain requires expert preparation.
Plan your visitSaas-Fee winter
Valais
Saas-Fee’s high-altitude ski area offers glacier-backed pistes beneath the Allalin, above the compact village.
Visitor tip: Check the glacier lift and piste report each day and take altitude seriously, especially on arrival.
Plan your visit
Check local weather, trail conditions and transport timetables before setting out. Mountain lifts and seasonal attractions may close; snow is not guaranteed.
Getting around
Many resorts include mountain railways or buses with overnight stays — check the resort's guest card.
Scenic train: Glacier Express
Quick answers for visitors
- When is the best time to visit Valais?
- Summer: High-alpine hiking, bisses water-channel walks and Saas-Fee glacier views. Winter: Skiing in Zermatt, Verbier, Saas-Fee and Crans-Montana.
- Which festivals is Valais known for?
- Combat de Reines (Spring (finals in Aproz, May)) · Tschäggättä (February) · Fête de la Brisolée & chestnut festivals (October)
- Is there a Christmas market in Valais?
- Sion & mountain-village advent — December
- Is there a guest card in Valais?
- Many resorts include mountain railways or buses with overnight stays — check the resort's guest card.
Have a question about Valais?
Ask locals and expats in the community forum — from guest cards to festival tips.
Ask the forum