Valais
Valais is the third largest canton in Switzerland, stretching from Lake Geneva to the Rhine Plain.
The region is called the «kingdom of recreation». First of all, for the extraordinary nature of the region: these are picturesque lakes, huge chains of mountains, dangerous gorges, as well as green valleys and thermal springs. In winter majestic peaks shape panoramas here and at the same time provide a unique setting for winter sports. Valais and its multitude of mighty shape is highest sports resorts and guarantee of snow. Even at the peak of summer you can still ski high up in the glacial world above. In summertime sun’s rays bathe the wonderful unspoilt countryside with its mountains, meadows, vineyards, and trees in a glorious light. You can enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year in the sun-kissed valley.
The main attraction of Valais is, of course, the Alps. The local views are truly fascinating. Snow-capped mountain tops, endless green slopes, as well as glacial lakes. Valais is one of the main tourist centers of the country with famous resorts such as Zermatt, Champery, Crans Montana, Leukerbad. Cozy ski towns welcome guests all year round.
Sion is the capital of Valais, a city lost between the ridges of mountains, is known as the most sun-blessed town in Switzerland. The two hillocks that dominate the town are crowned by the 13th-century Château de Tourbillon and Château de Valère (Valeria). It is now containing a historical museum and 13th-century church. Other notable buildings are the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-du-Glarier, the Church of Saint-Théodule, the town hall, and the remains of the Château de la Majorie, now housing an art gallery.
Zermatt is a small but very famous town, one of the most prestigious ski resorts. Every year thousands of tourists come to this place to admire the beauty of the pearl of these places, the Matternhorn — a sharp pyramid-shaped peak. It is worth, if not skiing, then at least mastering one of the hiking routes that lead around this symbol of the country. What is also most striking in Zermatt is the silence. There are no cars here, which immediately creates a cozy atmosphere and let you enjoy alpine fresh air. For hicking lovers Zermatt offers magnificent panoramic hiking trails.
Saas Fee — in another car-free popular ski resort lies at the foot of Switzerland’s highest mountain, the Dome. It is over 150 km of trails for downhill skiing and snowboarding with a high guarantee of excellent snow cover. In summer, numerous excursion destinations, 350 km of hiking and trails, attract visitors. In the cold season, Saas-Fee with its excellent snow conditions and fantastically prepared pistes is the mecca for winter sports lovers. The Dome In Saas Fee you will find the highest revolving restaurant in the world- Allalin. It rotates around its own axis in one hour, at a comfortable pace. In comparison to other similar restaurants, its style is a confident mix of alpine and modern design. From here The Dome Mountain can be admired particularly well. Amazing and unique experience.
Siders (French: Sierre), pleasantly situated on a number of hills and nestling among vineyards, is a small town in the Valais blessed with a great deal of sunshine. It is advantageously positioned on the border between Upper and Lower Valais and on the language border between French and German. The Romans called it «the town of a hundred hills». On some of these hills, castles and fortresses were built and settlements grew up round about them. Today, these settlements have joined together to form the little town of Siders. At its heart are the richly decorated Town Hall and the picturesque Rue du Bourg, lined with historic houses and the parish church of Ste-Catherine. Many artists have fallen in love with the location and culture of the town.
Martigny is an ancient city with more than 2000 years of history. Celtic tribes, Romans and Napoleonic troops left their traces here. The restored amphitheater, Roman thermal baths, temples, and residential quarters make up the charm of modern Martigny. Surrounded by gardens and vineyards, Martigny is also known for its gastronomic restaurants. The Pierre Gianadda Foundation is the most important cultural object of Martigny, including the Gallo–Roman Museum, the automobile Museum and annual exhibitions of major artists with international fame.
Villars is located in the heart of the Vaudois Alps, right above Lake Geneva, surrounded by Alpine peaks. Away from the noise and bustle of big cities. Villars is a calm, slow—paced ski resort, ideal for beginner skiers. An excellent, picturesque resort, a great place for families with children. A variety of opportunities for both winter and summer holidays. During the year, Villars offers many interesting events and activities: special children’s programs, folklore and music festivals, a Christmas market, the famous charity race «BCV 24 Hours nonstop ski&charity» with the participation of famous Formula 1 racers.
The Great Aletsch Glacier with its 10 billion tons of ice is the largest in the Alps. It is another must see point of the region. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire region constitutes a superb natural habitat for many rare species of plants and animals that can be admired during a hike and especially from the Eggishorn vantage point.
The MontFort is paradise for all those who love the high mountains and magnificent panoramas. Accessible by cable car from La Tzoumaz, Verbier or Nendaz, the peak offers 360-degree views taking in the Matterhorn, the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc. Europe’s highest zip line runs from the Mont Fort down to the Col des Gentianes.
Leukerbad Therme is the largest thermal spa in the entire Alpine region. Every day, water rich in minerals bubble out of the region’s hot springs at 51° C, feeding the 30 thermal pools of Leukerbad. Here you will also find stepping bath and water slides, plus the modern sauna landscape and a wide range of wellness and naturopathic offerings. The calcium-sulphate-rich water with its remarkable fluoride content and the majestic views of the Daubenhorn massif round off the experience of peace and relaxation.
The subterranean lake of St-Leonard is located along the Rhone valley, between Sion and Sierre in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The underground lake is the largest in Europe, at 300 metres long, 20 metres wide and 10 metres deep. It is trully unusual and mysterious place. The boat trip enables visitors to discover the nooks and crannies of this lake cavern with its distinctive atmosphere.
Local gastronomy, simple and hearty cuisine, an echo of pastoral, rural life. Be sure to try the local fondue. Valais residents especially like to eat it in cold rainy weather. Then they sit by the fireplace and dip bread slices in melted cheese mixed with white wine. Raclette can also be attributed to the national dishes of Valais. Cheese is rubbed into small pieces, warmed up, and then pour it over the potatoes. Valais style dried meat is considered as a special delicacy. It was in this region where beef was first cooked in a special way, slicing it into thin slices, treating it with branded spices and leaving it to dry for several days. Dried meat turns out to be so delicious that the dish quickly gained wide popularity.
Most dishes in Switzerland have cheese in their composition, which means they are perfectly combined with white wine. In Valais you can taste such brands of wine as «Dezaley», «St.-Saphorin», «Johannisberg» and «Twanner». Desserts here are on a special account. In any restaurant you can find all kinds of fruit cakes, carrot cake and the famous Zug cherry cake. And, of course, do not deny yourself the pleasure of trying real Swiss chocolate.
