Summer Excursions at VALAIS Matterhorn Region

VALAIS Matterhorn Region has unspoilt nature, fresh mountains air and 300 days of sunshine a year. Situated in the middle of 45 majestic 4000 meters’ peaks, this summer excursions destination has tremendous mountain view and an extraordinary panorama waiting to be discovered around every corner.

In summer, whether easy hiking, climbing or skiing on glacier slopes, everyone who spends an active and unforgettable holiday in the Valais mountains can look forward to the heights of enjoyment. Alongside this unique natural landscape, Valais also has its very own fauna: Marmots, Black neck goats, Black nose sheeps, Hérens cows – each of these traditional breeds shares typical qualities with the region’s inhabitants. Both have strong and loveable characters.

If you come from Italy, Brig is the gateway to the Valais. Brig is an ideal starting point for your summer excursions with its historic old quarter and the Stockalper Palace located in the sunny Upper Valais at the foot of the Simplon Pass. At the same time, you can also take a panoramic journey with the world’s slowest express train, the famous Glacier Express from Brig to Zermatt.

When you arrive in Zermatt, the Gornergrat train is the best way to travel up to the Gornergrat viewpoint and enjoy the best view of the iconic mountain Matterhorn. Then take the train down to Rotenboden station and enjoy the scenic 10-minute walk to Riffelsee (Mirror Lake). From there, you will see the Matterhorn reflecting off the crystalline waters of the lake. At sunrise there is also a breath-taking view of the Matterhorn at Riffelsee.

Aletsch Arena is a car-free plateau high above the Rhône Valley amidst breathtaking scenery, is reached in only seven to ten minutes by cable car. The three viewpoints Moosfluh, Bettmerhorn or Eggishorn offer the best view across the 23 km/14 mi long Aletsch Glacier, the longest ice flow in the Alps and the heart of the Swiss Alps’ Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site, and even as far as the Matterhorn or Jungfrau. Featuring easy summer hiking, the Aletsch Arena is heaven on earth for luxury alpinists alike.

80% sunny days, even you can ski in the summer: nowhere else are vacations as beautiful as in Saas-Fee. The 4,545 m/14,911 ft Dom, Switzerland’s highest mountain, can be viewed in all its glory from the world’s highest revolving restaurant. After enjoying lunch there, you can have a good chance to discover the glacier from inside the Ice Pavilion.

Enjoy an impressive tour across the Fee Glacier is utterly unique and an experience which can be enjoyed by everyone. Of course, let’s not forget Saas-Fee's cuddliest citizens either: the famous tame marmots. Summer is the best time to meet these cute little friendly marmots, feed them with peanuts and carrots. After a long trip, the full renovated 5 stars Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa is a perfect homey and luxury choice, which is a member of Relais & Château.

In the heart of the fascinating Valais mountains, you’ll find the largest thermal spa and wellness holiday resort in the Alps: Leukerbad. At Walliser Alpentherme & Spa Leukerbad, guests can enjoy a 200 square meter indoor thermal bath with water temperatures of up to 36°C / 97°F as well as an outdoor thermal bath (300 square meters, water temperature 36°) all set against a breathtaking Alpine offering perfect relaxation after a day of physical activities.

After a short walk from the village, you’ll reach the top of Leukerbad, the Gemmi. The Gemmi Alpine Crossing is a historical hike from Leukerbad to Kandersteg, undertaken by many famous people such as Thomas Cook and Goethe.

VALAIS Matterhorn Region is also famous for its unique heritage and rich Swiss traditions. The Alphorn is an old and traditional Swiss instrument. Every summer the international Alphorn festival takes place in the heart of the Valais at Nendaz/Veysonnaz.

Furthermore, the living Swiss icon, the famous St. Bernard dogs which can be found at Barryland, a family-friendly and interactive museum, are also looking forward to meeting you.  Last but not least, don’t forget to try a unique Gourmet experience of Cheese Raclette and Trockenfleisch (Natural Dry meat).