Summer map (en)

Pure enjoyment Valais

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We will tell you quite frankly: our goal is to lead you astray – on a trip to our country and a

realm that seduces people with such attractive diversity that it’s easy to lose an overview. This

guide should nevertheless help you pick a place and time to discover holiday happiness that

promotes everlasting memories. What’s your priority? Landscapes full of contrasts and fasci-

nating originality? The promise of being pampered with loads of sunshine and warmth? Or

perhaps countless opportunities to hike through valleys and mountains surrounded by mighty

peaks, the freshest of air and plenty to discover. As a first step, why not dive into the internet

to view our broad range of ideas that are sure to further arouse your curiosity. Highly recom-

mended and also available in book stores or through our website is the culture and travel

guide; packed full of information about everything concerning Valais. Theme brochures, avail-

able for download, also cover diverse topics. But best of all . . . why not get personally acquain-

ted with canton Valais, by paying us a real-live visit. We’re delighted to be able to extend you

a very warm welcome already today!

Nice to Welcome You Already Today! Valais


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Dream-like Villages Valais

Places exist in Valais the names of which shine way beyond those listed as a must-

see – places and things which are certainly worth visiting, even without the more famous

names . . . although we don’t intend depriving them of their well-earned applause. It would sim-

ply be a great pity to miss out on the beauty of our sleepy villages; inhabited today as they were

years ago, with an authentic and almost contagious lifestyle resembling that of the peace and

tranquillity enjoyed in times gone by. Small jewel-like towns wait to delight the eye and warm

the hearts of visitors. Historic tales further enliven the adventure – and the cultural spectrum,

characterised by traditions in which you can get personally involved in, goes hand in hand with

many of today’s more contemporary facets. Not to be forgotten are also the many places offering

virtually all kinds of sporting activities to make hearts and pulses race faster. And there’s

no lack of a spirited selection of recreational activities either – for both children and adults!

So what now? We suggest you lean back in your chair and take a careful look at our website.

You won’t be disappointed – and planning is half the fun.

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With Valais You Can’t Go Wrong Valais

Accommodation with us is never purely a place to sleep; it is always a part of our naturally

in-born and greatly appreciated hospitality. Regardless of whether you select a hotel, an apart-

ment, bed and breakfast or even a camping site, our first priority is your well-being. Our range

of overnight accommodation is as diverse as guests themselves, but always warm and friendly

to make you feel entirely at home; typical Valais-style family hotels in contrast to non-plus-

ultra luxury hotels and more. Wellness resorts and protected historical hotels are just as easy

to find as simple, comfortable inns, together with children’s hotels that bring an unmistakable

sparkle to their eyes! Beds of straw too, enjoyed by all who’d like to take a trip back in time.

However, one thing all the various types of accommodation have in common is their culi-

nary spoils; ranging from tasty, authentic Valais dishes to traditionally rustic specialities – and

naturally those to suit the palates of gourmets. The choice is yours, depending on the mood

of the day and your budget. On viewing www.valaistourism.ch you will find plenty of offers

and also be able to directly compare prices, as well as make direct bookings. A small tip: watch

out for our attractive special offers and all-inclusive deals. Simply give us a call in case of any

questions! Telephone +41 (0)27 327 35 70.


Sunny Forecasts Valais

Of course we don’t have a direct line to Petrus the weather-maker, but one thing is certain –

there is nowhere else in Switzerland where you can soak up as much sunshine as here in

Valais. And if you want to double-check on such a comment, then why not take a look on the

net to see where the sun shines most with the aid of our Live Cams. By following the links you

also receive more detailed information on the local weather.

There is Always Something Going OnIt’s spoken about throughout the country – and even around the world. And mountainous

Valais is slowly but surely becoming a great insider-tip for all kinds of events. Small, traditional

festivities that shine with unmistakable charm, as well as large and international events in the

arts, music and sports – and what could be a nicer or easier way of getting to know a place

and it’s people better? We suggest you take a quick look on the internet to see what’s going

on where and when – according to the date, location and the type of event you’re interested

in.

A Distinguished Spot We are proud as well as most honoured to have received both the “Valais Excellence” label

together with ISO 9001 rating for quality and 14001 for environmental affairs. What does this

mean for you? It means the security of knowing you are getting the best! The label is given to

companies in Valais who are engaged in a sociably and environmentally responsible manner –

rewarding their constant striving to improve their offers. “Valais Excellence” is a guarantee that

all companies bearing this distinguished label are a genuine part of Valais.

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Info: www.valaistourism.ch

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Hiking, Sport and Adventure Valais

As confirmed by a glance at the pictures in this brochure; hiking is one of the most popular

sports in Valais – and has little in common with the leather bags and red socks that accom-

panied our grandparents many years ago. Hiking has rightly become a fashionable sport . . .

and all roads lead back to the start at some point along the line. Hiking in refreshingly pure

mountain air, passing beautiful scenery and picturesque villages, couldn’t be more pleasurable

or relaxing. Stimulating too, as it not only grants the body and soul genuine well-being, but

also a pause to gather new inspiration. Have we succeeded in awakening your curiosity for

new and refreshing ideas? Valais Tourism and Valrando have compiled the best topical hikes

for you, supplemented with individual maps. There’s also plenty to do for those who pre-

fer moving around on two wheels at his or her own pace to discover this charming region.

We recommend all those who get their kicks out of sport and adventure to visit our website.

We promise you that you will find many offers guaranteed to get your adrenaline going!


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Excursions and Exploration Valais

Even viewed as a whole, Valais can’t be described as big; which makes it all the more asto-

nishing to discover so many treasured attractions and worthwhile excursions in a relatively

small area. Those who want to get acquainted with the rich history of the place is almost spoilt

for choice. In order to gain a quick overview, we’d suggest a visit to the museum of history

in the Château de Valère in Sion – the castle and the castle church are very impressive. Just

like the Abbey of St. Maurice and the many historic buildings scattered throughout Valais from

different eras. Even disused forts are open today. However, the wonders of nature are reason

alone to find time for excursions – the underground lake near St-Léonard, to name just one

captivating excursion – complete with an almost magical boat trip. Three renowned ice caves

are a further attraction; each fascinating in its own special way. A glittering spectacle is also

presented through several canyons with secure galleries and boardwalks; which for some is

adventure enough. And to learn more about the region’s inhabitants – other than the com-

mon two-legged (man) kind – a trip to the Alpine Zoo in Les Marécottes is a must! Here you’re

greeted with the charm of the marmots, the odd snow owl with condescending glance, and

the distinguishing qualities of many other rather shy animals that one generally only sees with

a bit of luck in Valais . . . or with a good deal of patience.


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A Kingly Realm for Children Valais

We Valaisians are family people. We love to laugh and spend time with our families and to sit

in amicable ambiance and enjoy the simple joys in life. And we’re equally as keen to see you

and your family enjoy life and make you feel comfortable. No fewer than nine resorts bear the

“Families Welcome” symbol – which means family-friendly accommodation at family friendly

prices, game programmes, children’s menus and more. Boredom is an unknown word here,

as children love our mountains, where they can let off steam to their heart’s content and act

as children do. And there’s so much to discover; adventure-woods, climbing parks, campfires,

discovery trails, enclosures with animals to pet, large walk-through mazes and plenty more

to mention if we had the space. Fun and games are also guaranteed in the Aquapark in Le

Bouveret, the Ravensburger game-path in Grächen, children’s circus in the Aletsch region,

the Lucky-Luke scavenger hunt in Ovronnaz or the planet-path in St-Luc. And if you feel like

relaxing alone for once, then that will not be a problem either! We care for your children with

activities that will keep them talking once they get back in your arms . . . activities such as

baking pizza, painting T-shirts, handicrafts and more.


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Hot Springs to Immerse In Valais

What famous and celebrated names such as Pablo Picasso and Alexandre Dumas learnt to

appreciate way back in time has enjoyed a wonderful comeback in recent years; the pleasure

of bathing in beneficial hot springs with source from the heart of the mountains. Amid stun-

ning Alpine scenery, several thermal bathing centres attract guests with everything imagina-

ble in the world of wellness. Stop for a moment and envisage a visit to a Roman-Irish pool,

followed by a soothing soap-brush massage! Or being gently packed in a wrap of beneficial

hay flowers, after which you immerse in a bath enriched with essential oils. Aesthetic care

is important too – and beauty treatments with unique Valaise grape seed products a great

way to be pampered inside and out! First you’re served a glass of tasty Valais wine, after

which your body is treated with grape seed oil; the vital contents of which does you a world

of good in supporting the combat of premature ageing. Pampering is also on the cards for

the body-conscious male; with Day-Spa-Arrangements and anti-stress treatments offered.

In Leukerbad guests also enjoy the delights of a cinema viewed from the pool, naturally

showing the latest movies along with the classics. If you’d like to know more, and we can’t

say we blame you . . . our Wellness Brochure is available for order via our Internet page – we’ll

gladly send you one!


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Culture at Your Discretion Valais

With our brochures and excursion proposals we have already attempted to provide you with

a small taste of what to expect in the way of museums, monuments and our most famous

cultural events. Take the music scene for example: Mid-July welcomes classical treats in the

musical town of Ernen – for many a well-kept secret, as it’s more a family event and enjoyed

as an “Anti-Star” festival. August and September journeys lead to the “International Festival of

Music” in Sion and Zermatt for classical music fans. And if you’d like to be among the crowd

enjoying festivities of a traditional nature, then we’d suggest you take part in the “Folklore

Music Festival Vanessa Grand Open Air” in Leuk in June, the “Blatten Summer Night Event”

in the Lötschental Valley or the “Alpine Choir Festival” in late September . . . where you are

permitted to open your mouth and join in! Original summer festivals include the Vercojazz,

with New Orleans Jazz as its core theme. Friends of the blues meet in late August at the

“Sierre Blues Festival” – and Valais not only rocks with the “Gampel OpenAir” festival but also

animates with several enlivening events such as the smaller “Open Air Lax”. A totally different

kind of cultural event takes place in July in Champéry; with the introduction of the arts and

crafts market, where around 60 artists present their personal works.


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Welcome Aboard Valais

To explore the Valais in a relaxed and comfortable manner, your best bet is by train. The

most famous of course is the Glacier Express, which connects Zermatt and St. Moritz;

immodestly yet justly advertised with the slogan “A Train to Fall in Love With”. A rather lengthy

flirt is on the cards however, as the treasured journey takes 7 hours. Hours of pleasure

with nostalgic character are also in store for you aboard the Furka Pass steam train which

will once again travel straight through to Oberwald. Those who prefer a little less time for

reminiscence are best off taking the Mont Blanc Express and around 90 minute cross border

trip to Chamonix in France. And it’s the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn that carries passengers

to Disentis in canton Graubünden. An exciting experience is also a ride with the Gorner-

grat Bahn – Europe’s highest situated outdoor cog railway. On display is also the world’s

steepest funicular railway, built in 1920, with a gradient of 87%. It belongs to two other

railways in Châtelard: A panorama train pulled by locomotives on a narrow track and the

Minifunic; leading to the Lac d’Emosson reservoir. The dam charms with hues of rich steel-

blue and bottle green colour. Furthermore, those who have no intentions of travelling the

Great St Bernard Pass with their own vehicles, can conveniently take the St Bernard Express

to Orsières . . . where a bus then carries you all the way up.


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Brochures Valais

Rue Pré-Fleuri 6, P.O. Box 1469, 1951 Sion, Switzerland

T +41 (0)27 327 35 70, F +41 (0)27 327 35 71

[email protected], www.valaistourism.chSEARCH »40013Info: www.valaistourism.ch

HikingD/F/E/I/NL

Hiking by “Bisses”D/F/E/I/NL

Hiking Tours D/F/E/I/NL

Summer D/F/E/I/NL

Golf D/F/E

Winter D/F/E/I/NL

Meetings D/F/E

Wellness D/F (Web E/I)

You can also leaf through the Valais brochures online or download them. Additional brochures are available on order through Valais Tourism:


Hiking in Valais


Hiking by “Bisses” Valais


Hiking Tours Valais

The Sunny Side of Holidays Valais


Golfer’s Paradise Valais


Meeting in Valais

www.valais.ch

On Track to Happiness Valais


Wellness in Valais


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Pure Valais Gold Valais

Red in colour, it lends a distinctive taste to dishes such as risotto and colours food yellow.

Got any idea what it could be? Yes saffron – worth even more than real gold in weight and

grown in a village named Mund, close to Brig. Gold. Thanks to the region’s beautifully mild

climate, this crocus-species of plant thrives on our southern slopes and is the source of our best-

quality saffron, awarded the label of origin (AOC) – visit www.mund.ch for further information.

Quality is also a shared feature of two other local specialities; namely wine and cheese.

On a huge number of plots of land – equivalent to approximately a third of Switzerland’s

cultivatable land – about 50 different types of grape that enthuse wine lovers from near

and far, are grown. In addition to the familiar Fendant white wine and red Dôle, a number of

lesser-known rarities also delight the palates of connoisseurs; names such as Heida, Petite

Arvine, Resi, Humagne, Gamaret and Garanoir all promise finest wine enjoyment. Many also

present a superb accompaniment to locally produced cheese – including our famous Raclette!

This delicious speciality is served by scraping the heated-to-melting-point surface off a

bisected cheese-round onto plates; a heart-warming dish and delicacy, commonly served with

potatoes. Take a look at our website to discover more tasty ideas . . .


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Genuine Hospitality Valais

Agriculture and tourism are very closely connected in Valais. And if you’re wondering what

significance this may have on things, it’s simple; you get to experience the real side of life and

get closer to the locals. Not only can you enjoy authentic local specialities, but also learn about

their production. And why not get the information straight from the horse’s mouth by staying

at a farm! Farmers here are happy to host guests and open their doors and hearts to provide

them with a glimpse of their daily lives. They show you around fields and stalls, production

facilities and more – and incidentally, the many interesting facts you learn about agriculture,

provide a delightful real-life experience for children that’s not easily forgotten. Accommoda-

tion ranges from small guest houses on the farm to guest rooms, Alpine huts, comfortable

chalets and even beds of straw. And you are usually more than welcome to share in delightful

meals at the same table if it suits you – and many an everlasting friendship accompanies ever-

lasting memories. Most farms also offer their produce for direct purchase, providing yet another

bonus . . . tasteful, genuine and authentic gifts to take home with you to share with others and

rekindle fondest memories.

www.valais-terroir.ch

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Partners Valais

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Car transport Lötschberg:Kandersteg–Goppenstein in only 15 minutes. Services in both directions every 30 minutes during the day, every 15 minutes at peak times and even more frequently during periods of heavy demand. www.bls.ch/autoverlad

Faster into the Valais.

Well on track.

Chalets and holiday apartments

www.interhome.ch tel. 0840 84 88 88

vaude.com

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Choyez votre plaisir.

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Summer map (en)

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