• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-756896873611
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "switzerland/valais",
      "destination": "Valais",
      "title": "valais",
      "type": "Administrative Region",
      "country": "Switzerland",
      "region": "Central-Europe",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Valais

Natural beauty Valais has a tale of rags to riches, of changing seasons and celebrities, of an outdoors so fantastic it's always fashionable. Wedged in a remote corner of southern Switzerland, this is where farmers were so poor they didn’t have two francs to rub together a century ago and where luminaries flock today to sip Champagne cocktails in posh Verbier nightclubs.

Sunny summer morning in Zermatt village with Matterhorn (Monte Cervino, Mont Cervin) peak on backgroud. Beautiful outdoor scene in  Swiss Alps, Valais canton, Switzerland, Europe.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Latest Stories
Book
Experience Switzerland Travel Guide
Book

Experience Switzerland

Shop $26.99 USD
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

Holafly advertisement
Trusted Partner

Stay connected in Valais

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Take your Switzerland trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to Switzerland

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

Top places to visit in Valais

Discover the best attractions in Valais from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-489063728410
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "switzerland/valais",
      "destination": "Valais",
      "title": "valais",
      "type": "Administrative Region",
      "country": "Switzerland",
      "region": "Central-Europe",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Travel Guides

Valais travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Places to Visit

This Swiss canton abounds with icons: soaring peaks, charming valleys, warm and gooey AOP Raclette de Valais cheese and slobbery St Bernard dogs.


Read full article
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-247664632083
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "switzerland/valais",
      "destination": "Valais",
      "title": "valais",
      "type": "Administrative Region",
      "country": "Switzerland",
      "region": "Central-Europe",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Valais

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Valais and beyond

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-260681033568
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "switzerland/valais",
      "destination": "Valais",
      "title": "valais",
      "type": "Administrative Region",
      "country": "Switzerland",
      "region": "Central-Europe",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }