Hikes

Heidaweg in Visperterminen

Visperterminen

-2/3°

Scenic theme trail leading from the Rhône valley up to Europe’s highest vineyards. The path explores centuries of winemaking tradition around the local Heida, «pearl of Alpine wines».

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

7.91 km

Duration

3:00 h

Wanderung auf dem höchstgelegenen Weinberg in Europa

Auf dem Reblehrpfad Heidaweg nach Visperterminen

Weinreben auf dem höchstgelegenen Weinberg Europa's

Wanderer auf dem Reblehrpfad Heidaweg nach Visperterminen

Description

The highest connected vineyards in continental Europe lie on a sunny slope high above the river Vispa, culminating at an altitude of 1,150 m. A fascinating theme trail leads from the floor of the Rhône valley through the vineyards and up to the village of Visperterminen.

Local winegrowers cultivate a range of grape varieties of which the most prestigious is the golden Heida. This rare member of the Savagnin Blanc family of grapes flourishes on the light soils here, and produces an aromatic straw-yellow wine with notes of nuts, honey and exotic fruits.

Our trail begins in Visp, and leads through the twisting alleys of the Old Town before reaching the first of the vineyards, which extend from the banks of the Vispa for 500 vertical metres up the mountainside. The path zig-zags up through the vines before turning south to climb to the village of Visperterminen. The views of the Vispa valley – which leads to the resorts of Zermatt and Saas-Fee – and of the snow-capped peaks in the distance are enchanting.

Along the trail, information panels tell a fascinating story. The vineyards here date back to Celtic, pre-Roman times – hence the name «Heida», derived from the word for «pagan». Many kilometres of dry-stone walls, painstakingly built and maintained by hand, support the narrow terraces of the steep vineyards; the rocks store warmth from the sun and radiate it out again through the night, helping the vines flourish at this high altitude.

Hundreds of part-time winegrowers working tiny plots handed down over generations cultivate grapes for the main cooperative winery, the St. Jodern Kellerei, open for visits. Restaurants along the route also offer the chance to taste the wines along with local delicacies.

Highlights

Fascinating theme trail on wine and winemaking through dramatic terraced vineyards
Old Town of Visp, charming mountain village of Visperterminen
Glorious mountain scenery; tasting opportunities en route

Turn-by-turn directions

The trail begins at Visp railway station: thanks to the new Lötschberg Base Tunnel, less than an hour by train from the Swiss capital. Our route leads south through the picturesque Old Town, whose ancient buildings show Visp’s historical importance on a number of alpine pass routes.

Our itinerary continues to the vineyards, where the theme trail is clearly marked.

The St Jodern Kellerei is located in Unterstalden, about 0.5 km south of the main terraced vineyards.

The trail is also the setting for one of the region’s most popular gourmet events: the «Wii-Grill Fäscht», held every autumn. Local wines and delicacies are served at a sequence of stops between Visp and Oberstalden; reservation required.

Start

Visp, railway station (648m)

Destination

Visperterminen (1345m)

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Author's recommendation

Taste some of the other Valais wines produced here as well as the iconic Heida – ideally with a platter of local meats and cheeses.

Technical information

Altitude

1345m

647m

Ascent

+742m

Descent

-46m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Train to Visp. At end of hike, postal bus from Visperterminen back to Visp. Find full timetable information at sbb.ch

Approach

A9 motorway and main road up the Rhône valley to Visp.

Parking

Car park by Visp station, follow the local car-park routeing in Visp.

Equipment

We recommend:

good footwear
clothing suitable for the weather: always carry a waterproof jacket
hat or cap
sunscreen
bottle for water
picnic
camera
binoculars (optional)
hiking poles (optional)
printout of this hike (click «Print» icon, to download)

For certain walks:

Swimwear

Safety information

This route has not been approved by the canton of Valais in accordance with the law on leisure mobility routes. The use of the routes and of the information on this website is the responsibility of each user. Local conditions may lead to changes in the route. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on the website.

The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on «Print» icon, top right of this page.
Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Best practice guidelines

Preparing your hike