Heida vineyard educational trail from Visperterminen

The highest vineyard in Europe is located on the sunny slopes above the Vispa and rises up to 1150 meters in altitude. A fascinating theme trail leads from the valley floor of the Rhone valley through the vineyards up to the village of Visperterminen.

Local vintners cultivate various grape varieties here, but the best-known is the valuable golden Heida. This rare variety of the Savagnin Blanc family grows on nutrient-poor soil and forms the grapes for the aromatic, straw-yellow wine with notes of nuts, honey, and exotic fruits.

The hike starts in Visp and passes through the narrow lanes of the old town before reaching the first vines on the banks of the Vispa. These accompany you for the next 500 meters of elevation along the mountainside. The path zigzags through the vineyard terraces before continuing south into the village of Visperterminen. The view of the Visp valley – gateway to the well-known destinations Saas-Fee and Zermatt – as well as the snow-covered peaks is breathtaking.

Information boards along the way explain the fascinating history of viticulture. The vineyards were established in Celtic times. The name of the wine variety "Heida" also derives from the term "pagan." Many kilometers of dry stone walls built and maintained by hand support the narrow vineyard terraces on the steep slopes. The stones absorb the warmth of the sun during the day and release it again at night – thus enabling viticulture at this altitude.

Hundreds of part-time vintners manage small plots, passed down through generations. The wine is vinified by the largest cooperative winery in the village. The winery can be visited, and local wine can be tasted. Restaurants along the route also offer tastings of the Heida grown here as well as local specialties.

Highlights of the hike

• Fascinating theme path about viticulture along the dramatic vineyard terraces.
• Old town of Visp and the charming mountain chalets of Visperterminen.
• Great views along the hike with opportunities in restaurants along the route to taste the local wine.