Be at the heart of the action and yet in a natural paradise – sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? A short trip to Valais promises so much. A dazzling river of ice at the Great Aletsch Glacier, stories and legends around Switzerland’s largest baroque castle, Europe’s highest vineyard – and you in the midst of it all, in the heart of the Valais summer. You’ll feel the Mediterranean-style charm, you’ll enjoy blasts of adrenalin on giddy suspension footbridges, and you’ll gasp at spectacular panoramas of 4,000-metre peaks that cry out for a selfie. Don’t forget along the way to treat your taste buds to some of the local delicacies – among the highlights of any visit. So, what are you waiting for? Book an unforgettable summer weekend in Valais now!

Day 1 – Friday

Brig: the Stockalper Palace in the Alpine Town

Located on the southern banks of the Rhône and at the foot of the Simplon Pass, Brig offers an ideal base for a wide variety of excursions. For example, just a few kilometres to the north lies the World Heritage Site of Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch, with Europe’s largest glacier. Within the “Simplon city”, you can also visit the Stockalper Palace with its fragrant rose garden, and follow the trail of history through Brig’s charming Old Town.

Voted Alpine Town of the Year in 2008, Brig is a lively regional centre whose winding alleys and pedestrian streets are a delight to explore on foot.  The picturesque squares ooze Mediterranean charm and are dotted with garden restaurants serving local specialities. During summer, especially, visitors and locals alike enjoy a busy programme of events. Book your hotel in good time – ideally one with panoramic views.

Day 2 – Saturday

Visperterminen to Giw: on the trail of Heida wine

Europe’s highest vineyard lies on the slopes below Visperterminen, between altitudes of 650 and 1,150 metres. The star among the many grape varieties growing here is the golden Heida. A fascinating theme trail takes you from Visp up through the terraced vineyards to Visperterminen; now you have more than earned a glass of this delicious wine!

Treat yourself to a glass of Heida in one of the village restaurants along with local specialities. If you have set your sights higher still, enjoy a gentle chairlift ride through the idyllic pine forest up to the summit station of Giw, 2,000 metres above sea level. Take care, the breathtaking view of the surrounding 4,000-metre peaks can make you giddy! For dinner, you will travel on to Sierre, where you will enjoy a delicious Raclette meal at the Château de Villa, with as much of the delicious local melted cheese as you like. Overnight in Sierre.

Day 3 – Sunday

Val d’Hérens to Sion: outdoor adventure and fine local flavours

Start your Sunday with a generous brunch, and you’re all set for a day of adventure! How about a hike in the picturesque Val d’Hérens? The 130-metre Ossona suspension footbridge, located on the way from Les Prixes to La Luette below the village of St-Martin, is sure to send a tingle down your spine. Afterwards, stop off at the agritourism hamlet of Ossona, to give your heartbeat a chance to return to normal!

This community, run according to principles of sustainability, offers pure tranquillity, local delicacies and wonderful views. You can linger for a few hours at this idyllic spot or you can also fit in a visit to Sion, capital of Valais, with its many cultural attractions. A short trip to the historical and scenic winemaking estate of Mont d’Or provides the ideal opportunity to sip a fine local wine and drink to a successful weekend in Valais.