The best summer and autumn experiences to sell in Switzerland’s Valais region

The Gornergrat Railway travels through the most beautiful landscapes of the Valais Alps and celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. It was Switzerland’s first electric rack railway, and this pioneering feat of railway engineering enables guests to discover the mystical mountain and glacier world above Zermatt. 

From the end of June until mid September there are about 120 blacknose sheep grazing on the Gornergrat, and hikers can buy a return ticket on the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to the Gornergrat and easily spot them thanks to their GPS collars. Once visitors have the signal, they can follow the map to see the blacknose sheep, and admire their spiralled horns, black faces and ears and white woolly coats. Discover the Meet the Sheep trail 

Another must-try experience is taking the taking the train from Zermatt to Rotenboden station, to watch the sunrise over the Matterhorn. Sit by the Riffel Lake and watch as a spectacular succession of colours washes across the horizon. Then enjoy a rich breakfast buffet at 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat for the perfect start to the day. 

Discover the Brig-Simplon region

Hikers will be fascinated by the Stockalperweg mule track, which was built more than 300 years ago and has been given a new lease of life as a cultural hike. As one of the most important Alpine crossings the trail can be hiked for the most part on original paths in several stages. On the first day of the hike pay a visit to the towering Stockalper’s Palace in Brig and learn about the life of shrewd trader Kaspar Stockalper in the 17th century.

Pay a trip to the small village of Simplon to try traditional rye bread from the Arnold bakery. This fifth-generation family business is rooted in the region and has been showcasing the baking craft for 125 years. Rye bread has a hard and crunchy crust and a moist grey-brown crumb, and combines perfectly with the region’s delicious meat and cheese.

Hike and sip

Don’t miss the wine tourism centre of Les Celliers de Sion, with its cellar and vineyard located on a majestic hillside offering dramatic views over the Rhone Valley. The Gourmand hike in the vineyards experience is a signposted five-kilometre route, where hikers can admire the terraced vineyard and the historic viticulture, arriving at the Bisse de Clavau. They will be offered five wines to taste and a three-course meal in one of the guardhouses.

Leisurely days in Leukerbad