Self-Guided Walking
Switzerland: Valais
Walking in Val d’Anniviers
Trip code: W07VD
Average customer rating 4.7 / 5(3 verified reviews)
- Self-Guided Walking
- 7 nights single centre
- Steady, Moderate, Strenuous
- CO₂ rating 1/5
- Headwater Navigation app
Trip highlights
Trip details
A quiet valley of six ancient villages under some of the sunniest skies in the Alps, walked from a single historic base in St Luc, with the Matterhorn on the horizon and half board each evening. Located in the French speaking part of Switzerland, Val d’Anniviers is renowned for its stunning Alpine scenery and deeply rooted cultural traditions. As you journey through this valley, you’ll be greeted by towering peaks from the Grande Couronne, including iconic summits like the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, and the famous Matterhorn. The valley offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also a glimpse into a lifestyle that has evolved with the mountains for centuries.
The bisses are what give this valley such a varied choice of walking. Cut into the mountainside centuries ago, these irrigation channels carried meltwater to the vines. Follow their gentle paths or take on more challenging mountain routes, with the Bella Tola ridge waiting when you are ready to head higher.
What's included
Included
- 7 nights in 4-star accommodation
- All breakfasts and all evening meals
- Headwater navigation app
- 'Pass Anniviers' - discounted cable cars and free Postbus between villages
Not included
- Flights
- Local taxes/fees
- Travel insurance
Travel options
Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099
Itinerary
Day 1 · —Arrive in St Luc
Arrive in St Luc, a historic Valais village of old chalets and timber granaries. If time allows, explore its old quarter or ride the funicular to Tignousa, home to the Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Observatory, one of Switzerland’s few public observatories. These are just a few ways to enjoy St Luc beyond the trails; the walks below are a suggested selection from the many available.
You stay at Hotel Bella Tola
Hotel Bella Tola
St Luc
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Safe
- Shops
- Swimming pool
- Television
- Visa cards
- Wifi access
Nestled in the heart of Valais, in St Luc, this historic hotel subtly melds old-world furniture with warm alpine decor. Founded in 1859 by the Pont family, many features of the hotel have been carefully retained. The beautiful spa is inspired by the surrounding alpine setting and offers an indoor pool, sauna, hammam, ice-fountain, and three massage rooms. The Chez Ida Restaurant proposes a creative cuisine oriented to everything in season with an extensive wine list devoted to excellent Swiss wines.
Day 2 · 9km/5.6miChandolin Circular
A gentle walk to begin your trip. Follow the trail along the valley sides, going out at a high level over open heathland and then descending to the Botanical Walk. Return through the woods below or link to the Illgraben Circuit for a longer day (extra 6km).
Elevation
Day 3 · 9km/5.6miThe Bisse Walk
After a short, sharp ascent, this becomes a delightful and easy walk by the bisses (irrigation channels). Journey through woodland down to the valley where you have the option to extend this walk with the ‘Navisence Trail’ (extra 6km).
Elevation
Day 4 · 18km/11.2miBella Tola Ridge & Lakes
To ascend and walk this ridge you should be an experienced mountain walker, reasonably fit and with a good head for heights. It’s certainly worthwhile as on a clear day the views are absolutely magnificent. But if the ridge itself is not for you, a shorter and lower route which still leads into mountain scenery and passes the three lakes, is possible. The final section of the descent is very demanding but can be omitted.
Elevation
Day 5 · 22km/13.7miThe Valley Villages Tour
A mostly low level walk connecting the pleasant lower villages of Val d’ Anniviers, with various options because you are always near the postbus service route.
Elevation
Day 6 · 12km/7.5miThrough the Woods to Vercorin
An easy walk with plenty of views through the trees, partly on quiet roads and mostly on the level until the final descent near Vercorin. It can be done in half a day, giving time to explore Sierre on your return journey.
Elevation
Day 7 · 13km/8.1miLac de Moiry Circuit
A high or low level circuit of the Moiry Dam. This scenic circuit loops around the turquoise waters of the Lac de Moiry with dramatic views of the dam, the lake, the wild Val de Moiry and its sparkling glacier.
Elevation
Day 8 · —Depart St Luc
Say fond farewells to St Luc as you depart on the train. If you would like longer, we are happy to arrange extra nights.
Extending your holiday
Add a few nights to discover Grimentz’s glacier wine, the Moiry Dam, St Luc’s observatory and Sierre’s vineyards. Welcoming guests since 1859, the Bella Tola is not a place to rush.
Hotel Bella Tola
St Luc
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Safe
- Shops
- Swimming pool
- Television
- Visa cards
- Wifi access
Nestled in the heart of Valais, in St Luc, this historic hotel subtly melds old-world furniture with warm alpine decor. Founded in 1859 by the Pont family, many features of the hotel have been carefully retained. The beautiful spa is inspired by the surrounding alpine setting and offers an indoor pool, sauna, hammam, ice-fountain, and three massage rooms. The Chez Ida Restaurant proposes a creative cuisine oriented to everything in season with an extensive wine list devoted to excellent Swiss wines.
What our travellers say
Item 1 of 1
Positive impact
Carbon score for this trip
14.0
Kg CO₂e
per person, per night
Relative to other Headwater trips
We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the walking?
The walks are graded as steady, moderate and strenuous, and you choose which to do each day. The bisse routes are near level. At the other end, the Bella Tola ridge is a full mountain day for confident walkers with a head for heights, and there is a shorter, lower alternative that still reaches the lakes.
What is a bisse?
A bisse is an open irrigation channel cut into the mountainside centuries ago to carry glacier meltwater down to the vines. The Valais is the driest canton in Switzerland, and these channels made farming possible. The maintenance paths beside them run almost dead level, so they give you high alpine views without the climb.
What does the Pass Anniviers include?
Free postbus travel between many of the villages in the valley, and discounts on the cable cars. It is included in your holiday. Because so many of the walks here run one way between villages, free bus travel is worth more than it sounds.
Is Val d'Anniviers busy?
No, and that is rather the point. It is a working valley of small villages, many little changed in centuries, an hour or so from Zermatt but a world away from it. If you want the Alps without the crowds, this is where to come.
Is there anything to do besides walk?
The observatory above St Luc is one of the few public observatories in the Alps. Grimentz, further down the valley, keeps the Vin du Glacier in cellars where the barrels are never emptied, so a glass drawn today blends vintages back to 1886. Sierre, in the vineyards below, has the cantonal wine museum.
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