As an ideal starting point for unique adventures and with lots of cool activities right on site, Grächen is the place to be in summer. We’d even go as far as saying that Grächen is the absolute adventure hotspot in the Upper Valais. In this blog post, we’ll tell you which excursion destinations in the area you should definitely have on your adventure radar!
One thing’s for sure: Boredom doesn’t stand a chance in Grächen. There’s plenty to do here in summer, and the surrounding area also boasts unique highlights. We have put together a list of activities that should not be missing from your Grächen to-do list.
Cool as ice? If you’ve had your fill of traditional gelato this summer, there’s a fresh destination for you – the icy giant: Aletsch Glacier. About an hour’s drive from Grächen, you can admire the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When you look down on the mighty glacier from high up on the viewing platforms, you can’t help but feel very small. On adventurous glacier tours and at the fascinating exhibitions, you will learn interesting facts about the longest ice stream in the Alps.
Did you know, for example, that the volume of the Aletsch Glacier would supply all the people on earth with one litre of water every day for 3.5 years?
Welcome aboard the Glacier Express! Not far from Grächen, in beautiful Zermatt, you’ll embark on a train journey bursting with cinematic views. Get cosy in the comfortable seats of the Glacier Express and look out of the window as mountains, valleys, forests, fields and rivers pass you by.
A ride on the famous Glacier Express is a must-do for everyone with a soft spot for spectacular views: an eight-hour feast for the eyes and your taste buds – definitely unique.
Unmistakable: the world-famous Swiss landmark – the Matterhorn. Right at the border between idyllic Zermatt and the Italian valley of Breuil-Cervinia, the imposing mountain stretches up into the sky. A visit to the Matterhorn is pretty much a must while on holiday in the Valais.
The region around the Matterhorn is a true paradise for nature lovers. Numerous photo points, excursion mountains and exciting attractions will quickly fill your list of things to do. But if you want to get really close to the peak, the motto is: No excuses! There’s no cable car to the top – you’ll have to summit the mountain yourself.
Did you know? With the Mountain Time Ticket, the Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel train takes you to a unique vantage point. From there, you’ll have a magnificent view of the Matterhorn and the surrounding region!
A rosé future lies ahead of you. Why? Because numerous award-winning wines are produced in Europe’s highest wine region: the Valais. And where the exquisite grape elixir comes from, there’s a lot to discover for hikers and wine lovers.
The picturesque wine region stretches for more than 100 kilometres along the Rhone and is particularly popular with red wine lovers: 61 per cent of the area cultivated produces red grape varieties. Wine walks and festivals are guaranteed to make your stay in the region a special experience.
We have a tip for all those who are still looking for a suitable route for a wine hike: The Martigny – Leuk wine trail with three different routes is a cultural feast for the eyes. You’ll hike along historic dry-stone walls in the Valais vineyards and look down on picturesque wine-growing villages.
Whether you want to splash around in the warm water or relax in the waves: At the thermal baths in the Valais, with their state-of-the-art pools and breathtaking mountain scenery, you can boost your health and have fun at the same time.
Tip: Europe’s largest and highest thermal spa is located in the Valais. Alpentherme & Spa Leukerbad in the Valais is a must-see: Ten pools with various water attractions are waiting for you. 😊
007 fans, listen up: Not far from Grächen, you can visit one of the filming locations for the James Bond film “Goldfinger” – and you can experience the ambience live and in colour! The Furka steam train chugs along with you for two hours from Realp through the impressive mountain landscapes of the Central Alps. Enjoy the view of the Rhone Glacier along the historic route of the Glacier Express to Oberwald while the steam locomotive huffs and hisses melodically!
