Discover a world of alpine beauty with these ten hiking destinations, all accessible by public transport from Evolène. From the lush meadows of Val d'Hérens to the sparkling Lac Bleu and the towering peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges, each trail offers a unique glimpse into the natural splendor of the Swiss Alps. Whether you're looking for gentle walks or challenging mountain routes, you'll find paths that lead to unforgettable vistas and charming mountain huts.
The hikes are listed in order of travel time from Evolène, making it easy to plan your adventure. Check out the map to explore thousands of destinations and activities, reachable from any starting point in Switzerland.
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This hike up to the high slopes overlooking Arolla promises a thrilling experience of mountain terrain, spectacular views, fascinating geology and a wealth of alpine flora. The trail starts at Arolla, which takes its name from the tree that shapes the local forests: the Arolla pine, also known as the Swiss stone pine (pinus cembra). The aromatic wood from the tree is said to help sleep: beds are made from the timber, and pillows stuffed with its shavings. The tree propagates with the help of a distinctive alpine bird, the spotted nutcracker, which splits open the cones with its powerful bill to reach the seeds, some of which it buries in the ground as a food store for winter. The bird invariably forgets a proportion of the seeds – some of which may grow into trees. Our trail climbs out of the village and above the tree line, steadily scaling the slopes to a welcoming mountain cabin. The Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges stands at the foot of a dramatic chain of peaks, draped with glaciers, known as the Aiguilles Rouges d’Arolla – the “Red pinnacles of Arolla”. The views across the valley are bewitching. The trail then leads down to a lake, the Lac Bleu, framed by Arolla pines. A spring just above the lake, fed by glacial water, feeds a cascade that tumbles straight down to the piercing blue waters. The path from the Lac Bleu back to Arolla leads along a geological trail – one of several in the valley, known for its variety of rocks and minerals. Visitors can explore with the help of a free app, “GéoGuide Val d’Hérens” (details and online version at www.evolene-geologie.ch). The tourist office at Arolla can provide further printed information. Highlights: Fragrant forests of Arolla pine and larch Cabane des Aiguilles Rouges – friendly high-altitude refuge, spectacular views Lac Bleu – idyllic forest lake, piercing blue water, with spring and cascade
14.01km
928m
929m
5h 30m| Evolène, Village | |
| (30m) | |
| Arolla, Mt-Collon |
The second leg of the 5-stage Tour du Val d’Hérens links two side valleys: the Val d’Hérémence and the Val d’Arolla. The first part of the hike is a flattish walk the length of the Lac des Dix. A steep climb leads up to the Col de Riedmatten, which links the two valleys. The final stretch of hike is a steady descent to the village of Arolla. The hike starts at the crest of the Grande Dixence, the world’s tallest gravity dam. From here it leads along the western shore of the Lac des Dix: Switzerland’s largest artificial reservoir, with a capacity of 400 billion litres of water. The setting is spectacular, with a parade of snow-capped peaks, draped with glaciers, forming a sparkling backdrop beyond the lake. The trail climbs above one of the glaciers to a pass made famous by the world’s toughest ski mountaineering race. The Patrouille des Glaciers, held every other spring, sees teams of three race from Zermatt across the mountains and glaciers to Verbier, and has won a reputation as the world’s toughest team competition. The steep and narrow climb to the Col de Riedmatten (2,918 m) is one of the contest’s great challenges – although the ascent in summer should not pose problems for experienced mountain hikers. From here, the trail leads steadily down to Arolla in the neighbouring valley. Before starting the hike, if time permits, it is worth calling in at the visitor centre at the foot of the dam to learn about the region’s geology and wildlife. The centre also reveals some of the secrets of the pioneering Grande Dixence complex, which unites a vast network of reservoirs, underground tunnels, pumping stations and power plants to form Switzerland’s largest hydro plant. Highlights: Grande Dixence – world’s largest gravity dam, visitor centre (free admission) and cable car Lac des Dix – flat trail along Switzerland’s largest reservoir, framed by snowy peaks Col de Riedmatten – dramatic climb to an iconic mountain pass
17.93km891m1028m6h 15m| Evolène, Village | |
| (37m) | |
| Arolla, poste |
Crossing through meadows, bordering apricot trees and skirting the edge of forests, the Voie des Érables trail boasts commanding views of the Rhône Valley. The twelve information boards dotted along the route from Isérables add an extra dimension to the hike, offering interesting insights into the history and nature of these locations. Discover traditional raccard granaries, drystone walls and even grain-growing terraces along the trail. With its hillside path, the Voie des Érables trail is a very easy and charming walk, not least thanks to stunning colours of the maple trees that give the trail its name.
9.7km837m200m3h 30m
Maximum elevation: 1195m
Difficulty: Hard
Minimum elevation: 471m
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| Evolène, Village | |
| (42m) | |
| Sion, poste/gare |
| Sion | |
| (12m) | |
| Riddes |
At the foot of gleaming glacier giants and rocky peaks in the Val d'Arolla, through forests and across lush meadows with rich flora. Along the way you will be enchanted by the sparkling blue Lac Bleu, from where it is not far to the mountaineering village of Arolla.
15km1500m880m6h 15mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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This stage continues along the Bisse de Vex from Veysonnaz to St. Martin. The route not only offers a variety of scenic impressions, but also cultural highlights that emphasise the charm of the region. The impressive concrete church in Hérémence and the fascinating earth pyramids in Euseigne are unforgettable high points of this stage.
18km950m880m5h 45m
Landscape: Along the water,With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| Evolène, Village | |
| (10m) | |
| La Luette |
The high-altitude hike above the Rhone Valley from St. Martin to Nax initially runs through different Valais villages. The path leads along the Bisse St-Martin and Bisse Tsa Crêta, and through forest areas to the Lac de Vernamiège. This stage ends in Nax, a charming village with traditional panache.
16km740m880m5h 0mLandscape: With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| Evolène, Village | |
| (7m) | |
| Praz-Jean VS, Stand Mourty |
| Praz-Jean VS, Stand Mourty | |
| (7m) | |
| St-Martin VS, centre |
This stage takes you past impressive Swiss stone pines, across wide cow pastures and the steep Col de Riedmatten. On the way down, you pass a lake and at the end you climb up to the Cabane des Dix SAC hut, which is situated above the Lac des Dix reservoir.
11km1350m440m5h 0mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| Evolène, Village | |
| (37m) | |
| Arolla, poste |
Sion is surrounded by a sea of vineyards that laps against the slopes of the two rocky outcrops of Valère (also known as Valeria) and Tourbillon, each crowned with castles. The terraces of grapevines in the first section of this walk are among the steepest in the world. The route takes you along a picturesque old irrigation channel, known as a “Suone”, and through winemaking villages where you can enjoy tasting opportunities.
19km720m460m5h 15mLandscape: Through a vineyard
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| Evolène, Village | |
| (42m) | |
| Sion, poste/gare |
| Sion, poste/gare | |
| (6m) | |
| Sion, Brasserie |
This stage marks the beginning of the ascent to the Great St. Bernard Pass. From Martigny, a path that is steep in parts leads across the narrow Les Trappistes Pass to the medieval village of Sembrancher. From there, the route follows the Napoleon Trail.
20km900m500m6h 0mLandscape: Through a gorge
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| Evolène, Village | |
| (42m) | |
| Sion, poste/gare |
| Sion | |
| (14m) | |
| Martigny |
| Martigny, gare | |
| (2m) | |
| Martigny, Grand Verger |
This hike starts in Aigle, with its picturesque old town, crooked streets and 12th century castle. Nestled in the mountain foothills, the route heads towards Leysin and features a steep climb. Most of the way is shaded and the views become progressively more far-reaching as you go on.
7km1000m10m3h 10mLandscape: With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| Evolène, Village | |
| (42m) | |
| Sion, poste/gare |
| Sion | |
| (32m) | |
| Aigle |
Maximum elevation: 2835m
Minimum elevation: 1989m
Difficulty: Hard
Maximum elevation: 2923m
Minimum elevation: 2011m
Difficulty: Hard
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valais.ch
Learn more on
valais.ch
