Discover a world of alpine beauty with these ten hikes accessible by public transport from Saas-Fee. From challenging high-altitude trails with panoramic views of 4,000-meter peaks to scenic walks through vineyards and along historic irrigation channels, each route offers a unique perspective on the Valais region. Whether you're looking for a demanding mountain pass trek or a leisurely stroll through charming villages, there's something for every hiker.
The hikes are listed in order of travel time from Saas-Fee, making it easy to plan your adventure based on your schedule and energy level. Check out the map to explore thousands of destinations and activities, reachable from any starting point in Switzerland.
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The highest connected vineyards in continental Europe lie on a sunny slope high above the river Vispa, culminating at an altitude of 1,150 m. A fascinating theme trail leads from the floor of the Rhône valley through the vineyards and up to the village of Visperterminen. Local winegrowers cultivate a range of grape varieties of which the most prestigious is the golden Heida. This rare member of the Savagnin Blanc family of grapes flourishes on the light soils here, and produces an aromatic straw-yellow wine with notes of nuts, honey and exotic fruits. Our trail begins in Visp, and leads through the twisting alleys of the Old Town before reaching the first of the vineyards, which extend from the banks of the Vispa for 500 vertical metres up the mountainside. The path zig-zags up through the vines before turning south to climb to the village of Visperterminen. The views of the Vispa valley – which leads to the resorts of Zermatt and Saas-Fee – and of the snow-capped peaks in the distance are enchanting. Along the trail, information panels tell a fascinating story. The vineyards here date back to Celtic, pre-Roman times – hence the name «Heida», derived from the word for «pagan». Many kilometres of dry-stone walls, painstakingly built and maintained by hand, support the narrow terraces of the steep vineyards; the rocks store warmth from the sun and radiate it out again through the night, helping the vines flourish at this high altitude. Hundreds of part-time winegrowers working tiny plots handed down over generations cultivate grapes for the main cooperative winery, the St. Jodern Kellerei, open for visits. Restaurants along the route also offer the chance to taste the wines along with local delicacies. Highlights Fascinating theme trail on wine and winemaking through dramatic terraced vineyards Old Town of Visp, charming mountain village of Visperterminen Glorious mountain scenery; tasting opportunities en route
7.91kmConstructed in 1915, the Bodmeri-Beitra irrigation channel takes its water from the Riedbach stream at Mutji, at an altitude of 1,680 m, for distribution across the alpine pastures of Visperterminen. Make sure you visit the cabin of the channel’s guardian and also stop to admire the dramatic gangways built along the former irrigation channel, the Niwa. The itinerary follows a loop across the high meadows of Visperterminen, from which you enjoy superb views of the surrounding 4,000-metre peaks.
14.9km
620m
4h 45m| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (50m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd | |
| (13m) | |
| Visperterminen, Dorfeingang |
According to some historians, the name “Heido” comes from the German “Heidenleitung” (pagans’ channel), suggesting that it originated in the ancient Roman period. This irrigation channel carries its water into the meadows and vineyards of the Savagnin grape variety, used to produce the famous local Heida wine. The path along the channel forms part a trail full of history linking Giw, above Visperterminen, to the Simplon Pass – via the pastures of the pristine Nanztal valley, located at an altitude of more than 2,200 m.
17.9km705m5h 45m| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (50m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd | |
| (23m) | |
| Visperterminen, Busterminal |
| Visperterminen (Talstation) | |
| (6m) | |
| Giw |
Always up high with no altitude difference to conquer. The stage from Gspon to Saas-Fee involves a scenic hike along mountain slopes above the Saas Valley. You go through forests, across alpine pastures and past old granaries and stables, enjoying a view of the Valais 4,000-metre peaks.
17km900m
1000m5h 40mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
A challenging high-altitude trail between Saas-Fee and Grächen, which is very exposed in parts as it runs across the steep faces of the Balfrin group. There are dizzying views down into the Saas Valley, and the Fletschhorn, Lagginhorn and Weissmies panorama is incredible.
20km1250m1450m7h 40mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
This is a demanding stage of the mountain path between Saas-Fee and Grächen, which is very exposed in places. Tricky passages are secured with wire ropes. On the hike you experience spectacular views down into the Saas Valley and enthralling perspectives of the Fletschhorn, Weissmies and Matterhorn.
20km1250m1450m7h 40mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
742m46m3h 0m| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (44m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
Following the narrow, deep gorges south of Brig, this trail leads through splendid pine forests and sheltered floodplains. High-level paths cut into the rock snake along the slope high above the Saltinaschlüocht gorge. Later, the trail runs along the banks of the Taferna which winds its way down between huge boulders.
12km1600m260m5h 20mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
Panoramic hike on high-level BLS railway Südrampe (south ramp). Popular classic hike beside the Lötschberg Railway tracks to imposing Bietschtal bridge. Lovely path beside historic water channels (suonen) to hanging bridge; superb views at Brägji and Riedgarten.
12km640m260m3h 40mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
You leave Thun through the park-like shore landscape towards Gwatt. Above Lake Thun, crossing the Kander Gorge, you reach Spiez via meadows and forests. Following the idyllic path to Faulensee, you finally leave the shore here. The destination is the village of Aeschi with a view of the Niesen and the lake.
20km680m360m5h 25mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
Starting in Interlaken, the hike hugs Lake Thun before continuing on via Därligen to the Meielisalp up above Leissigen. Enchanting panoramic views are provided by the suspension bridge over the Spissibach stream. Finally, the route continues past Faulensee via Krattigen. The end point for this stage is Spiez with its vineyards and castle – the latter, towering over the town, serves as its characteristic symbol.
20km740m740m5h 50mTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (46m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp | |
| (10m) | |
| Brig |
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (45m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp | |
| (8m) | |
| Brig |
| Brig | |
| (12m) | |
| Ausserberg |
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (45m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp | |
| (27m) | |
| Spiez |
| Saas-Fee, Busterminal | |
| (45m) | |
| Visp, Bahnhof Süd |
| Visp | |
| (27m) | |
| Spiez |
Difficulty: Medium
Landscape: Along the water,Along a Suone/Bisse
Difficulty: Hard
Landscape: Along the water,Along a Suone/Bisse
Landscape: With panoramic views
Minimum elevation: 647m
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum elevation: 1345m
Landscape: Over a pass,With panoramic views
Landscape: With panoramic views
Landscape: Along the water,Onto an alp,Over a suspension bridge,Past castles,With panoramic views
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