Vals
Vals is a small mountain village in the Surselva region of the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland, lying at 1,250 metres above sea level at the end of the Valsertal valley. The village is a Walser German-speaking enclave within the Romansh-speaking Val Lumnezia, with around 1,000 inhabitants and a rural, alpine character. Surrounded by peaks rising to nearly 3,000 metres, the region is dominated by high mountains and the Valser Rhein river rather than by a lake, though the Zervreila reservoir lies at the head of the valley. Vals is known for its distinctive architecture, including the world-famous thermal baths designed by Peter Zumthor, and for its mineral water. The village offers a mix of tradition, nature and contemporary building culture, with a quiet, uncrowded atmosphere and a strong cultural and architectural identity.
Summer activities
Vals is a paradise for hikers and mountaineers, with trails ranging from gentle village walks to demanding high-alpine tours and 3,000-metre peaks such as the Faltschonhorn and Fanellhorn. The gondola to Gadastatt opens up panoramic routes, while over 50 km of signposted bike trails and 150 km of marked trailrunning paths cater to mountain bikers and runners. Natural river baths in the Valser Rhein and its tributaries offer wild swimming, and the region's alpine pastures and fire pits invite relaxed family outings.
Winter activities
Vals is one of the highest ski areas in Graubünden, with 25 km of groomed pistes served by a gondola and five ski lifts reaching almost 3,000 metres, offering snow-sure conditions and a family-friendly atmosphere. Beyond alpine skiing, the village offers a 4 km cross-country loop (classic and skating), prepared sledding runs, ice skating, winter hiking trails and guided snowshoe and ski tours, with a ski school for all levels.
Culture and entertainment
Vals has a distinctive cultural and architectural identity. The village is celebrated for its contemporary architecture, above all the thermal baths by Peter Zumthor, alongside works by international architects such as Kengo Kuma, Tadao Ando and Thom Mayne, and a preserved core of historic Walser buildings. Cultural life includes the annual Valser Musiksommer concert series, open-air cinema at the thermal baths, a local history museum, guided village and architecture tours, and a small arts festival.
