Valais
Encyclopedia
The Valais is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland
in the southwestern part of the country
, around the valley of the Rhône
from its headwaters to Lake Geneva
, separating the Pennine Alps
from the Bernese Alps
. The canton is one of the drier parts of Switzerland in its central Rhône valley. Paradoxically, it is also one of most well-watered parts, having large amounts of snow and rain up on the highest peaks found in Switzerland. The canton of Valais is probably best known for the Matterhorn
and ski resorts such as Zermatt
and Verbier
.
) in 57 B.C., and was so thoroughly Romanized
that both the Celt
ic original inhabitants and the Germanic
Burgundian
invaders of the 5th century, became romance language
-speaking peoples. According to a tradition which can be traced back to the middle of the 8th century, the Theban legion
was martyred at Agaunum
(now Saint Maurice) about 285 or 302. From 888 onwards the lands were part of the kingdom of Jurane Burgundy
.
Valais formed part of the kingdom of Transjurane Burgundy, which fell to the Holy Roman Empire
in 1032. It became part of the duchy of Burgundia Minor, which was held from the emperors by the house of Zahringen (which went extinct in 1218). In 999, King Rudolph III of Burgundy
gave all temporal rights and privileges to the Bishop of Sion
, who was later styled praefect and count of the Valais and is still a prince of the Holy Roman Empire. The count-bishops then struggled to defend their area against the Zahringen and then the dukes of Savoy
, so that the medieval history of the Valais is inextricably linked with that of the diocese of Sion. The Dukes of Savoy, however, succeeded in winning most of the land west of Sion
, while in the upper part of the valley (Upper Valais) there were many feudal lords, such as the lords of Raron, those of La Tour-Chatillon, and the counts of Visp.
About the middle of the 13th century, the large communities (Zenden or tithings) began to develop independence and grow in power. The name Zenden or tithings probably came from a very ancient division of the bishop's manors for administrative and judicial purposes. In the same century the upper part of the valley was colonized by Germans from Hasli in the Canton of Bern. The locals became German speaking
, though many Romance local names still remain. In 1354 the liberties of several of the seven Zenden (Sion, Sierre
, Leuk
, Raron
, Visp
, Brig
and Conches) were confirmed by the Emperor Charles IV
.
By the late 14th century, the counts of Savoy acquired the bishopric of Sion. The Zenden resisted his attempts to gather both spiritual and secular power in the valley. In 1375-76, Zenden forces crushed the army of the house of La Tour-Chatillon, and in 1388 utterly defeated the forces of the bishop, the count and his nobles at Visp. The German-speaking Zenden spread further into the valley. Starting in 1384 the Morge stream (a little below Sion) was recognized as the boundary between Savoyard, French speaking
Lower Valais and German speaking episcopal Upper Valais.
During the Raron affair
rebellion in 1414 to 1420, some cantons of the Swiss Confederation
took sides in the Valais. Lucerne
, Uri
and Unterwalden
supported the Upper Valais rebels, while Bern supported the noble Raron family. The uprising was successful in driving out the Rarons, and almost brought the Confederation to civil war.
With the election of Walther von Supersax of Conches as bishop in 1457, the German speaking part of the valley finally won the supremacy. At the outbreak of the Burgundian War in 1475 the bishop of Sion and the Zenden made a treaty with Bern. In November of the same year they seized all Lower or Savoyard Valais up to Martigny. In March 1476, after the victory of Grandson
, they advanced and captured St Maurice, Evian
, Thonon
and Monthey
. They had to give up the last three districts in 1477, but won them again in 1536. In the treaty of Thonon in 1569, Monthey, Val d'llliez and Bouveret were permanently annexed to the Valais. These conquered districts in the Lower Valais were always ruled as subject lands by the bishop and Zenden of the Upper Valais. On March 12, 1529, Valais became an associate member (Zugewandter Ort) of the Swiss Confederation.
The Valais resisted the Protestant Reformation
, remaining faithful to the Roman Catholic Church
. In 1628 the Valais became a republic, the République des Sept Dizains/Republik der Sieben Zehenden, under the guidance of the prince-bishop of Sion and the bailli. The bishop remained in power until 1798 when Napoleon's troops invaded the Valais and declared a Revolutionary République du Valais (March 16) which was swiftly incorporated (May 1) into the Helvetic Republic
until 1802 when it became the separate Rhodanic Republic
. In 1810 the Rhodanic Republic was annexed by Napoleonic France as the département of Simplon
. Independence was restored in 1813, and on August 4, 1815 the Valais finally entered the Swiss confederation as a canton. In 1845, the Valais joined the Catholic separate league (Sonderbund
) which led to what is called the Sonderbund War. 99,000 Swiss Federal troops under General Henri Dufour were faced by 79,000 Separatists, but in the end the Valais chose not to fight.
The canton of Valais lies in the southwest of Switzerland. To its south lies Italy, to the southwest France. To the north the canton is bounded by the Swiss cantons of Vaud
and Bern; the cantons of Uri
and Ticino
lie to its east.
The wide, glacial Rhône
valley dominates the area. There are many side valleys which branch off the main valley. These vary from narrow and remote to reasonably populous and popular. At the head of the Mattertal
valley lies Zermatt
, a pretty tourist village dominated by views of the Matterhorn
(4,478 m). Fifty of the mountains exceed 4,000 m with the highest, Monte Rosa
, reaching 4638 metres (15,216.5 ft), and there are numerous glacier
s including several of the largest in the Alps.
The Rhône drains almost the entire canton and flows in the main valley from east to west down to Martigny
, then in a right angle north to its mouth in Lake Geneva
. After the small town of Saint-Maurice
, the northern banks of the river belong to the canton of Vaud
. However two areas are located on the south side of the Alps and are drained by the Po river
: the valley south of the Simplon Pass
and the small area south of the Great St. Bernard Pass
. The main valley is bounded by the Bernese Alps in the north and the Pennine Alps
in the south. Other ranges situated partially in Valais are the Chablais Alps
, the Mont Blanc Massif
, the Urner Alps
and the Lepontine Alps
. Only about half of the total area is considered productive.
Valais is divided into 13 districts:
Lower Valais:
Upper Valais:
.
- and Arpitan
-speaking. The eastern part of the canton (Upper Valais), however, speaks Walliser German. The French-speaking population makes up slightly more than two-thirds of the total population.
The canton is thinly populated. Its population (as of ) is . , the population included 57,061 foreigners, or about 19.1% of the total population. The largest towns are the capital Sion
(Sitten), Monthey
, Sierre
, Martigny and Brig
. There is no major city located in the canton. 81% of the population is Roman Catholic, while only 6% are Protestant
.
Wine and fruit cognac
s, e.g. "Williamine
" production and tourism
are some of the main industries of the canton. The Matterhorn
near Zermatt
is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Swiss mountains, as is its sister valley immediately east Saas Fee. Other parts of the mountains of the canton further west are popular as well, such as the more French-speaking resorts near Verbier
and the Evolene
and Arolla
region. The resorts on the north side of the main Rhône river valley are popular, looking out southwards towards the Peninne Alps and still part of the southern slope of the Bernese Alps, such as the family-oriented resort of Crans-Montana
. The resorts in the Goms region are slightly less known, yet also receive attention during the summer hiking season and the winter ski
season.
Apart from tourism, agriculture
is still important, particularly cattle
breeding in the mountains and dairy farming
in the plains. The wine
industry of the canton is the largest in Switzerland. There are also a large number orchard
s in the area, and saffron
is also gathered here.
Europe's tallest gravity dam is located at Grande Dixence
in the canton. Hydroelectric
power plants from the canton produce about a quarter of Swiss electricity.
The west part and the most industrial region of the canton is called Chablais
. The area is very important for the economy. The lands from the Valais part of Lake Geneva to the town of St-Maurice are located in the Chablais. There are a lot of factories, the most important are the subsidiaries of Novartis
and Syngenta
, in Monthey
. In the town of Collombey-Muraz
, there is an oil refinery
.
Near Visp
there is a large aluminium
processing plant. Other metal products and chemicals are produced around Visp and Sierre
.
The Valais has a long touristic tradition. Hoteliers were at the base of the important development of Valais Tourism. Many of them, such as César Ritz
, spent time and money to satisfy a clientele from around the world. They have therefore largely contributed to the reputation which has benefited to many generations of Valais inhabitants and will
The Valais counts more than 120 winter and summer destinations, including:
Some resorts Valais enjoy an international renown. Most stations are located more than 1500 meters (a.s.l) and 9 ski regions lie 3000 meters (a.s.l), which guarantees snow during the winter season.
Wellness, beauty and fitness are an old tradition in Valais. The Romans already knew the beneficial properties of the "healing waters Valais". The area is famous for its spas found at Saillon
in Leuk-les-Bains in Ovronnaz
in Val-d'Illiez
, in Breiten and Brigerbad.
In Valais, the following resorts have been awarded the quality label which gives them the distinction of "Family welcome places":
(Bellwald
Bettmeralp
Crans-Montana
Ernen
Fiesch
Grächen
Grimentz
Leukerbad Bains Nendaz
Saas-Almagell
Saas-Fee
Saas-Grund
Zinal
)
These, and many other stations offers include: climbing parks, barbecues fireplaces, theme trails, wildlife parks, adventure parks, etc. Animation programs ranging from cooking classes to painting lessons also composed the touristic offer. The various accommodation offer various services such as child care, equipment rental, extra beds, chairs for children and special menus.
The Valais has 9 golf courses in total, five 18-hole courses: Crans Montana Leuk-les-Bains, Sierra
, Sion
Verbier
9-hole and 4 Crans Montana Obergesteln
Riederalp
and Zermatt
.
Related to the constant evolution of the tourism industry, the Valais has seen the development of a large range of activities, such as theme park as Happyland New, The Adventure Labyrinth, the Swiss Steam Park and Aquaparc.
, but the main routes of transport are rail and road. Both networks are extensive and benefit from tourism. There are three major rail tunnels at the Simplon
(Simplon Tunnel
), Lötschberg (Lötschberg Tunnel
) and Furka (Furkatunnel) and a road tunnel at the Great St Bernard
. Many of the road passes are well known, such as the Grimsel Pass. The longest land tunnel in the world, the Lötschberg Base Tunnel
, is in operation since late 2007, connecting by rail the town of Frutigen
in canton Bern
, with the town of Visp
in canton Valais/Wallis. This is to better allay car traffic in the highly scenic Kandertal
, and also to provide faster transport through the Bernese Alps from the populous Mittelland in the north to the southern canton of Valais. Cars may be loaded onto the trains as freight. The old train line still carries traffic particularly road traffic as freight, and has highly scenic sections in both cantons on either side of the old tunnel through the dividing ridgeline, yet is somewhat slower than the new route which has a much longer tunnel section.
Because of the tourism there are many mountain railways and cable cars in the mountains. The scenic rail route across the Furka Pass originates in the canton of Valais.
Cantons of Switzerland
The 26 cantons of Switzerland are the member states of the federal state of Switzerland. Each canton was a fully sovereign state with its own borders, army and currency from the Treaty of Westphalia until the establishment of the Swiss federal state in 1848...
in the southwestern part of the country
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, around the valley of the Rhône
Rhône
Rhone can refer to:* Rhone, one of the major rivers of Europe, running through Switzerland and France* Rhône Glacier, the source of the Rhone River and one of the primary contributors to Lake Geneva in the far eastern end of the canton of Valais in Switzerland...
from its headwaters to Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva or Lake Léman is a lake in Switzerland and France. It is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe. 59.53 % of it comes under the jurisdiction of Switzerland , and 40.47 % under France...
, separating the Pennine Alps
Pennine Alps
The Pennine Alps are a mountain range in the western part of the Alps. They are located in Switzerland and Italy...
from the Bernese Alps
Bernese Alps
The Bernese Alps are a group of mountain ranges in the western part of the Alps, in Switzerland. Although the name suggests that they are located in the Bernese Oberland region of the canton of Bern, portions of the Bernese Alps are in the adjacent cantons of Valais, Lucerne, Obwalden, Fribourg and...
. The canton is one of the drier parts of Switzerland in its central Rhône valley. Paradoxically, it is also one of most well-watered parts, having large amounts of snow and rain up on the highest peaks found in Switzerland. The canton of Valais is probably best known for the Matterhorn
Matterhorn
The Matterhorn , Monte Cervino or Mont Cervin , is a mountain in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Its summit is 4,478 metres high, making it one of the highest peaks in the Alps. The four steep faces, rising above the surrounding glaciers, face the four compass points...
and ski resorts such as Zermatt
Zermatt
Zermatt is a municipality in the district of Visp in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of about 5,800 inhabitants....
and Verbier
Verbier
Verbier is a village located in southwestern Switzerland in the canton of Valais. It is one of the largest holiday resort and ski areas in the Swiss Alps, is recognized as one of the premiere "off-piste" locations in the world...
.
History
The Romans called the upper Rhône valley Vallis Poenina. The Vallis Poenina was won by the Romans after a great fight at Octodurus (MartignyMartigny, Switzerland
Martigny is the capital of the French-speaking district of Martigny in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It lies at an elevation of , and its population is approximately 15000 inhabitants . It is a junction of roads joining Italy, France and Switzerland...
) in 57 B.C., and was so thoroughly Romanized
Culture of ancient Rome
Ancient Roman culture existed throughout the almost 1200-year history of the civilization of Ancient Rome. The term refers to the culture of the Roman Republic, later the Roman Empire, which, at its peak, covered an area from Lowland Scotland and Morocco to the Euphrates.Life in ancient Rome...
that both the Celt
Celt
The Celts were a diverse group of tribal societies in Iron Age and Roman-era Europe who spoke Celtic languages.The earliest archaeological culture commonly accepted as Celtic, or rather Proto-Celtic, was the central European Hallstatt culture , named for the rich grave finds in Hallstatt, Austria....
ic original inhabitants and the Germanic
Germanic peoples
The Germanic peoples are an Indo-European ethno-linguistic group of Northern European origin, identified by their use of the Indo-European Germanic languages which diversified out of Proto-Germanic during the Pre-Roman Iron Age.Originating about 1800 BCE from the Corded Ware Culture on the North...
Burgundian
Burgundian
Burgundian can refer to any of the following:*Burgundians, an East Germanic tribe, who first appear in history in South East Europe. Later Burgundians colonised the area of Gaul that is now known as Burgundy ....
invaders of the 5th century, became romance language
Romance languages
The Romance languages are a branch of the Indo-European language family, more precisely of the Italic languages subfamily, comprising all the languages that descend from Vulgar Latin, the language of ancient Rome...
-speaking peoples. According to a tradition which can be traced back to the middle of the 8th century, the Theban legion
Theban Legion
The Theban Legion figures in Christian hagiography as an entire Roman legion — of "six thousand six hundred and sixty-six men" — who had converted en masse to Christianity and were martyred together, in 286, according to the hagiographies of Saint Maurice, the chief among the Legion's...
was martyred at Agaunum
Agaunum
Roman Agaunum, the modern Saint-Maurice in the canton Valais in southwesternmost Switzerland, was a minor post confined between the Rhône and the mountains along the well-travelled road that led from Roman Genava, modern Geneva, over the Alps by the Great St...
(now Saint Maurice) about 285 or 302. From 888 onwards the lands were part of the kingdom of Jurane Burgundy
Burgundians
The Burgundians were an East Germanic tribe which may have emigrated from mainland Scandinavia to the island of Bornholm, whose old form in Old Norse still was Burgundarholmr , and from there to mainland Europe...
.
Valais formed part of the kingdom of Transjurane Burgundy, which fell to the Holy Roman Empire
Holy Roman Empire
The Holy Roman Empire was a realm that existed from 962 to 1806 in Central Europe.It was ruled by the Holy Roman Emperor. Its character changed during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period, when the power of the emperor gradually weakened in favour of the princes...
in 1032. It became part of the duchy of Burgundia Minor, which was held from the emperors by the house of Zahringen (which went extinct in 1218). In 999, King Rudolph III of Burgundy
Rudolph III of Burgundy
Rudolf III of Burgundy was the last King of an independent Burgundy. He was the son of Conrad, King of Burgundy, and Matilda of France...
gave all temporal rights and privileges to the Bishop of Sion
Bishop of Sion
The Diocese of Sion is a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical territory in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It is the oldest bishopric in the country and one of the oldest north of the Alps. The cathedral at Sion, "Notre-Dame du Glarier" was fortified by walls and crowns one of the two hills on which...
, who was later styled praefect and count of the Valais and is still a prince of the Holy Roman Empire. The count-bishops then struggled to defend their area against the Zahringen and then the dukes of Savoy
Savoy
Savoy is a region of France. It comprises roughly the territory of the Western Alps situated between Lake Geneva in the north and Monaco and the Mediterranean coast in the south....
, so that the medieval history of the Valais is inextricably linked with that of the diocese of Sion. The Dukes of Savoy, however, succeeded in winning most of the land west of Sion
Sion, Switzerland
Sion is the capital of the Swiss canton of Valais. it had a population of .Landmarks include the Basilique de Valère and Château de Tourbillon. Sion has an airfield for civilian and military use, which, because of its location in a valley, causes a reasonable amount of noise pollution. FC Sion...
, while in the upper part of the valley (Upper Valais) there were many feudal lords, such as the lords of Raron, those of La Tour-Chatillon, and the counts of Visp.
About the middle of the 13th century, the large communities (Zenden or tithings) began to develop independence and grow in power. The name Zenden or tithings probably came from a very ancient division of the bishop's manors for administrative and judicial purposes. In the same century the upper part of the valley was colonized by Germans from Hasli in the Canton of Bern. The locals became German speaking
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
, though many Romance local names still remain. In 1354 the liberties of several of the seven Zenden (Sion, Sierre
Sierre
Sierre is the capital of the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of 14,355.It is situated on the French–German language border of the canton of Wallis...
, Leuk
Leuk
Leuk is a municipality in the district of Leuk in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.Since it controls access to the Gemmi Pass, it had some importance from the time of Roman Raetia. The Leukerbad thermal baths are just North of Leuk, towards the pass...
, Raron
Raron
Raron is a municipality in the district of Raron in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Raron is first mentioned around 1101-1200 as Rarogni...
, Visp
Visp
Visp is the capital of the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Visp has an area, , of . Of this area, 17.0% is used for agricultural purposes, while 59.7% is forested...
, Brig
Brig
A brig is a sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts. During the Age of Sail, brigs were seen as fast and manoeuvrable and were used as both naval warships and merchant vessels. They were especially popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries...
and Conches) were confirmed by the Emperor Charles IV
Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor
Charles IV , born Wenceslaus , was the second king of Bohemia from the House of Luxembourg, and the first king of Bohemia to also become Holy Roman Emperor....
.
By the late 14th century, the counts of Savoy acquired the bishopric of Sion. The Zenden resisted his attempts to gather both spiritual and secular power in the valley. In 1375-76, Zenden forces crushed the army of the house of La Tour-Chatillon, and in 1388 utterly defeated the forces of the bishop, the count and his nobles at Visp. The German-speaking Zenden spread further into the valley. Starting in 1384 the Morge stream (a little below Sion) was recognized as the boundary between Savoyard, French speaking
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
Lower Valais and German speaking episcopal Upper Valais.
During the Raron affair
Raron affair
The Raron affair was a 15th Century rebellion in the Valais region against the power of a local noble family, the Raron family. The rebellion brought several cantons of the Swiss Confederation into conflict with each other and threatened a civil war in the Confederation...
rebellion in 1414 to 1420, some cantons of the Swiss Confederation
Old Swiss Confederacy
The Old Swiss Confederacy was the precursor of modern-day Switzerland....
took sides in the Valais. Lucerne
Lucerne
Lucerne is a city in north-central Switzerland, in the German-speaking portion of that country. Lucerne is the capital of the Canton of Lucerne and the capital of the district of the same name. With a population of about 76,200 people, Lucerne is the most populous city in Central Switzerland, and...
, Uri
Canton of Uri
Uri is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland and a founding member of the Swiss Confederation. It is located in Central Switzerland. The canton's territory covers the valley of the Reuss River between Lake Lucerne and the St. Gotthard Pass. German is the primary language spoken in Uri...
and Unterwalden
Unterwalden
Unterwalden is the old name of a forest-canton of the Old Swiss Confederacy in central Switzerland, south of Lake Lucerne, consisting of two valleys or Talschaften, now organized as two half-cantons, an upper part, Obwalden, and a lower part, Nidwalden.Unterwalden was one of the three participants...
supported the Upper Valais rebels, while Bern supported the noble Raron family. The uprising was successful in driving out the Rarons, and almost brought the Confederation to civil war.
Battle of Grandson
The Battle of Grandson, took place on 2 March 1476, was part of the Burgundian Wars, and resulted in a major defeat for Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy.- Siege of Grandson, February 1476 :...
, they advanced and captured St Maurice, Evian
Evian
Evian is a French brand of mineral water coming from several sources near Évian-les-Bains, on the south shore of Lake Geneva.Today, Evian is owned by Danone Group, a French multinational company...
, Thonon
Thonon-les-Bains
Thonon-les-Bains is a town in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department.-History:...
and Monthey
Monthey
Monthey is the capital of the district of Monthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.- History :The castle in the town center was built in 950 on a hill, the first houses of Monthey surrounded it. Monthey is first mentioned in 1215 as Montez At the 13th century, the counts of Savoy owned the...
. They had to give up the last three districts in 1477, but won them again in 1536. In the treaty of Thonon in 1569, Monthey, Val d'llliez and Bouveret were permanently annexed to the Valais. These conquered districts in the Lower Valais were always ruled as subject lands by the bishop and Zenden of the Upper Valais. On March 12, 1529, Valais became an associate member (Zugewandter Ort) of the Swiss Confederation.
The Valais resisted the Protestant Reformation
Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was a 16th-century split within Western Christianity initiated by Martin Luther, John Calvin and other early Protestants. The efforts of the self-described "reformers", who objected to the doctrines, rituals and ecclesiastical structure of the Roman Catholic Church, led...
, remaining faithful to the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
. In 1628 the Valais became a republic, the République des Sept Dizains/Republik der Sieben Zehenden, under the guidance of the prince-bishop of Sion and the bailli. The bishop remained in power until 1798 when Napoleon's troops invaded the Valais and declared a Revolutionary République du Valais (March 16) which was swiftly incorporated (May 1) into the Helvetic Republic
Helvetic Republic
In Swiss history, the Helvetic Republic represented an early attempt to impose a central authority over Switzerland, which until then consisted mainly of self-governing cantons united by a loose military alliance, and conquered territories such as Vaud...
until 1802 when it became the separate Rhodanic Republic
Rhodanic Republic
The Rhodanic Republic was a state that existed in the French speaking part of Switzerland during the Napoleonic wars.Napoleon had long sought to make Switzerland dependent on him in order to facilitate his military operations in Italy and around the Alps. Therefore he had been trying various...
. In 1810 the Rhodanic Republic was annexed by Napoleonic France as the département of Simplon
Simplon (département)
Simplon was the name of a département of the First French Empire. It is named after the Simplon Pass. It was formed in 1810, when the Rhodanic Republic was occupied by the French. Its territory corresponds with that of the present Swiss canton of Valais. The capital of Simplon département was Sion...
. Independence was restored in 1813, and on August 4, 1815 the Valais finally entered the Swiss confederation as a canton. In 1845, the Valais joined the Catholic separate league (Sonderbund
Sonderbund
The Sonderbund War of November 1847 was a civil war in Switzerland. It ensued after seven Catholic cantons formed the Sonderbund in 1845 in order to protect their interests against a centralization of power...
) which led to what is called the Sonderbund War. 99,000 Swiss Federal troops under General Henri Dufour were faced by 79,000 Separatists, but in the end the Valais chose not to fight.
Geography
Vaud
Vaud is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland and is located in Romandy, the French-speaking southwestern part of the country. The capital is Lausanne. The name of the Canton in Switzerland's other languages are Vaud in Italian , Waadt in German , and Vad in Romansh.-History:Along the lakes,...
and Bern; the cantons of Uri
Canton of Uri
Uri is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland and a founding member of the Swiss Confederation. It is located in Central Switzerland. The canton's territory covers the valley of the Reuss River between Lake Lucerne and the St. Gotthard Pass. German is the primary language spoken in Uri...
and Ticino
Ticino
Canton Ticino or Ticino is the southernmost canton of Switzerland. Named after the Ticino river, it is the only canton in which Italian is the sole official language...
lie to its east.
The wide, glacial Rhône
Rhône River
The Rhone is one of the major rivers of Europe, rising in Switzerland and running from there through southeastern France. At Arles, near its mouth on the Mediterranean Sea, the river divides into two branches, known as the Great Rhone and the Little Rhone...
valley dominates the area. There are many side valleys which branch off the main valley. These vary from narrow and remote to reasonably populous and popular. At the head of the Mattertal
Mattertal
The Matter Valley is located in southwestern Switzerland, south of the Rhone valley in the canton of Valais. The village of Zermatt is the most important settlement of the valley, which is surrounded by many four-thousanders, including the Matterhorn.-Geography:Located in the Pennine Alps, the...
valley lies Zermatt
Zermatt
Zermatt is a municipality in the district of Visp in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of about 5,800 inhabitants....
, a pretty tourist village dominated by views of the Matterhorn
Matterhorn
The Matterhorn , Monte Cervino or Mont Cervin , is a mountain in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Its summit is 4,478 metres high, making it one of the highest peaks in the Alps. The four steep faces, rising above the surrounding glaciers, face the four compass points...
(4,478 m). Fifty of the mountains exceed 4,000 m with the highest, Monte Rosa
Monte Rosa
The Monte Rosa Massif is a mountain massif located in the eastern part of the Pennine Alps. It is located between Switzerland and Italy...
, reaching 4638 metres (15,216.5 ft), and there are numerous glacier
Glacier
A glacier is a large persistent body of ice that forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation over many years, often centuries. At least 0.1 km² in area and 50 m thick, but often much larger, a glacier slowly deforms and flows due to stresses induced by its weight...
s including several of the largest in the Alps.
The Rhône drains almost the entire canton and flows in the main valley from east to west down to Martigny
Martigny, Switzerland
Martigny is the capital of the French-speaking district of Martigny in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It lies at an elevation of , and its population is approximately 15000 inhabitants . It is a junction of roads joining Italy, France and Switzerland...
, then in a right angle north to its mouth in Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva or Lake Léman is a lake in Switzerland and France. It is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe. 59.53 % of it comes under the jurisdiction of Switzerland , and 40.47 % under France...
. After the small town of Saint-Maurice
Saint-Maurice, Valais
Saint-Maurice, or Saint-Maurice-en-Valais, is a municipality and district capital of the district of Saint-Maurice in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.It is the site of the Roman outpost of Agaunum and the mediaeval St...
, the northern banks of the river belong to the canton of Vaud
Vaud
Vaud is one of the 26 cantons of Switzerland and is located in Romandy, the French-speaking southwestern part of the country. The capital is Lausanne. The name of the Canton in Switzerland's other languages are Vaud in Italian , Waadt in German , and Vad in Romansh.-History:Along the lakes,...
. However two areas are located on the south side of the Alps and are drained by the Po river
Po River
The Po |Ligurian]]: Bodincus or Bodencus) is a river that flows either or – considering the length of the Maira, a right bank tributary – eastward across northern Italy, from a spring seeping from a stony hillside at Pian del Re, a flat place at the head of the Val Po under the northwest face...
: the valley south of the Simplon Pass
Simplon Pass
Simplon Pass is a high mountain pass between the Pennine Alps and the Lepontine Alps in Switzerland. It connects Brig in the canton of Valais with Domodossola in Piedmont . The pass itself and the villages on each side of it, such as Gondo, are in Switzerland...
and the small area south of the Great St. Bernard Pass
Great St. Bernard Pass
Great St. Bernard Pass is the third highest road pass in Switzerland. It connects Martigny in the Canton of Valais in Switzerland to Aosta in Italy. It is the lowest pass lying on the ridge between the two highest summits of the Alps, Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa...
. The main valley is bounded by the Bernese Alps in the north and the Pennine Alps
Pennine Alps
The Pennine Alps are a mountain range in the western part of the Alps. They are located in Switzerland and Italy...
in the south. Other ranges situated partially in Valais are the Chablais Alps
Chablais Alps
The Chablais Alps are a mountain range in the western Alps. They are situated between Lake Geneva and the Mont Blanc Massif. The Col des Montets separates them from the Mont Blanc Massif in the south, and the Rhône valley separates them from the Bernese Alps in the east.The Chablais Alps are...
, the Mont Blanc Massif
Mont Blanc Massif
The Mont Blanc massif is a mountain range in the western Alps. It is named after Mont Blanc, at 4,810.45 m the highest summit of the Alps. It is located in France , Italy , and Switzerland...
, the Urner Alps
Urner Alps
The Urner Alps are a mountain range in central Switzerland in the western part of the Alps. They extend into the cantons of Obwalden, Valais, Lucerne, Bern, Uri and Nidwalden and are bordered by the Bernese Alps to the west, the Lepontine Alps to the south and the Glarus Alps to the east.The Urner...
and the Lepontine Alps
Lepontine Alps
The Lepontine Alps are a mountain range in the central part of the Alps. They are located in Switzerland and Italy .On the north the upper Rhône valley separate them from the Bernese Alps and the Furka Pass and the upper Reuss valley separates them from the Urner Alps; on the west the Simplon Pass...
. Only about half of the total area is considered productive.
Districts
Lower Valais:
- ContheyConthey (district)The district of Conthey is an administrative district in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It has a population of .The Conthey district was created as the 13th district of the Valais as the canton joined the restored Swiss Confederacy in 1815, accounting for the thirteen stars in the coat of...
with capital ContheyContheyConthey is a municipality in the district of Conthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Conthey is first mentioned about 800 as curtis Contextis. In 1146 it was mentioned as ecclesiam de Plano Contesio.-Geography:... - Entremont with capital SembrancherSembrancherSembrancher is a municipality in the district of Entremont in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Sembrancher is first mentioned in 1177 as Sancti Pancratii de Branchi. Its German name St Branschier is no longer used.-Geography:...
- HérensHérens (district)The district of Hérens is a district in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of .-Geography:Except for the municipality of Ayent, which lies on the north bank of the Rhône, the municipalities of Hérens are located in the Val d'Hérens on the south bank of the...
with capital EvolèneEvolèneEvolène is a municipality in the district of Hérens in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Evolène is first mentioned in 1250 as Ewelina. In 1444 it was mentioned as in loco de Evolena.- Avalanches of the 21st of February, 1999 :... - Martigny with capital Martigny
- Monthey with capital MontheyMontheyMonthey is the capital of the district of Monthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.- History :The castle in the town center was built in 950 on a hill, the first houses of Monthey surrounded it. Monthey is first mentioned in 1215 as Montez At the 13th century, the counts of Savoy owned the...
- Saint-Maurice with capital Saint-Maurice
- Sierre with capital SierreSierreSierre is the capital of the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of 14,355.It is situated on the French–German language border of the canton of Wallis...
- Sion with capital SionSion, SwitzerlandSion is the capital of the Swiss canton of Valais. it had a population of .Landmarks include the Basilique de Valère and Château de Tourbillon. Sion has an airfield for civilian and military use, which, because of its location in a valley, causes a reasonable amount of noise pollution. FC Sion...
Upper Valais:
- Brig with capital Brig-Glis
- Goms with capital Münster-GeschinenMünster-GeschinenMünster-Geschinen is a village in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It was formed in 2004 from the union of the municipalities of Münster and Geschinen.-History:...
- Leuk with capital LeukLeukLeuk is a municipality in the district of Leuk in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.Since it controls access to the Gemmi Pass, it had some importance from the time of Roman Raetia. The Leukerbad thermal baths are just North of Leuk, towards the pass...
- Östlich Raron with capital Mörel-FiletMörel-FiletMörel-Filet is a municipality in the district of Östlich Raron in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It was formed on 1. January 2009 when Mörel and Filet were merged.-History:...
- Visp with capital VispVispVisp is the capital of the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Visp has an area, , of . Of this area, 17.0% is used for agricultural purposes, while 59.7% is forested...
- Westlich Raron with capital RaronRaronRaron is a municipality in the district of Raron in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Raron is first mentioned around 1101-1200 as Rarogni...
Municipalities
There are 143 municipalities in the cantonMunicipalities of the canton of Valais
There are 143 municipalities in the canton of Valais, Switzerland ....
.
Demographics
Valais is predominantly FrenchFrench language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
- and Arpitan
Franco-Provençal language
Franco-Provençal , Arpitan, or Romand is a Romance language with several distinct dialects that form a linguistic sub-group separate from Langue d'Oïl and Langue d'Oc. The name Franco-Provençal was given to the language by G.I...
-speaking. The eastern part of the canton (Upper Valais), however, speaks Walliser German. The French-speaking population makes up slightly more than two-thirds of the total population.
The canton is thinly populated. Its population (as of ) is . , the population included 57,061 foreigners, or about 19.1% of the total population. The largest towns are the capital Sion
Sion, Switzerland
Sion is the capital of the Swiss canton of Valais. it had a population of .Landmarks include the Basilique de Valère and Château de Tourbillon. Sion has an airfield for civilian and military use, which, because of its location in a valley, causes a reasonable amount of noise pollution. FC Sion...
(Sitten), Monthey
Monthey
Monthey is the capital of the district of Monthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.- History :The castle in the town center was built in 950 on a hill, the first houses of Monthey surrounded it. Monthey is first mentioned in 1215 as Montez At the 13th century, the counts of Savoy owned the...
, Sierre
Sierre
Sierre is the capital of the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of 14,355.It is situated on the French–German language border of the canton of Wallis...
, Martigny and Brig
Brig
A brig is a sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts. During the Age of Sail, brigs were seen as fast and manoeuvrable and were used as both naval warships and merchant vessels. They were especially popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries...
. There is no major city located in the canton. 81% of the population is Roman Catholic, while only 6% are Protestant
Protestantism
Protestantism is one of the three major groupings within Christianity. It is a movement that began in Germany in the early 16th century as a reaction against medieval Roman Catholic doctrines and practices, especially in regards to salvation, justification, and ecclesiology.The doctrines of the...
.
Economy
Cognac (drink)
Cognac , named after the town of Cognac in France, is a variety of brandy. It is produced in the wine-growing region surrounding the town from which it takes its name, in the French Departements of Charente and Charente-Maritime....
s, e.g. "Williamine
Williamine
Williamine is a brand of Poire Williams, an eau de vie produced with Williams pears, in Martigny, Canton of Valais, Switzerland.The trademark Williamine belongs to the ....
" production and tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
are some of the main industries of the canton. The Matterhorn
Matterhorn
The Matterhorn , Monte Cervino or Mont Cervin , is a mountain in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy. Its summit is 4,478 metres high, making it one of the highest peaks in the Alps. The four steep faces, rising above the surrounding glaciers, face the four compass points...
near Zermatt
Zermatt
Zermatt is a municipality in the district of Visp in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of about 5,800 inhabitants....
is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Swiss mountains, as is its sister valley immediately east Saas Fee. Other parts of the mountains of the canton further west are popular as well, such as the more French-speaking resorts near Verbier
Verbier
Verbier is a village located in southwestern Switzerland in the canton of Valais. It is one of the largest holiday resort and ski areas in the Swiss Alps, is recognized as one of the premiere "off-piste" locations in the world...
and the Evolene
Evolène
Evolène is a municipality in the district of Hérens in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Evolène is first mentioned in 1250 as Ewelina. In 1444 it was mentioned as in loco de Evolena.- Avalanches of the 21st of February, 1999 :...
and Arolla
Arolla
Arolla is a village in the municipality of Evolène in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.It is situated at the end of the Val d'Hérens south of Sion at 1998m altitude in the Pennine Alps...
region. The resorts on the north side of the main Rhône river valley are popular, looking out southwards towards the Peninne Alps and still part of the southern slope of the Bernese Alps, such as the family-oriented resort of Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana is a ski resort in western Switzerland, in the heart of the Swiss Alps in the canton of Valais. It is located on a plateau above Sierre at an elevation of about 1500 m above sea level, allowing good view over the Valais Alps and Weisshorn in particular...
. The resorts in the Goms region are slightly less known, yet also receive attention during the summer hiking season and the winter ski
Skiing
Skiing is a recreational activity using skis as equipment for traveling over snow. Skis are used in conjunction with boots that connect to the ski with use of a binding....
season.
Apart from tourism, agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
is still important, particularly cattle
Cattle
Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
breeding in the mountains and dairy farming
Dairy farming
Dairy farming is a class of agricultural, or an animal husbandry, enterprise, for long-term production of milk, usually from dairy cows but also from goats and sheep, which may be either processed on-site or transported to a dairy factory for processing and eventual retail sale.Most dairy farms...
in the plains. The wine
Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
industry of the canton is the largest in Switzerland. There are also a large number orchard
Orchard
An orchard is an intentional planting of trees or shrubs that is maintained for food production. Orchards comprise fruit or nut-producing trees which are grown for commercial production. Orchards are also sometimes a feature of large gardens, where they serve an aesthetic as well as a productive...
s in the area, and saffron
Saffron
Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Crocus is a genus in the family Iridaceae. Each saffron crocus grows to and bears up to four flowers, each with three vivid crimson stigmas, which are each the distal end of a carpel...
is also gathered here.
Europe's tallest gravity dam is located at Grande Dixence
Grande Dixence Dam
The Grande Dixence Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Dixence River at the head of the Val d'Hérens in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. At high, it is the tallest gravity dam in the world and is part of the Cleuson-Dixence Complex...
in the canton. Hydroelectric
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy...
power plants from the canton produce about a quarter of Swiss electricity.
The west part and the most industrial region of the canton is called Chablais
Chablais
Chablais was a province of the Duchy of Savoy. Its capital was Thonon-les-Bains.This region is currently divided into three territories, the Chablais savoyard, the Chablais valaisan, and the Chablais vaudois, and is now split across two countries: France and Switzerland...
. The area is very important for the economy. The lands from the Valais part of Lake Geneva to the town of St-Maurice are located in the Chablais. There are a lot of factories, the most important are the subsidiaries of Novartis
Novartis
Novartis International AG is a multinational pharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, ranking number three in sales among the world-wide industry...
and Syngenta
Syngenta
Syngenta AG is a large global Swiss agribusiness company which notably markets seeds and pesticides. Syngenta is involved in biotechnology and genomic research. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in total sales in the commercial agricultural seeds market. Sales in 2010 were...
, in Monthey
Monthey
Monthey is the capital of the district of Monthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.- History :The castle in the town center was built in 950 on a hill, the first houses of Monthey surrounded it. Monthey is first mentioned in 1215 as Montez At the 13th century, the counts of Savoy owned the...
. In the town of Collombey-Muraz
Collombey-Muraz
Collombey-Muraz is a municipality in the district of Monthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. There is an oil refinery in the town.-History:Collombey is first mentioned in 1263 as de Columberio...
, there is an oil refinery
Oil refinery
An oil refinery or petroleum refinery is an industrial process plant where crude oil is processed and refined into more useful petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt base, heating oil, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas...
.
Near Visp
Visp
Visp is the capital of the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Visp has an area, , of . Of this area, 17.0% is used for agricultural purposes, while 59.7% is forested...
there is a large aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
processing plant. Other metal products and chemicals are produced around Visp and Sierre
Sierre
Sierre is the capital of the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of 14,355.It is situated on the French–German language border of the canton of Wallis...
.
Tourism
The Valais has a long touristic tradition. Hoteliers were at the base of the important development of Valais Tourism. Many of them, such as César Ritz
César Ritz
César Ritz was a Swiss hotelier and founder of several hotels, most famously the Hôtel Ritz, in Paris and The Ritz Hotel in London...
, spent time and money to satisfy a clientele from around the world. They have therefore largely contributed to the reputation which has benefited to many generations of Valais inhabitants and will
The Valais counts more than 120 winter and summer destinations, including:
- Vallée de Conches ("Goms" in German): FieschFieschFiesch is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Nearby Fiescheralp is administered by Fiesch and is accessible by the Eggishorn lift....
-EggishornEggishornThe Eggishorn is a mountain in the Bernese Alps, Valais, Switzerland.It lies within the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn region, which has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. On its northern flank is the Aletsch Glacier. From the summit the view extends also to the Lepontine and Pennine...
, BellwaldBellwaldBellwald is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Bellwald was first used to refer to the nearby mountain Bellwald is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Bellwald was first used to refer to the...
, BinnBinnBinn is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.The Binn valley is known for its rich mineral deposits, some types of which are unique to the area. The notable Lengenbach Quarry is in Binn....
, ErnenErnenErnen is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. In 2005 Ernen incorporated the formerly independent municipalities of Ausserbinn, Mühlebach, and Steinhaus....
, Obergoms, Oberwald - Aletsch (UNESCO World Heritage): BettmeralpBettmeralpBettmeralp is a village and ski resort in the Swiss canton of Valais, 1'957 m above sea level, in the municipality of Betten.Bettmeralp is a car free village which can be reached by cable car from the Betten train station . From there another cable car leads near to the summit of Bettmerhorn, which...
, Fiescheralp, RiederalpRiederalpRiederalp is a municipality in the district of Raron in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It was created in 2003 through the merger of Goppisberg, Greich and Ried-Mörel.-Geography:... - BrigBrigA brig is a sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts. During the Age of Sail, brigs were seen as fast and manoeuvrable and were used as both naval warships and merchant vessels. They were especially popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries...
and surrounding area: BlattenBlattenBlatten is a municipality in the district of Westlich Raron in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Blatten has an area, , of . Of this area, 9.5% is used for agricultural purposes, while 9.0% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 0.4% is settled and 81.1% is unproductive land.It lies...
, BelalpBelalpBelalp is a village and ski resort in the Swiss canton of Valais, 2'100 m above sea level, in the municipality of Naters.Belalp is a car free village which can be reached by cable car from the village of Blatten. Because of its altitude the place is also a vantage point offering view of Dom and...
, Mund (municipality) MundMundMund is a municipality in the district of Brig in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Mund is first mentioned in 1259 as Munt. Until about 1800 it was normally known as Wyler and the last mention of that name was in 1850.-Geography:...
, TermenTermenTermen is a municipality in the district of Brig in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Termen has an area, , of . Of this area, 42.2% is used for agricultural purposes, while 27.2% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 3.3% is settled and 27.4% is unproductive land.The municipality...
, BirgischBirgischBirgisch is a municipality in the district of Brig in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Birgisch has an area, , of . Of this area, 37.9% is used for agricultural purposes, while 46.5% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 3.0% is settled and 12.6% is unproductive land.The... - VispVispVisp is the capital of the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Visp has an area, , of . Of this area, 17.0% is used for agricultural purposes, while 59.7% is forested...
and surrounding area: VisperterminenVisperterminenVisperterminen is a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Visperterminen is first mentioned in the 11th Century as Termenum. In 1221 it was mentioned as Terminum.-Geography:...
, BürchenBürchenBürchen is a municipality in the district of Raron in the German speaking part of the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:...
, EischollEischollEischoll is a municipality in the district of Raron in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Eischoll is first mentioned in 1250 as Oiselz. In 1336 it was mentioned as Oysol and in 1418 as Eysoll.-Geography:...
, Stalden, TörbelTörbelTörbel is a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. The highest point is the peak of the Augstbordhorns at .-Geography:...
, UnterbächUnterbächUnterbäch is a municipality in the district of Raron in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Unterbäch has an area, , of . Of this area, 27.7% is used for agricultural purposes, while 27.7% is forested... - ZermattZermattZermatt is a municipality in the district of Visp in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of about 5,800 inhabitants....
with CervinMount CervinMount CervinMount Cervin is a small rocky hill, high, on the east side of Petrel Island in the Geologie Archipelago. It was charted in 1951 by the French Antarctic Expedition and named by them for the Matterhorn , which it resembles in form....
and the largest summer ski area of Switzerland, on the southern slopes of BreithornBreithornThe Breithorn is a mountain in the Pennine Alps, located close to the Matterhorn. It is considered the most easily climbed 4,000 m Alpine peak. This is due to the Klein Matterhorn cable car which takes climbers to over 3,820 m for a starting point. The standard route continues over a glacial...
reachable from the cable car station of the small Matterhorn (Klein Matterhorn). - Saas Valley Saas-FeeSaas-FeeSaas-Fee is the main village in the Saastal, or the Saas Valley, and is a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland...
,Saas-AlmagellSaas-AlmagellSaas-Almagell is a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Saas-Almagell is first mentioned in 1291 as Armenzello. In 1307 it was mentioned as Almenkel.-Geography:...
,Saas-GrundSaas-GrundSaas-Grund is a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It lies east of Lenzspitze and Dom.-Geography:Saas-Grund has an area, , of . Of this area, 11.0% is used for agricultural purposes, while 12.5% is forested...
with Fee glacierFee GlacierThe Fee Glacier is a long glacier situated in the Pennine Alps in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. In 1973 it had a length of and an area of . It lies east of the Mischabel range, between the summit of Dom on the north and Allalinhorn on the south.The glacier is easily accessible via the...
, the second largest ski area of was in Switzerland. - Leuk-les-Bains
- SierreSierreSierre is the capital of the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of 14,355.It is situated on the French–German language border of the canton of Wallis...
, Salquenen and AnniviersAnniviersAnniviers is a municipality in the district of Sierre in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It was formed through the merger of six municipalities in Val d'Anniviers: Ayer, Chandolin, Grimentz, Saint-Jean, Saint-Luc and Vissoie...
,ChandolinChandolinChandolin is a village in the district of Sierre in the Swiss canton of Valais. An independent municipality before, it merged on 1 January 2009 with neighboring Ayer, Grimentz, Saint Jean, Saint-Luc and Vissoie to form the municipality of Anniviers.-History:...
, St. Luc,GrimentzGrimentzGrimentz is a village in the district of Sierre in the Swiss canton of Valais. An independent municipality before, it merged on 1 January 2009 with neighboring Ayer, Chandolin, Saint Jean, Saint-Luc and Vissoie to form the municipality of Anniviers.-History:...
,Vercorin,ZinalZinalZinal is a village located in the municipality of Anniviers in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It lies at an altitude of 1,675 metres in the Swiss Alps in the Val d'Anniviers, a valley running from the Zinal Glacier, north of Dent Blanche to the village of Ayer... - Crans-MontanaCrans-MontanaCrans-Montana is a ski resort in western Switzerland, in the heart of the Swiss Alps in the canton of Valais. It is located on a plateau above Sierre at an elevation of about 1500 m above sea level, allowing good view over the Valais Alps and Weisshorn in particular...
- SionSion-In geography:*Sion, Switzerland, the capital of the canton of Valais*Sion, Gers, a municipality in France*Sion, Mumbai, a suburb of Mumbai*Sion, Netherlands, part of Rijswijk in South Holland*Sion, Czech Republic, a castle in the Czech Republic, near Kutná Hora...
and surrounding AnzèreAnzèreAnzère is a small village in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, located in the municipality of Ayent and close to Sion and Crans. A south-facing purpose-built resort in traditional Swiss architectural style...
, Val Hérens, ArollaArollaArolla is a village in the municipality of Evolène in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.It is situated at the end of the Val d'Hérens south of Sion at 1998m altitude in the Pennine Alps...
,Euseigne,EvolèneEvolèneEvolène is a municipality in the district of Hérens in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Evolène is first mentioned in 1250 as Ewelina. In 1444 it was mentioned as in loco de Evolena.- Avalanches of the 21st of February, 1999 :...
,HérémenceHérémenceHérémence is a municipality in the district of Hérens in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Hérémence has an area, , of . Of this area, 18.0% is used for agricultural purposes, while 18.8% is forested...
, Mase, Saint-Martin - 4 Vallées ski area: NendazNendazNendaz is a municipality in the district of Conthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Nendaz is first mentioned in 984 as Nenda. It was also known under its German name Neind though that name is no longer used.-Geography:...
,VerbierVerbierVerbier is a village located in southwestern Switzerland in the canton of Valais. It is one of the largest holiday resort and ski areas in the Swiss Alps, is recognized as one of the premiere "off-piste" locations in the world...
,VeysonnazVeysonnazVeysonnaz is a municipality in the district of Sion in the Swiss canton of Valais.-Geography:Veysonnaz has an area, , of . Of this area, or 29.1% is used for agricultural purposes, while or 44.5% is forested...
,Thyon-Les Collons, Mayens-de-Riddes/La Tzoumaz - Chablais Valais and Portes du SoleilPortes du SoleilLes Portes du Soleil is a major skisports destination in the northern French alps encompassing thirteen resorts between Mont Blanc in France and Lake Geneva in Switzerland...
,ChampéryChampéryChampéry is a municipality in the district of Monthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Champéry is first mentioned in 1286 as Champery...
,Champoussin,MorginsMorginsMorgins is a village in the municipality of Troistorrents in the district of Monthey in the canton of Valais in southern Switzerland.It is noted for skiing and is part of the Portes du Soleil ski resort...
,The Crosets,Torgon,Val -d 'Illiez,The Bouveret, Saint-Maurice,MontheyMontheyMonthey is the capital of the district of Monthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.- History :The castle in the town center was built in 950 on a hill, the first houses of Monthey surrounded it. Monthey is first mentioned in 1215 as Montez At the 13th century, the counts of Savoy owned the...
,EvionnazEvionnazEvionnaz is a municipality in the district of Saint-Maurice in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Evionnaz is first mentioned in 1263 as Eviona. It became an independent municipality in 1822, when it separated from Saint-Maurice.-Geography:...
, St. Gingolph - St. Bernard Region: Les Marécottes, Bruson, La FoulyLa FoulyLa Fouly is a village in the Val Ferret in the Swiss canton of Valais. The village, at an altitude of 1,600 metres, is part of the municipality of Orsières . It sits at the foot of Mont Dolent and the Tour Noir in the Mont Blanc massif.La Fouly is a starting point for many hikes into the...
, Champex, Vichères-Liddes.
Some resorts Valais enjoy an international renown. Most stations are located more than 1500 meters (a.s.l) and 9 ski regions lie 3000 meters (a.s.l), which guarantees snow during the winter season.
Wellness, beauty and fitness are an old tradition in Valais. The Romans already knew the beneficial properties of the "healing waters Valais". The area is famous for its spas found at Saillon
Saillon
Saillon is a municipality in the district of Martigny in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Saillon is first mentioned in 1052 as castellum Psallionis. The municipality was formerly known by its German name Schellon, however, that name is no longer used.-Geography:Saillon has an area, , of...
in Leuk-les-Bains in Ovronnaz
Ovronnaz
Ovronnaz is a village located in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It lies in the municipality of Leytron, close to Martigny.The village is located on the south side of the Bernese Alps, on a terrace above the Rhone river, at an altitude of 1,330 metres...
in Val-d'Illiez
Val-d'Illiez
Val-d'Illiez is a municipality in the district of Monthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Val-d'Illiez has an area, , of . Of this area, or 38.3% is used for agricultural purposes, while or 36.7% is forested...
, in Breiten and Brigerbad.
In Valais, the following resorts have been awarded the quality label which gives them the distinction of "Family welcome places":
(Bellwald
Bellwald
Bellwald is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Bellwald was first used to refer to the nearby mountain Bellwald is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Bellwald was first used to refer to the...
Bettmeralp
Bettmeralp
Bettmeralp is a village and ski resort in the Swiss canton of Valais, 1'957 m above sea level, in the municipality of Betten.Bettmeralp is a car free village which can be reached by cable car from the Betten train station . From there another cable car leads near to the summit of Bettmerhorn, which...
Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana is a ski resort in western Switzerland, in the heart of the Swiss Alps in the canton of Valais. It is located on a plateau above Sierre at an elevation of about 1500 m above sea level, allowing good view over the Valais Alps and Weisshorn in particular...
Ernen
Ernen
Ernen is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. In 2005 Ernen incorporated the formerly independent municipalities of Ausserbinn, Mühlebach, and Steinhaus....
Fiesch
Fiesch
Fiesch is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Nearby Fiescheralp is administered by Fiesch and is accessible by the Eggishorn lift....
Grächen
Grächen
Grächen is a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.The village is situated at an altitude of on a terrace above St. Niklaus in the Mattertal, north of the Mischabel range .-History:...
Grimentz
Grimentz
Grimentz is a village in the district of Sierre in the Swiss canton of Valais. An independent municipality before, it merged on 1 January 2009 with neighboring Ayer, Chandolin, Saint Jean, Saint-Luc and Vissoie to form the municipality of Anniviers.-History:...
Leukerbad Bains Nendaz
Nendaz
Nendaz is a municipality in the district of Conthey in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Nendaz is first mentioned in 984 as Nenda. It was also known under its German name Neind though that name is no longer used.-Geography:...
Saas-Almagell
Saas-Almagell
Saas-Almagell is a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-History:Saas-Almagell is first mentioned in 1291 as Armenzello. In 1307 it was mentioned as Almenkel.-Geography:...
Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee is the main village in the Saastal, or the Saas Valley, and is a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland...
Saas-Grund
Saas-Grund
Saas-Grund is a municipality in the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It lies east of Lenzspitze and Dom.-Geography:Saas-Grund has an area, , of . Of this area, 11.0% is used for agricultural purposes, while 12.5% is forested...
Zinal
Zinal
Zinal is a village located in the municipality of Anniviers in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It lies at an altitude of 1,675 metres in the Swiss Alps in the Val d'Anniviers, a valley running from the Zinal Glacier, north of Dent Blanche to the village of Ayer...
)
These, and many other stations offers include: climbing parks, barbecues fireplaces, theme trails, wildlife parks, adventure parks, etc. Animation programs ranging from cooking classes to painting lessons also composed the touristic offer. The various accommodation offer various services such as child care, equipment rental, extra beds, chairs for children and special menus.
The Valais has 9 golf courses in total, five 18-hole courses: Crans Montana Leuk-les-Bains, Sierra
Sierra
Sierra can refer to:- Mountains and mountain ranges :* Sierra mountains * Sierra de Juárez, mountain range in Baja California, Mexico...
, Sion
Sion
-In geography:*Sion, Switzerland, the capital of the canton of Valais*Sion, Gers, a municipality in France*Sion, Mumbai, a suburb of Mumbai*Sion, Netherlands, part of Rijswijk in South Holland*Sion, Czech Republic, a castle in the Czech Republic, near Kutná Hora...
Verbier
Verbier
Verbier is a village located in southwestern Switzerland in the canton of Valais. It is one of the largest holiday resort and ski areas in the Swiss Alps, is recognized as one of the premiere "off-piste" locations in the world...
9-hole and 4 Crans Montana Obergesteln
Obergesteln
Obergesteln is a village in the municipality of Obergoms in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.Obergesteln was an independent municipality until January 1, 2009, when it merged with Oberwald and Ulrichen to form the municipality Obergoms....
Riederalp
Riederalp
Riederalp is a municipality in the district of Raron in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It was created in 2003 through the merger of Goppisberg, Greich and Ried-Mörel.-Geography:...
and Zermatt
Zermatt
Zermatt is a municipality in the district of Visp in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It has a population of about 5,800 inhabitants....
.
Related to the constant evolution of the tourism industry, the Valais has seen the development of a large range of activities, such as theme park as Happyland New, The Adventure Labyrinth, the Swiss Steam Park and Aquaparc.
Transport
A small airport is located at SionSion, Switzerland
Sion is the capital of the Swiss canton of Valais. it had a population of .Landmarks include the Basilique de Valère and Château de Tourbillon. Sion has an airfield for civilian and military use, which, because of its location in a valley, causes a reasonable amount of noise pollution. FC Sion...
, but the main routes of transport are rail and road. Both networks are extensive and benefit from tourism. There are three major rail tunnels at the Simplon
Simplon Pass
Simplon Pass is a high mountain pass between the Pennine Alps and the Lepontine Alps in Switzerland. It connects Brig in the canton of Valais with Domodossola in Piedmont . The pass itself and the villages on each side of it, such as Gondo, are in Switzerland...
(Simplon Tunnel
Simplon Tunnel
The Simplon Tunnel is an Alpine railway tunnel that connects the Swiss town of Brig with Domodossola in Italy, though its relatively straight trajectory does not run under Simplon Pass itself. It actually consists of two single-track tunnels built nearly 20 years apart...
), Lötschberg (Lötschberg Tunnel
Lötschberg Tunnel
The Lötschberg Tunnel is a long railway tunnel on the Lötschberg Line, which connects Spiez and Brig at the northern end of the Simplon Tunnel cutting through the Alps of Switzerland. Its ends are at the towns of Kandersteg in the Canton of Berne and Goppenstein in the Canton of...
) and Furka (Furkatunnel) and a road tunnel at the Great St Bernard
Great St Bernard Tunnel
The Great St Bernard Tunnel is a road tunnel complementing the Great St Bernard Pass, linking Martigny with Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses ....
. Many of the road passes are well known, such as the Grimsel Pass. The longest land tunnel in the world, the Lötschberg Base Tunnel
Lötschberg Base Tunnel
The Lötschberg Base Tunnel is a railway tunnel on the BLS Lötschbergbahn's Lötschberg Line cutting through the Alps of Switzerland some below the existing Lötschberg Tunnel. It is currently the world's longest land tunnel and accommodates passenger and freight trains. It runs between Frutigen,...
, is in operation since late 2007, connecting by rail the town of Frutigen
Frutigen
Frutigen is a municipality in the Bernese Oberland in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. It is the capital of the Frutigen-Niedersimmental administrative district.-History:...
in canton Bern
Canton of Berne
The Canton of Bern is the second largest of the 26 Swiss cantons by both surface area and population. Located in west-central Switzerland, it borders the Canton of Jura and the Canton of Solothurn to the north. To the west lie the Canton of Neuchâtel, the Canton of Fribourg and Vaud. To the south...
, with the town of Visp
Visp
Visp is the capital of the district of Visp in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.-Geography:Visp has an area, , of . Of this area, 17.0% is used for agricultural purposes, while 59.7% is forested...
in canton Valais/Wallis. This is to better allay car traffic in the highly scenic Kandertal
Kandersteg
Kandersteg is a municipality in the Frutigen-Niedersimmental administrative district in the canton of Bern in Switzerland. It is located along the valley of the River Kander, west of the Jungfrau massif. It is noted for its spectacular mountain scenery and sylvan alpine landscapes. Tourism is a...
, and also to provide faster transport through the Bernese Alps from the populous Mittelland in the north to the southern canton of Valais. Cars may be loaded onto the trains as freight. The old train line still carries traffic particularly road traffic as freight, and has highly scenic sections in both cantons on either side of the old tunnel through the dividing ridgeline, yet is somewhat slower than the new route which has a much longer tunnel section.
Because of the tourism there are many mountain railways and cable cars in the mountains. The scenic rail route across the Furka Pass originates in the canton of Valais.