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The valleys in Switzerland are among the most stunning landscapes in Europe. They offer a mix of dramatic alpine views, rich cultural heritage and many adventure activities. Tucked between snow-covered peaks and lush greenery, the valleys are more than breathtaking scenery. They are immersive experiences turned by glacial changes and traditional pastoral life in the mountains with seasonal rhythms. Whether you are seeking one of the best hiking or cross-country skiing spots or just a peaceful escape, these valleys offer the best getaway to nature from the rush.
10 Must-Visit Valleys In Switzerland
From the iconic Lauterbrunnen to the remote Val Bavona, the valleys of Switzerland have a different story, culture and charm. Following are ten of the best and must-see valleys for tourists.
1. Lauterbrunnen Valley
Photo: chensiyuan / Wikimedia Commons
Lauterbrunnen Valley, a steep glacial trough in the Bernese Alps, is home to 72 waterfalls, including the iconic Staubbach Falls and hidden Trümmelbach Falls. Surrounded by cliffs, meadows, and alpine villages like Murren and Gimmelwald, the valley offers scenic walking paths and cable car rides. Adventure lovers can enjoy paragliding, alpine climbing, or base jumping. In winter, nearby ski resorts like Wengen and Schilthorn welcome skiers. Lauterbrunnen also connects to the Jungfraujoch railway and the picturesque Schynige Platte.
Location: Bernese Oberland, Canton of Bern
Best Time To Visit: May – October & December – March
Nearest Airport: Bern Airport
Nearest Railway: Lauterbrunnen Station
2. Engadine Valley
Engadin Skimarathon / Wikimedia Commons
Blending cultural richness with beautiful alpine scenery, Engadine Valley stretches around 80 kilometres along the Inn River. The upper part of Engadine has St. Moritz and lakes like Silvaplana and Sils. These areas are perfect for sailing, windsurfing and lakeside hiking. The lower Engadine is quiet and has Guarda and Ardez villages with graffiti-made houses and cobbled lanes. There are also thermal spas in Scuol for relaxation after a long day of adventure. The Bernina Express route passes through this valley with views of glaciers and gorges.
Location: Canton of Graubünden
Best Time To Visit: June – September & December – February
Nearest Airport: Zurich; regional flights to Engadin Airport (Samedan)
Nearest Railway: St. Moritz or Samedan Station
3. Val D’Anniviers
Photo: Dominicus Johannes Bergsma / Wikimedia Commons
Val d’Anniviers is a distant alpine valley tucked between the Matterhorn and Weisshorn. Because of its location, this valley is quieter and is free from the tourist crowd. The main villages here are Grimentz, Zinal, St-Luc and Chandolin on the slopes above the valley floor. In summer, the hiking routes link the villages, and you can see the glaciers, 4000-metre peaks and pine forests. The Zinal Glacier trail leads to high alpine terrain, and the mountain biking routes via Ferrata offer more options. The st-luc is known for its planet trail and observatory, which offers a unique view into the valley.
Location: Canton of Valais, south of Sierre
Best Time To Visit: June – October & December – March
Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport
Nearest Railway: Sierre Station (bus to Grimentz, Zinal, etc.)
4. Goms Valley
Photo: Alexander Umbricht / Wikimedia Commons
The Goms Valley is the uppermost part of the Rhone Valley. It is a wide, sunlit valley dotted with timber houses, larch forests and wildflower meadows. This valley, among other valleys in Switzerland, is best known for its cross-country ski trails of over 100 kilometres in winter. The villages here are Munster, Blitzingen and Reckingen, with dark wooden houses and baroque churches. It is also a gateway to the Furka, Grimsel, and Nufenen passes, making it ideal for road trips and alpine hiking enthusiasts. Oberwald is the start of the Glacier Express route with handcar rail cycling.
Location: Upper Valais, along the Rhône River
Best Time To Visit: June – September & December – March
Nearest Airport: Zurich Airport
Nearest Railway: Oberwald, Ulrichen, or Reckingen (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn)
5. Simmental Valley
Photo: Falk2 / Wikimedia Commons
Simmental is a vast valley covered in greenery that stretches from the Bernese Oberland to Lenk along the Simme River. This valley is famous for its traditional Simmental cows and showcases Swiss pastoral life. The lower section of the valley is dotted with meadows, alpine farms and chalet villages near Erlenbach and Zweisimmen. The valley narrows toward Lenk with views of Iffigfall waterfalls and Simmenfalle. Moreover, Lenk also hosts open-air concerts and wellness resorts with thermal pools and spas. The valley connects the Adelboden-Lenk ski area in winter and is ideal for anyone looking for natural beauty with traditional Bernese alpine culture.
Location: Canton of Bern, southwest of Thun
Best Time To Visit: May – October
Nearest Airport: Bern Airport
Nearest Railway: Zweisimmen Station
6. Val Bavona
Photo: Barbara Steinemann / Wikimedia Commons
Val Bavona, one of the wildest and most untouched alpine valleys in Switzerland, lies in Ticino and becomes uninhabited in winter due to snow. With no electrical grid, its stone hamlets use solar and wood power. The valley’s highlight is Foroglio, where an 80-meter waterfall tumbles behind a granite village. Paved trails wind through chestnut groves, glacial erratics, and riverside meadows. A scenic footpath runs along the Bavona River, and beyond San Carlo, the valley is car-free—ideal for hiking or biking through its pre-modern alpine beauty.
Location: Ticino, side valley of Vallemaggia
Best Time To Visit: May – October
Nearest Airport: Lugano Airport
Nearest Railway: Locarno Station (then bus to Cavergno or Foroglio)
7. Val De Bagnes
Photo: Plutowiki / Wikimedia Commons
Val de Bagnes stretches from Verbier to Mauvoisin Dam, following the Dranse River through elevated alpine terrain. The quieter side of the valley is ideal for hiking and biking along trails that pass larch forests, waterfalls, and 2,500-metre viewpoints. The dramatic Mauvoisin Dam is surrounded by cliffs and glacial streams, with huts like Cabane Chanrion perfect for multi-day treks. The valley connects to the Tour des Combins and Mont Blanc circuits, while autumn colours, cheese dairies, and traditional mazots add cultural charm.
Location: Valais, southwest of Martigny
Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport
Nearest Railway: Le Châble Station
8. Val Ferret
Photo: Remih / Wikimedia Commons
Val Ferret is one of the hidden valleys in Switzerland tucked against the Italian border at the Mont Blanc massif. The valley starts at Orsières and goes through alpine forests and meadows to La Fouly village. This village is popular among hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The valley is surrounded by towering 3000-metre peaks and gives clear views of Mont Dolent and the glacier de l’A Neuve. On your way, you can even spot wildlife such as ibex, marmots and golden eagles. In summer, you can visit the small botanical garden in La Fouly. In winter, activities such as snowshoeing are popular.
Location: Canton of Valais, near the Italian border
Best Time To Visit: June – September
Nearest Airport: Geneva Airport
Nearest Railway: Martigny Station (bus to La Fouly)
9. Val Müstair
Photo: Cimice50 / Wikimedia Commons
A remote valley where Romansh culture thrives with untouched nature, Val Mustair is far from the modern world and is rooted in tradition. The valley borders Italy and lies between the Swiss National Park and Stelvio National Park. The reserve, Val Mustair, is a protected region with rich biodiversity, which is evident in the alpine hiking paths. These paths lead through the larch forests, flower meadows and ridgelines overlooking Ortler and Sesvenna peaks. The valley has stone barns and graffitied houses, which follow a strong commitment to ecological tourism.
Location: Easternmost corner of Switzerland, Canton of Graubünden
Best Time To Visit: June – October & December – February
Nearest Airport: Zurich Airport
Nearest Railway: Zernez Station (bus to Müstair)
10. Safiental
Photo: Adrian Michael / Wikimedia Commons
Safiental, a remote valley in Graubünden, is known for its rugged terrain and deep Walser heritage. Quiet and unspoilt, it features scattered hamlets and wooden farmhouses on steep hills. The Rabiusa River valley offers alpine hikes above 2,000 metres, with wildflower meadows, hidden waterfalls, and Tomul passes. Artists and thinkers are drawn to its raw beauty, and the Art Safiental biennial transforms it into a land art museum. Mountain biking and paragliding are popular, and a scenic post-bus ride from Versam ends under starry skies.
Location: Canton of Graubünden, southeast of Chur
Best Time To Visit: June – September
Nearest Airport: Zurich Airport
Nearest Railway: Versam-Safien Station
The valleys in Switzerland are balanced with nature, tradition and adventures. From exploring alpine trails and passing through waterfalls and glacial lakes to charming villages hidden in the valleys, each has something unique to offer. For travellers seeking serenity and adventure, the Swiss valleys are much more than just destinations. So plan your trip with TripXL today and reconnect with nature and the wild heart of the Alps.
Cover Photo: Keith Halstead / Wikimedia Commons
