Camping Guide | Wallis

Valais, nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a region of impressive diversity and beauty. Geographically, Valais stretches along the Rhone Valley, from the river's source in the glaciers of the Gotthard Massif to its exit into Lake Geneva. The region is flanked by majestic mountains, including some of the highest peaks in the Alps, such as the Matterhorn and the Dufourspitze. Valais borders the cantons of Bern and Vaud to the north, Ticino to the east, and Italy and France to the south. Getting to Valais is quite simple, whether by car, train, or plane. By car, you can reach Valais from German-speaking Switzerland via the A9, which leads from Lausanne along Lake Geneva and through the Rhone Valley. From French-speaking Switzerland, the A9 is also the main artery. Those arriving from Italy can use the Great St. Bernard Tunnel or the Simplon Pass. Toll fees for Swiss motorways amount to CHF 40 for an annual vignette. From Munich, the driving time is about 6 hours via the A9 and A6, passing Stuttgart and Bern. Travelers from Frankfurt should plan for about 5 hours via the A5 and A9 towards Basel and Bern. From Hamburg, the journey takes around 11 hours via the A7 and A5, with an overnight stop recommended. Those arriving from Vienna can expect a driving time of about 9 hours via Salzburg and Innsbruck. Valais is also excellently accessible by train. Direct train connections exist from many Swiss cities, such as Zurich, Bern, and Geneva. International connections lead, for example, from Milan over the Simplon Pass into Valais. Within Valais, regional trains and buses operate, allowing for convenient exploration of the various valleys and towns. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn connects Zermatt with the rest of the canton. The nearest airports are Geneva (GVA) and Zurich (ZRH). Regular train connections to Valais exist from both airports. From Geneva Airport, for example, you can reach Visp in about 3 hours by train. There are also bus connections from Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Valais, particularly to Zermatt. In Valais itself, it is best to get around by car, train, or bus. In some places, such as Zermatt, cars are not allowed. Here, electric taxis and buses are available. For hiking and cycling, Valais is a paradise. Numerous hiking trails and mountain bike routes invite active exploration of the region.

Valais can be roughly divided into different subregions, each with its own character and charm. Lower Valais, also known as Bas-Valais, extends from Lake Geneva to Martigny. Here, gentle hills, vineyards, and fruit orchards characterize the landscape. Places like Martigny, known for its Roman ruins and the Fondation Pierre Gianadda, and Monthey, a lively center with traditional festivals, invite you to linger. Lower Valais is ideal for pleasure-seekers who want to taste regional wines and specialties. Central Valais, or Valais Central, forms the heart of the canton. Here you will find the capital Sion, a city with a rich history and impressive castles. Places like Sierre, known for its sun-drenched vineyards, and Leuk, with its historic town center, also belong to Central Valais. This region is a paradise for hikers and those interested in culture. Upper Valais, or Haut-Valais, is characterized by the highest mountains in Switzerland, including the Matterhorn and the Dufourspitze. Famous ski resorts like Zermatt, Saas-Fee, and Crans-Montana are located here. Upper Valais is an Eldorado for alpinists, skiers, and snowboarders. Towns like Brig, with its Stockalper Palace, and Visp, an important transport hub, are also part of Upper Valais. Binntal, a side valley of Upper Valais, is known for its rich mineral diversity and untouched nature. Small, charming villages like Binn and Ausserbinn can be found here. Binntal is an insider tip for nature lovers and hikers who want to be away from the main tourist crowds. Goms, the easternmost valley of Valais, stretches from the source of the Rhone to Brig. Here, traditional Valais houses and a unique culture characterize the landscape. Places like Oberwald, the starting point for the Glacier Express, and Münster, with its baroque church, invite discovery. Goms is ideal for families and those seeking peace and quiet who want to enjoy the Alpine landscape. Each of these subregions offers a variety of activities and experiences. Whether hiking, skiing, mountain biking, wine tasting, or cultural sightseeing – in Valais, everyone gets their money's worth. Families feel particularly at home in the child-friendly destinations, while athletes can take advantage of the numerous opportunities for climbing, hiking, and skiing. Couples enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the small villages and the spectacular mountain views. And those seeking peace will find the necessary relaxation in the remote valleys and mountain regions.

The camping landscape in Valais is as diverse as the region itself. Here you will find a wide range of campsites, from large resort sites with extensive infrastructure to small, nature-oriented pitches in remote valleys. In total, there are about 150 campsites in Valais, spread across the entire region. Many of the larger campsites offer amenities such as pools, restaurants, entertainment, and playgrounds. These sites are particularly popular with families who want to spend a comfortable and varied camping holiday. On the other hand, there are numerous smaller campsites characterized by their quiet location and proximity to nature. These sites are ideal for campers who want to enjoy the peace and seclusion of the Alps. A special form of camping in Valais is agriturismo or farm camping. Here you can set up your pitch on a farm and experience country life up close. Many farms also offer regional products for sale, so you can supply yourself directly with fresh food. Price ranges for a pitch in Valais vary depending on the season, location, and equipment of the site. In the high season, from July to August, you should expect prices between CHF 30 and CHF 50 per night for a pitch. In the low season, in spring and autumn, prices are often significantly lower. Here you can find a pitch from as little as CHF 20 per night. The size of typical pitches in Valais also varies. On larger campsites, the plots are often demarcated and offer enough space for a motorhome, a tent, and a car. Smaller campsites often have natural pitches that blend harmoniously into the landscape. Whether you prefer a sunny or shady pitch depends on your personal preferences. Many campsites offer both sunny and shady pitches. The infrastructure of campsites in Valais is generally good. Sanitary facilities are mostly clean and modern. Many campsites also offer Wi-Fi, although the quality of the Wi-Fi can vary depending on location and usage. Electricity connections are available on most pitches, although the amperage can vary from site to site. Reserving a pitch in Valais is highly recommended, especially in the high season. Many campsites are fully booked in the summer months. Last-minute chances are often found on smaller campsites or on campsites that cannot be booked online. It is therefore worth asking even at short notice. Whether you are traveling with a motorhome, a tent, or a caravan, in Valais you are guaranteed to find the right campsite for your camping holiday.

For a smooth camping holiday in Valais, it is important to know some practical information. Toll fees for Swiss motorways are CHF 40 for an annual vignette. This vignette is mandatory and must be attached to the windshield. It is available at all border crossings and gas stations. There is no separate toll for tunnels or passes in Valais, except for the Great St. Bernard Tunnel, for which a fee of approx. €30 is charged. Gas stations in Valais are well-developed. Diesel prices are generally slightly higher than in Germany, at around CHF 1.80 per liter. Opening hours are usually from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with some gas stations open 24 hours. Payment can usually be made by credit card or cash. Shopping opportunities are plentiful in Valais. In larger towns, you will find supermarkets such as Coop, Migros, and Lidl. Opening hours are usually from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and some supermarkets are also open on Sundays, especially in tourist areas. Regional products, such as cheese, sausages, and wine, can be purchased at weekly markets and farm shops. Gas supply can be problematic for some international campers, as German gas cylinders, for example, cannot be exchanged in Switzerland. It is therefore advisable to get an adapter or rent a Swiss gas cylinder. Adapters are available in camping specialty stores. Disposal stations for chemical toilets and greywater are available at many campsites. Public disposal stations also exist in some towns. Fees for using the disposal stations are usually included in the camping price. Mobile network coverage in Valais is good, although there may be restrictions in remote valleys. The roaming situation is generally straightforward for EU citizens, but it is recommended to check your own mobile provider's conditions before traveling. The medical care in Valais is excellent. In larger towns, there are hospitals and pharmacies. The emergency number in Switzerland is 112. It is advisable to take out travel health insurance. Strict camping regulations apply in Valais. Wild camping is generally prohibited and is punished with high fines. There are no environmental zones in Valais. Tap water is generally of good quality and can be drunk without hesitation. However, in some remote regions, contamination can occur, so it is advisable to inquire locally.

Valais holds many secrets that only reveal themselves upon closer exploration. An insider tip is to visit Valais in the low season, especially in May/June and September/October. In these months, temperatures are pleasantly mild, hiking trails are less crowded, and prices for accommodation and campsites are significantly lower. A lesser-known place in Valais is the mountain village of Ernen in Goms. Ernen is known for its well-preserved wooden houses and its rich musical tradition. Renowned music festivals take place here every year. Ernen is located about 15 km east of Brig and can be reached via Main Road 19. Another secret tip is the Lac de Moiry reservoir in Val d'Anniviers. The lake is located at an altitude of 2250 meters and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. Lac de Moiry is accessible via a winding mountain road. There is a small campsite and a restaurant at the lake. Those who prefer local markets and direct sales should visit the weekly market in Sion. The market takes place every Friday and offers a large selection of regional products, such as cheese, sausages, fruit, and vegetables. Numerous wineries in Valais also offer direct sales. Here you can taste and buy regional wines. A culinary tip is Cholera, a traditional Valais dish made of potatoes, cheese, apples, and bacon. Cholera is offered in many restaurants in Valais. Valais cheese specialties, such as raclette and fondue, are also a must for every visitor. Locals like to visit the Cave du Tunnel restaurant in Sion or the Vieux Valais restaurant in Zermatt. A worthwhile day trip is the ride on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz. The journey takes about 8 hours and leads through the most beautiful landscapes of the Swiss Alps. The cost of the trip is around CHF 150 per person. Alternatively, a hike through the Aletsch Arena is recommended, with a view of the largest glacier in Europe. A cable car takes you comfortably to the viewpoints.