Travel Guides

Walking in Arolla and Zinal : Walks and short treks in the Val d'HA©rens and Val d'Anniviers in the Swiss Valais

by Lesley Williams and Jonathan Williams

Shortlisted for the Outdoor Book Award. Explore the Val d'Hérens and Val d'Anniviers, two breathtaking Swiss Alpine valleys nestled to the west of Zermatt in the Valais — a region of soaring peaks, ancient glaciers, shimmering lakes, and traditional villages that remains refreshingly quieter than its famous neighbour. With day walks ranging from 9 to 22km (6–14 miles) and completable in 2 to 10 hours, this is an ideal destination whether you have a long weekend or a full fortnight to spare. This trusted Cicerone guidebook by Lesley and Jonathan Williams describes 35 graded day walks and 2 multi-day treks across Arolla, Zinal, Evolène, Grimentz and beyond. The day walks are spread across both valleys, exploring the area from valley-floor paths through traditional villages to high mountain circuits, so you can choose routes that suit your experience and energy each day. Detailed step-by-step route descriptions are supported by 1:50,000 maps for every walk, helping you navigate confidently on the high mountain paths. Downloadable GPX files enable easy digital navigation on GPS devices or smartphone apps, freeing you to enjoy the glaciers of the Ferpècle valley or the vast Grande Dixence barrage rather than constantly checking your map. Comprehensive planning sections cover getting to the region, travel between centres, accommodation options, and the best season to visit (mid-June to end of September), with key information on mountain huts and public transport throughout the valleys. Two multi-day routes — the Tour du Val d'Hérens and the Tour des Cabanes du Val d'Anniviers — are outlined in full, combining day walks into extended high-level itineraries for those who want to experience these valleys as a connected trek. Whether you're planning short excursions or a longer alpine adventure, this is the definitive guidebook for walking in the Swiss Valais west of Zermatt.

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