Autumn weekend: it’s time to discover Valais

So much nature that now, with the colors of autumn, it is more romantic than ever. Everything to discover: the most fascinating 4000 of the Alps such as the Matterhorn or Monte Rosa, the well-being of thermal waters where the ancient Romans already relaxed and cared for, and then great history and food and wine treasures that complete an already memorable journey. It is the beauty of a vacation in Valais, the Swiss canton bordering Val d’Aosta, Piedmont and a step away from Lombardy: the ideal place for a long weekend to break the routine.

Yes, I can even be enough three days for a taste of this very unique area: three well-organized days with stops for everyone, also ideal for children.

ITHE PASS OF THE SEMPIO
It starts immediately, arriving in the Valais along (from Domodossola) il Simplon Pass: Alpine pass on the border with Italy in use since the Stone Age. A breathtaking path that crosses woods and lakes bend after bend and that at the top already offers the first big surprise of this canton full of wonders: it is the panoramic point where theHospice of the Canons of the Great Saint Bernard, a monastery a few meters from the border, and where an eight meter high stone eagle recalls the Second World War. From here begins the “downhill” path towards the Valais: it is the point where you will leave behind the typical Italian mountain landscape and, at Gondo, the Swiss one will welcome you.

THE MUSEUM OF SAN BERNARDO
An excellent starting point for discovering Welsh is Martigny, a town surrounded by vineyards and orchards renowned for its food and wine but also for its great history. Land of passage of the Romans and Napoleon, it was the first episcopal see of Switzerland, and all this can be discovered simply by walking among its many archaeological remains scattered among neighborhoods and museums, such as those of Pierre Gianadda Foundation, seat of the Gallic-Roman Museum. In addition to the original Automobile Museum, there is another museum that makes Martigny unmissable, especially for those who love dogs and those traveling with children: it is the Museum of San Bernardo dogs, created in 2006 by the Bernard and Caroline de Watteville Foundation and managed by Barryland, is located in the ancient arsenal next to the Roman amphitheater. Symbols of courage and sacrifice, the history of the San Bernardo family began in the 11th century, when they proved their great value by saving pilgrims prey to brigands on the Grand Bernardo Pass. In the rooms of the museum you can discover this and much more, and it is also possible to meet these cgentle yet powerful at the same time, caressing them and playing with them in the large park where they live free.

LEUKERBAD
After so many discoveries, nothing better than an afternoon (or a day) of relaxation and for this reason there is a few kilometers from Martigny Leukerbad: one of the most popular spa resorts since the ancient Romans, with well thirty thermal baths fed by 3.9 million liters of thermal water at 51 ° C, where you can relax while enjoying the view of the Gemmi pass. The place to spend a day of total relaxation, but also an entire holiday because Leukerbad offers everything: a beautiful village with a pedestrian center, many proposals for sports activities both in summer and in winter with over 50 km of ski slopes, 30 km of Nordic ski slopes, cableways that connect it with the hiking areas of the Gemmi Pass and Torrent and many other ideas for indoor activities. All this – as always happens in Switzerland – with hospitality proposals for all, from luxurious facilities to apartments, and with a special eye for families.

ALETSCH
On the last day, dedicate yourself to one of the most beautiful views you have ever seen: take the cable car (for example from Bettmeralp to Bettmerhorn), relax on the way up as the 4000 seem to embrace you, and eventually you will arrive at the spectacular Aletsch Glacier. With 11 billion tons of ice extending from the northern slopes of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau it is the largest in Europe as well as one of the most spectacular and for this very reason inserted by Unesco among the naturalistic heritages as a landscape of extraordinary beauty. When you reach the top, it will be up to you to decide how to experience this river of ice: with a challenging panoramic walk, a slow walk among the typical chalets and hotels in the valley, with a typical Valais lunch or maybe even just a slice of apple pie. Whatever you decide to do, you will never forget it.

To relive, plan or purchase this itinerary click HERE. In the gallery above some photos