Day 1: Road trip through the Valais (Wallis) Canton

This route can begin in Tujetsch (Sedrun area, Canton Graubünden) and crosses two of Switzerland’s most stunning high passes—Oberalp Pass (2,044 m) and Furka Pass (2,429 m)—before descending into the Rhône Valley toward Sion, capital of the Canton of Valais. It’s a road trip rich in alpine drama, glacier views, and Swiss heritage. The Oberalp Pass is Open May to November, depending on snow. In winter, the pass is closed and replaced by a car train..

Tujetsch → Sion via Oberalp + Furka: approx. 145 km

Drive time: ~3.5 hours without stops (but you’ll want to stop—often!) Think about tanking in Andermatt or Brig.

Furka Pass is one of the most legendary mountain roads in Europe—part of the classic Grand Tour of Switzerland.

The journey transitions from German-speaking Uri and Graubünden into the Valais, where French influence begins. It’s a true cultural frontier, reflected in the architecture, dialects, and cuisine.

From Andermatt to Brig, you’ll encounter villages filled with dark sun-tanned chalets, stacked firewood, and historic churches. Many homes date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, untouched by modern sprawl.

Goms Bridge (Gomsbrücke), Valais is a  striking 280-meter-long suspension bridge that spans high above the Rhône Valley near Fürgangen and Mühlebach. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding Alps and links scenic hiking trails with the ancient wooden village of Mühlebach—home to some of Switzerland’s oldest timber houses. It is open year-round.

Nestled in the upper Rhône Valley, Fiesch is a peaceful alpine village and a perfect base for exploring the Aletsch Arena and the Great Aletsch Glacier—the largest glacier in the Alps, stretching over 23 kilometers and weighing in at billions of tons of ice. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's best viewed from the stunning Aletsch Arena (Riederalp, Bettmeralp, Fiescheralp), where walking trails trace the glacier’s edge and offer dramatic alpine panoramas. It plays a vital role in climate science and is slowly retreating, making each visit a glimpse of a vanishing giant.

Lac de Moiry is a turquoise mountain lake nestled in the Val d’Anniviers, Valais. Created by the Moiry Dam, this glacial reservoir sits amid towering peaks and glaciers.

Grimentz is a charming mountain village nestled in the Val d’Anniviers in Valais. Known for its traditional wooden chalets with colorful shutters and flower boxes, this picturesque village blends rustic alpine heritage with modern mountain leisure, making it a favorite for both winter sports and summer hiking.

Part of the expansive Anniviers ski area, Grimentz offers over 125 km of slopes, modern lifts, and charming ski-in/ski-out access.

An aditional stop can be Heididorf, in Maienfeld, is the original setting of Johanna Spyri’s beloved story Heidi. Nestled in the Swiss Alps, it’s a living tribute to the 19th-century tale—where you can visit Heidi’s House, the Alpine hut, Peter’s goat stable, and a charming museum that brings the story to life.