The earth pyramids of Euseigne are moraine formations standing 10 to 15 metres high. They formed during the Würm glaciation, around 80,000 to 10,000 years ago, and are protected as natural monuments of national importance. They offer a chance to discover geological history in a distinctive landscape feature—a point of interest in its own right alongside the region’s alpine trails and historic buildings.

The Val d’Hérens stretches from the Rhône Valley near Sion to the foot of the Dent Blanche, the Dent d’Hérens, Mont Collon and Mont Blanc de Cheilon. Old villages with traditional houses sit on its steep slopes. This contrast between the valley and the high Alps defines the area’s landscape; experiences of village culture and architecture also extend to glaciers and mountain lakes.

Buildings, collections and living traditions

Hérémence is home to a remarkable Brutalist building: the Église d’Hérémence, designed by Basel architect Walter Förderer. Admission is free, and an audio and light presentation introduces the building’s distinctive features. Check the visitor arrangements in advance before planning your visit.

The Musée d’Evolène presents the culture of Evolène in the 19th and 20th centuries in the original main room of a Valais house dating from 1776. Its collection includes objects, tools and traditional costumes. It focuses on local customs, religious life in Evolène and mountain farming. Everyday life and cultural themes sit side by side, from crafts to local traditions.

The Carnaval d’Evolène is also part of the local culture. Its characters include the «peluches» and «empaillés», and carnival traditions remain strong in Evolène. The annual programme varies, so it is worth checking the dates for your intended visit.

Cheese and summer encounters

A tour and tasting at the Fromagerie d’Hérémence shows how cheese is made by hand, from processing the milk to producing finished raclette cheese. You can then sample the products. Check booking and operating arrangements in advance. The summer experience «Au pays des reines» combines a meeting with Hérens cows on their summer pastures, led by a local farmer, with raclette and a glass of Valais wine. For this seasonal experience, check dates and booking requirements before travelling.

Hiking and alpine activities

The Tour du Val d’Hérens consists of five stages and connects, among other places, the Val d’Hérémence with the Val d’Arolla. On the second stage, the trail first follows the shore of Lac des Dix, then climbs to the Col de Riedmatten and descends to Arolla. Those planning a longer, challenging hike can take on the Sentier glaciologique d’Arolla, a route of a different scale: the 14-kilometre trail connects the Lower and Upper Arolla glaciers, involves 870 metres of elevation gain and is listed as taking seven hours to walk. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a glacier hike.

In the wider Val d’Hérens region, a moderately difficult day hike also runs from Arolla Pramousse to the Cabane de la Tsa; its stated length is 7.8 kilometres. The Ibex Trail begins on the Grande Dixence dam, follows the turquoise-blue Lac des Dix and forms a circular route ending at the Cabane de Prafleuri at an altitude of 2,662 metres. Information panels explain the area’s flora, fauna and history. As access is seasonal, check current trail conditions in advance.

You can also experience the Grande Dixence from a different perspective: guided tours through the inside of the dam and its tunnels include a light and sound presentation. These tours are seasonal, so check availability before travelling. There are also six climbing routes at the dam. The 700-metre-long AlpinLine zipline runs alongside the dam at an altitude of 2,400 metres. Check availability and supervision requirements in advance if you plan to try these activities.

More ways to explore the region

The Etoile Bike Tour starts in Les Haudères and follows a challenging climb to the Chottes de la Niva. Elsewhere in the wider region, cycling routes pass through mountain forests, villages and alpine meadows; bike-friendly businesses, e-bike hire and repair services are also available. For winter sports, the Hérens District lists skiing and snowboarding in four ski areas, including Anzère, Arolla and Evolène.

You can also factor transport into your plans. In the wider region, PostBuses connect Sion with the valley as far as Arolla. For the Grande Dixence–Arolla stage, there are train connections to Sion followed by PostBus connections to Grande Dixence; from Arolla, the PostBus returns to Sion via Les Haudères. As routes and timetables may change, check connections with SBB and PostBus before departure.

Discover more destinations: Ayent, Les Agettes, Vex, Mase, Evolène, Les Masses, Vernamiège, Nax, Saint-Martin Vs, Eison, Evolène, Vex.

Back to the main travel guide: Valais.