Varen brings together vineyards, Suonen and a distinctive village church: the parish church of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows stands on a rocky outcrop high above the valley, is visible from afar and is considered the village’s landmark. From Varen, the view stretches across the Rhône Valley and Pfyn Forest. For trip planning that combines hiking trails and wine country, Varen offers several specific options.
Hiking trails between vineyards and Suonen
The Pfyfoltru Trail Varen starts at the church; follow the colorful butterfly signs for guidance. This circular trail around Varen is about 3.6 kilometers long and leads through vineyards, dry meadows and open woodland. Information boards along the route explain how landscape management and targeted planting measures support habitats for butterflies, beetles and other beneficial species. The Pfyfoltru Trail is accessible year-round, in summer and winter.
The Neuf Suone and the Varen Suone form a hike of about ten kilometers. It runs at elevations between 800 and 1,000 meters through accessible terrain with few exposed sections. Compared with the Pfyfoltru Trail, this is a considerably longer route; local conditions may vary. Check them before setting out. The Grossi Wasserleitu of Varen, also known as the Varen Suone, draws its water from the Raspille and irrigates Varen’s meadows and vineyards.
Church on a rocky outcrop
The history of Varen’s church is marked by destruction and rebuilding. From 1967, the parish church of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows was rebuilt while retaining the old tower; it was consecrated on December 7, 1969. It features artistic stained-glass windows by Anton Mutter and a viewing point along its circular walkway. The church thus brings together its prominent position above the valley and a clearly dated building history.
Wine culture and butterflies
Varen is a wine-growing village committed to natural winegrowing; its vineyards are known for Pinot Noir grown using natural methods. The name of the Pfyfoltru wines comes from the Valais German word for butterfly. The surrounding area is also part of the Pfyn-Finges Nature Park and is known for its exceptional diversity of butterflies. The butterfly motif thus links the name of the wine to a natural feature of the surrounding area. The Pro Varen cooperative includes nine wineries.
A vineyard and winery tour includes a walk through the village followed by a tasting of Varen wines with a traditional Valais platter. After the cellar tastings, a discovery trail leads through restored vineyards rich in ecological diversity. Cave du Chevalier Bayard offers wine tastings in its Carnotzet on the last Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. At Soleil de Varone, a winery tour is followed by a tasting in the Carnotzet; a snack is served by arrangement. Check dates and arrangements in advance.
Varen as a stop and starting point for discoveries
Those who want to explore the wine country on a larger scale can include the Wine Trail: Varen is one of the villages on the fourth stage of this 65-kilometer, four-day route. It can be explored by car, bicycle or on foot. This multi-day Wine Trail complements the shorter, measured hikes around Varen. The Dala Culture Bike Route runs above the wine-growing village, then continues to Leuk and from there descends to Susten railway station. The municipality also offers a guided tour for a walk through the wine-growing village.
Discover more destinations: Niedergampel, Inden, Agarn, Erschmatt, Oberems, Gampel, Leukerbad, Turtmann.
Back to the main travel overview: Leuk.
