The old town of Visp developed on a hill because the valley floor was repeatedly flooded. A circular wall was built there to improve its defences. This history provides a tangible backdrop to the old town’s lanes and historic buildings: as you explore, you encounter not only individual structures but also traces of a town whose location was once chosen to offer protection.
Discover the old town and its history
Several fires destroyed almost all of Visp; the devastating blaze of 1518 was particularly significant. Only a few medieval houses remain today. The Burgener House is considered one of the town’s landmarks. Its tower and sundial are especially striking. The Meierturm is also part of the historic townscape: it is listed as a standalone structure dating from the 12th or 13th century in the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of National Importance.
If you prefer to learn about the past as part of a guided tour, you can choose a walk through the old town that may also include an organ concert at the Church of the Epiphany. Another guided experience links eight locations with mystery stories, three wine aperitifs, soup and a snack; it ends with dessert at a restaurant. The experiences have different focuses: one highlights the connection between the old town and music, while the other combines stories with several culinary stops.
Stage, music and stories
Visp’s cultural life extends beyond its historic lanes. During the season, Theater La Poste presents more than 20 guest performances by groups from around the world, alongside productions by local associations. The programme ranges from opera and operetta to concerts, theatre, ballet, dance, comedy and cabaret. The Jazz Chälli hosts numerous concerts each season, featuring local bands and artists from elsewhere in Switzerland and abroad. Galerie zur Schützenlaube complements the programme with around four exhibitions over the course of the year, showcasing artists of regional to national significance.
There is also a regular cultural event for younger children: on the first Wednesday of every month, the Visp Media Library holds a storytelling session for children aged around four and up. No registration is required. As performance schedules, exhibitions and event dates may change, it is worth checking the latest dates before your visit.
Valais flavours in the old town
At the regular Visper Pürumärt, you can sample and buy products made by Valais farmers in the region. These include cheese, eggs, dried meat specialities, fresh bread and baked goods, as well as raclette and grilled bratwurst. The products and vendors may vary. You can also sample regional grape varieties such as Païen (Heida) and Cornalin in the winding old town. A raclette-spreading activity offers a taste of Valais food culture: with guidance from a professional, participants learn how to spread Valais raclette and receive a glass of wine.
Winegrowing can also be part of an excursion. The Heida Trail leads from the valley floor of the Rhône Valley through terraced vineyards to the village of Visperterminen. Information boards along the trail explain the history of winegrowing; a winery on the Heida Trail can be visited and offers tastings of local wine. It is advisable to check current visiting and tasting options in advance.
Explore on foot and by bike
There are short walking routes and longer hikes around Visp. The hiking collection features nine selected hikes, with variations, that start or end in Visp. Mountain bike trails wind through vineyards and forests, as well as along alpine mountain paths. The Staldbach Velodrome offers a different setting: it is a winding, paved circuit that can be ridden on any type of bicycle. For biking adventures, PostBus and the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway take visitors from Visp to a range of experiences.
The Glacier Bike Tour also connects several places: it follows the river via Brig to Visp. This tour and the trails around Visp offer different ways to explore the surrounding area by bike. Well-maintained routes and paths also lead directly from Visp through the vineyards. If you are looking for a more playful way to explore the town, try the SmarTrail Visp, an interactive and informative way to discover the city.
Finding your way around Visp
An interactive map shows the main sights alongside your current location. When location services are enabled, you can see which highlights are nearby. Position markers on the interactive tour let you open images, text and audio content for the respective sights. During your stay in Visp, you can also visit Visperinsel, an island in the Vispa River; the Vispa flows into the Rhône.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Embd, Gasenried, Randa, Saas-Almagell, Saas-Balen, Saas-Fee, Saas-Grund, St. Niklaus, Stalden, Täsch, Törbel, Visperterminen, Zermatt, Zeneggen, Visp, Grächen, Staldenried, Baltschieder.
Back to the main travel overview: Valais.
