Whether culture, culinary delights or outdoor adventures: Sion encapsulates the full diversity of Valais. Between the flair of the old town, vineyards and panoramic views, moving experiences await. Ideal for an enjoyable break or as a starting point for your next mountain adventure. Whether on foot, on two wheels or with a glass of Valais wine in your hand - here you will find the perfect mix of activity and enjoyment. And all embedded in a landscape that combines history and the present in a special way. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Sion - capital of Valais
Historic Alpine town with Mediterranean flair
In the middle of Sion, the Place de la Planta awaits you - with the historic government building, just a stone's throw from the charming old town and the imposing fortresses Valère and Tourbillon.
Discover the vibrant ski resorts Quattre Vallées and Crans Montana, which are favored in winter by adventure-seekers like you. You'll also be enchanted by the smaller ski resorts around Sion, which are full of character and can absolutely hold their own in terms of scenery!
Sion is not only the capital of Valais, but also inextricably linked to winegrowing - here you will discover traditional vines, sunny slopes and first-class Valais wines.
Four fortresses await you in and around Sion: Valère, Tourbillon, Montorge and Majorie. Each tells its own story - and gives you impressive views over the city and the Rhone Valley.
The elaborately developed Bisse Torrent Neuf offers you spectacular views of the Valais mountains and is also a varied hiking or trail running route.
From the high alpine Sanetsch Pass, not far from Sion, you can set off on impressive hikes up the Arpelistock or visit the karst area around the Cabane de Prarochet.
In winter, the southern valleys of Valais offer countless high-alpine ski tour destinations, such as the Pigne d'Arolla via the Cabane des Vignettes.
If you are looking for solitude, you will find it in the remote valleys around Sion. The Val d'Hérens takes you from an altitude of over 1,500 meters up to the picturesque mountain village of Arolla at 2,006 m, where you will find yourself surrounded by unique alpine scenery.
Whether spring, summer, fall or winter: life pulsates in Sion at any time of year. Especially in autumn, the colors are intense thanks to the surrounding vineyards. You don't have to limit yourself in terms of sport either and always have the opportunity to be active.
A dense network of well-marked hiking trails runs through the entire Valais and the region around the regional capital of Sion. Mountain huts provide an excellent infrastructure and countless opportunities for varied and solitary hikes of every difficulty.
Sion at a glance
Sion - or Sitten, as the town is called in German - lies like an amphitheater in the Rhone Valley, surrounded by vines, sunny slopes and crowned by two imposing castle mounds. Visitors to Sion are immersed in 7,000 years of settlement history, the alpine way of life in Valais and a fascinating network of irrigation channels that still keep water and hikers on the move today.
Sion from above
The perfect start to your Sion adventure begins above the town, at the small Mont d'Orge lake. A short climb - and Sion lies at your feet: the fan-shaped old town, the glistening ribbon of the Rhone, with the Valais Alps behind it. And towering above it all is the Tourbillon Castle and the Valeria Castle. Here you immediately sense that this town is more than just a pretty place. It tells stories - of Celts, Romans, knights and winegrowers.
The old town
Anyone strolling through Sion's old town is walking on historic ground. Charming squares, lovingly restored fountains and small courtyards invite you to linger. Particularly impressive: the weekly Friday market, where the alleyways are filled with scents, colors and regional products. And if you want to get up high, climb the hills of Tourbillon and Valère - up there, alpine history meets breathtaking views.
Valais specialties
Sion is a feast for gourmets. Between historic facades and modern wine bars, regional classics await: raclette over an open fire, dried Valais meat, saffron from the mouth, apricots straight from the tree - and of course wine. Lots of wine. Some of the country's best wines are produced in the Rhone Valley, and Sion is the heart of this gourmet region. Whether at the weekly market, in wine cellars or in cozy restaurants - here you can eat and drink your way through the Valais.
Out and about on the bisses
Water is life - especially in the dry central Valais. For centuries, the Suonen have carried water from the mountains to the vines and meadows around Sion. Today, they are not only technical masterpieces, but also wonderful hiking trails. Also perfect for trail running! You can find some of our favorite routes in our trail running articles on the Suonen around Sion. It doesn't get much more idyllic than this: nature, exercise and history come together here.
Excursions & adventures
There's also plenty to discover around Sion. How about a boat trip on the largest underground lake in Europe in St-Léonard? Or a detour to the Domaine des Îles, where a natural lake, a climbing park and the surfing mecca Alaïa Bay await you right next door. For pure adrenaline, try the via ferrata in Nax or one of the many spectacular suspension bridges in the region. For those who prefer to swing a club, the Sion golf course is idyllically situated between vineyards and mountains. And of course there are several top ski resorts within easy reach: Crans-Montana, Anzère and Thyon/4 Vallées can be reached quickly from Sion and also offer fantastic opportunities for hikes and trail runs in summer.
On two wheels through Valais
Sion is also a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. Road cyclists will find varied routes through vineyards and along the Rhone or take on the challenges of the surrounding mountain roads and passes. A highlight for all road bike fans: the Ride the Alps event, where selected pass roads are car-free and belong entirely to cyclists. Mountain bikers will discover numerous trails around Sion - from flowing forest paths to technically challenging single trails. Those looking for an adrenaline rush will find what they are looking for in Crans-Montana: Well-developed downhill trails with a spectacular mountain panorama await you there.
Quick Facts
Impressions
Travel Information: Sion
Destination
Office du Tourisme de Sion
Espace des Remparts 19
1950 Sion
Current weather
Camping & Pitches
Sporting activities
Sion offers numerous opportunities for [trail running](/trail running) and hiking in the heart of the Valais Alps. Popular trails such as the “Prabé de Drône” and the “Domaine des Iles” offer a variety of routes for different fitness levels. The “Trail des Châteaux” also takes place every year, a challenging race that takes runners through the picturesque landscape around Sion.