Situated in the Rhône Valley, Visp is a picturesque city that is listed on the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. It forms part of Valais, an area that has been nicknamed the “Sun Terrace of Switzerland” and enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year. In addition to being an important industrial centre, Visp is the gateway to scenic hiking trails and several ski resorts.
Things to do in Visp
Stroll through central Visp to admire its historic buildings, which include the 17th-century St. Martinskirche and the 16th-century almshouse of Altes Spittel. Visit the Gothic castle complex of the Haus In-Albon and the 14th-century Pflanzetta, which was built as a guesthouse in 1351. Also not to miss is the Schützenlaube, a former military shooting range that houses an art gallery.
If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you can stretch your legs along the Suone Visperi, which follows the route of a historic irrigation canal. Kids will love the Planet Trail that connects Visp with Stalden and features a 1:1 billion scale model of our solar system along its route. During the summer, concerts, operas and ballets are performed at La Poste, a cultural complex that includes a modern theatre and gourmet restaurant.
In the winter, Visp transforms into a snowy wonderland and is on the doorstep of the Eischoll, Unterbäch and Visperterminen ski resorts. Ride the lifts that connect to the downhill skiing and snowboarding trails or set out to explore while snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and winter hiking.
Getting around Visp
Visp is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Lausanne and two hours from Bern while Geneva International Airport is 2.5 hours away. Trains connect to Visp railway station while the city centre is compact enough to explore on foot.