Mountains are part of the patrimony of almost every part of Switzerland, but nowhere more so than in Valais - the region is home to 47 of the 65 Swiss 4,000 metre-plus peaks. It was the tragic first ascent of the Matterhorn that put Zermatt on the international tourist map, but that iconic mountain is only one of countless reasons to visit perhaps Switzerland's most diverse canton, stretching from St Gingolph on Lake Geneva to the Grimsel and Furka passes.
The valleys that run north and south from the Rhône valley offer some of the best hiking in Switzerland. Those to the south have cosy family-run hotels and spas to return to after a day soaking in the endless panoramas of mountain peaks. In Martigny, the Valais has one of the most remarkable artistic foundations in the country, hosting international exhibitions, while the world's oldest playable organ is to be found in one of Sion's two castles.
The finest views of Europe's longest glacier can be had via a spectacular walk from the top of cable cars off the Goms valley, and a boat tour of Europe's largest underground lake is one of the more unusual journeys in a canton full of pleasant surprises.
• For more information on Valais visit valais.ch
