📷 Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on UnsplashValais: vineyards, spas and the Aletsch Glacier
Up the Rhône valley from Martigny past Sion’s castle hills to the thermal springs of Leukerbad, car-free Saas-Fee and the Alps’ longest glacier.
- Distance
- 161 km (100 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 13 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Switzerland
- Updated
- July 24, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 161 km (100 mi) with 7 stops, from Martigny to Aletsch Glacier from the Eggishorn. About 2 h 13 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Switzerland · More road trips from Martigny
Route description
Martigny, at the bend of the Rhône, has a Roman amphitheatre and the Gianadda Foundation art centre. The valley road (A9 and the older main road) heads east between vineyards on the sunny slopes to Sion, the capital of the Valais.
In Sion, climb to the Valère Basilica and the Tourbillon ruin on the twin hills above the old town. The steep vineyards around Sion and Sierre produce Fendant and Petite Arvine; many cellars offer tastings.
At Leuk, turn north up a steep road to Leukerbad, a spa village beneath the huge Gemmi cliffs with large public thermal baths. Back in the valley, head to Visp and up the Saas valley to Saas-Fee, a car-free village surrounded by glaciers; leave the car in the large car park at the entrance.
Continue to Brig and up the Goms valley to Fiesch, where a cable car climbs to the Eggishorn for a view of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps. The Rhône valley is dry and sunny, with fine weather into October; the side valleys are narrow but well maintained.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Martigny
Switzerland - 233 km
Sion
Switzerland - 31 km
Valère Basilica
HistorySion, SwitzerlandA fortified church on a hill above Sion, home to one of the world’s oldest playable organs. The ruined Tourbillon castle crowns the neighbouring hill.
- 432 km
Leukerbad
Switzerland - 547 km
Saas-Fee
Switzerland - 629 km
Brig
Switzerland - 718 km
Aletsch Glacier from the Eggishorn
NatureFiesch, SwitzerlandThe longest glacier in the Alps seen from above, reached by cable car from Fiesch. Park at the valley station and go early on a clear morning.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Martigny → Valère Basilica · 34 km · 0 h 28 minOn the way: Sion.Overnight nearby, for example: TCS Camping Sion (5 km); Camping Alp Safari (5 km).
- Day 2: Valère Basilica → Leukerbad · 32 km · 0 h 27 minOvernight nearby, for example: Swiss-Plage (10 km); Stellplatz Lampertji 6 (12 km).
- Day 3: Leukerbad → Saas-Fee · 47 km · 0 h 39 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Am Kapellenweg (1 km); Area Sosta Camper Macugnaga (16 km).
- Day 4: Saas-Fee → Aletsch Glacier from the Eggishorn · 48 km · 0 h 40 minOn the way: Brig.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Eggishorn (4 km); Camping Giessen (11 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in December–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Valais: vineyards, spas and the Aletsch Glacier?
4-day road trip of about 161 km (100 mi) with 7 stops, from Martigny to Aletsch Glacier from the Eggishorn. About 2 h 13 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Valais: vineyards, spas and the Aletsch Glacier?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 13 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Valais: vineyards, spas and the Aletsch Glacier start and end?
It starts in Martigny and ends in Aletsch Glacier from the Eggishorn.
Which countries does Valais: vineyards, spas and the Aletsch Glacier pass through?
Switzerland.
Where can you camp along Valais: vineyards, spas and the Aletsch Glacier?
OpenStreetMap lists 89 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping de la Sarvaz, Camping du Glacier D'Argentiere and Camping des Glaciers.
When is the best time for Valais: vineyards, spas and the Aletsch Glacier?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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