Valais

Getting there & around

The smoothest routes are from Italy to Martigny (via the Great St Bernard Pass and Tunnel) and Brig (via the Simplon Pass and Tunnel). The most direct route from Chamonix in France to the Valais is by road from Martigny. The N9 highway enters the canton in the east via the Furka Pass and passes through main junctions like Brig. In Sierre it becomes the dual carriageway A9 motorway, continuing to Sion, Martigny and then north to follow Lake Geneva to Geneva. The same route is served by a major rail line, with a branch route into Italy via the border town of Domodossola.

The Adventure Card Wallis is a general transport card for the Oberwallis (German- speaking Upper Valais) area and entitles holders to two, three or five days' (Sfr89/109/169) unlimited travel on trains and buses in the area within a one-month period. It gives you 50% off on most lifts and sporting activities on those days too.

Special bus passes for Sion + Region and Martigny + Region are available in summer. Together they cover the whole of Lower Valais. The Martigny Pass includes the Mont Blanc Express/St Bernard Express trains. The Sion version includes some cable-car discounts. Ask at the towns' tourist offices about the passes. Another pass is the Valais Central pass, which runs from Martigny to Leukerbad. It gives you three days' unlimited transport within a week (adult/child Sfr48/38).