Best Day Trips from Crans-Montana

One of the greatest advantages of staying in Crans-Montana is its central location in the heart of Valais. Within an hour or two, you can discover world-famous mountain resorts, medieval towns, thermal spas, vineyards and some of Switzerland's most spectacular scenery.

Whether you're visiting in winter or summer, these destinations make wonderful day trips from Cove Crans-Montana.

1. Zermatt & the Matterhorn

Driving to Täsch: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (then shuttle train to Zermatt)

No visit to the Swiss Alps is complete without seeing the Matterhorn.

Spend the day wandering through Zermatt's charming streets, taking the Gornergrat Railway for breathtaking mountain views, shopping in the luxury boutiques or enjoying lunch overlooking one of the world's most famous peaks.

Highlights:

• The Matterhorn

• Gornergrat Railway

• Glacier Paradise

• Luxury shopping

• Alpine restaurants

2. Leukerbad

Driving time: Approximately 45 minutes

Leukerbad is Switzerland's largest thermal spa village.

After hiking or skiing, relax in naturally heated thermal waters while surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. The village also offers excellent walking trails, restaurants and cable cars.

Highlights:

• Thermal spas

• Gemmi Pass cable car

• Mountain hiking

• Wellness experiences

3. Sion

Driving time: Approximately 30 minutes

The capital of Valais is full of history.

Explore the beautiful old town, visit the impressive castles of Tourbillon and Valère, browse boutique shops and enjoy lunch in one of the many cafés.

Highlights:

• Medieval old town

• Tourbillon Castle

• Valère Basilica

• Local markets

• Wine bars

4. Grimentz

Driving time: Approximately 1 hour

Often regarded as one of Switzerland's most beautiful villages, Grimentz is famous for its traditional wooden chalets decorated with colourful flowers.

Winter offers excellent skiing, while summer is perfect for hiking through the Val d'Anniviers.

Highlights:

• Traditional Swiss village

• Excellent skiing

• Hiking

• Alpine restaurants

• Stunning photography

5. Saas-Fee

Driving time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Known as the "Pearl of the Alps," Saas-Fee is a charming, car-free mountain village surrounded by glaciers and 4,000-metre peaks.

Visitors can enjoy glacier walks, mountain restaurants and spectacular scenery throughout the year.

Highlights:

• Glacier skiing

• Ice Pavilion

• Mountain restaurants

• Scenic village

6. Saint-Léonard Underground Lake

Driving time: Approximately 25 minutes

Discover Europe's largest natural underground navigable lake on a peaceful guided boat tour.

This unique attraction is perfect for families and offers something completely different from the surrounding mountain landscapes.

Highlights:

• Underground boat ride

• Family-friendly

• Unique geological attraction

7. Montreux & Lake Geneva

Driving time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Spend the day beside beautiful Lake Geneva.

Walk the famous lakeside promenade, visit the magnificent Chillon Castle, enjoy waterfront restaurants and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of one of Switzerland's most elegant towns.

Highlights:

• Chillon Castle

• Lake Geneva

• Waterfront cafés

• Luxury shopping

8. Lavaux Vineyards

Driving time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lavaux Vineyards stretch along the shores of Lake Geneva and produce some of Switzerland's finest wines.

Drive through picturesque villages, visit local wineries and enjoy lunch overlooking the lake.

Highlights:

• Vineyard walks

• Wine tasting

• UNESCO landscape

• Lake views

Why Crans-Montana is the Perfect Base

Crans-Montana offers the best of both worlds.

You can spend the morning skiing, hiking or golfing before exploring another part of Valais in the afternoon. Few Swiss resorts provide such easy access to historic towns, famous mountain villages, thermal spas and world-class scenery.

Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or a two-week holiday, there is always somewhere new to discover.

Stay at Cove Crans-Montana

Our personally owned apartment is ideally located for exploring the very best of the Swiss Alps.

After a memorable day visiting Zermatt, relaxing in Leukerbad or wandering through Grimentz, return to the comfort of Cove Crans-Montana to enjoy a quiet evening on the terrace or dinner in the village.

It is the perfect base for discovering everything that makes Valais one of Switzerland's most beautiful regions.

Continue Exploring

Planning your Swiss Alps holiday? Discover more with our guides:

• Crans-Montana Travel Guide

• Skiing in Crans-Montana

• Where to Stay in Crans-Montana

• Best Restaurants in Crans-Montana

• Swiss Alps Travel Guide

• Compare Swiss Ski Resorts

• Stay at Cove Crans-Montana