Day Trips from Vercorin: Discover the Best of the Swiss Alps

One of the greatest advantages of staying in Vercorin is its central location in the heart of the Valais region. While the village itself offers exceptional hiking, skiing and mountain scenery, it is also the perfect base for exploring many of Switzerland's most famous destinations.

From iconic mountain resorts and thermal spas to lakeside towns, vineyards and medieval castles, unforgettable adventures are all within easy reach. At the end of each day, you can return to the peace and comfort of Cove des Alpes, away from the crowds but close to everything that makes the Swiss Alps so special.

Here are our favourite day trips from Vercorin.

1. Zermatt & the Matterhorn

Distance: Approximately 75 km

Driving & Train Time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes

No trip to Switzerland is complete without visiting Zermatt, home to the world-famous Matterhorn.

The charming, car-free village is one of Europe's most iconic mountain destinations and is well worth a full day.

Highlights include:

• The Matterhorn

• Scenic village streets

• The Gornergrat Railway

• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise

• Luxury shopping

• Traditional Swiss restaurants

• Hiking during summer

• World-class skiing during winter

Our recommendation is to leave early and spend an entire day exploring before returning to the peaceful surroundings of Vercorin.

2. Crans-Montana

Distance: Approximately 20 km

Driving Time: Around 30 minutes

Crans-Montana is one of Switzerland's most prestigious mountain resorts.

Known for luxury hotels, designer boutiques and championship golf courses, it offers a lively contrast to tranquil Vercorin.

Things to do include:

• Luxury shopping

• Mountain restaurants

• Scenic walks

• Golf

• Lake Moubra

• Skiing in winter

• Summer festivals

Many guests enjoy spending the afternoon in Crans-Montana before returning to Vercorin for a peaceful evening.

3. Leukerbad

Distance: Approximately 40 km

Driving Time: Around 45 minutes

Leukerbad is Switzerland's largest thermal spa destination.

Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and mountains, its natural hot springs have attracted visitors for centuries.

Relax in warm mineral pools while enjoying spectacular Alpine scenery.

Perfect after several days of hiking or skiing.

Don't miss:

• Thermal baths

• Wellness spas

• Mountain hiking

• Gemmi Pass cable car

• Traditional Swiss restaurants

4. Sierre

Distance: Approximately 13 km

Driving Time: Around 20 minutes

Often called the "City of the Sun," Sierre enjoys one of Switzerland's sunniest climates.

This charming town is famous for:

• Vineyards

• Wine tasting

• Historic streets

• Local markets

• Cafés

• Museums

It's also the gateway to many of Valais' famous wine routes.

Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring before returning to the fresh mountain air of Vercorin.

5. Grimentz

Distance: Approximately 35 km

Driving Time: Around 45 minutes

Grimentz is frequently described as one of Switzerland's most beautiful villages.

Traditional wooden chalets, colourful flower displays and cobbled streets create postcard-perfect scenery.

Visitors love:

• Historic architecture

• Mountain restaurants

• Hiking

• Skiing

• Photography

• Local artisan shops

It is one of the highlights of the Val d'Anniviers.

6. St-Luc & Chandolin

Distance: Approximately 25 km

Driving Time: Around 35 minutes

These neighbouring mountain villages are renowned for sunshine, panoramic views and excellent hiking.

During winter they offer relaxed skiing, while summer brings spectacular walking trails overlooking some of the highest peaks in the Alps.

The area is also known for its astronomy observatory and exceptionally clear night skies.

7. Montreux

Distance: Approximately 95 km

Driving Time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes

Situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux feels completely different from the mountain villages of Valais.

Spend the day exploring:

• The lakeside promenade

• Boutique shopping

• Waterfront cafés

• Luxury hotels

• Beautiful gardens

No visit is complete without seeing the magnificent Chillon Castle, one of Switzerland's most photographed castles.

Montreux is perfect if you want to combine Alpine scenery with lakeside elegance.

8. Gruyères

Distance: Approximately 90 km

Driving Time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes

One of Switzerland's best-preserved medieval towns, Gruyères is famous throughout the world for its cheese.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Medieval streets

• Hilltop castle

• Cheese tasting

• Traditional Swiss restaurants

• Chocolate nearby

• Beautiful countryside

It is a wonderful destination for families and food lovers.

9. The Valais Vineyards

Some of Switzerland's finest wines are produced in the Rhône Valley below Vercorin.

The region's vineyards stretch across sunny hillsides and produce exceptional white and red wines.

Many wineries welcome visitors for tastings, while scenic walking routes pass through picturesque vineyards overlooking the valley.

It's an ideal day out for couples looking to experience another side of the Valais region.

10. Explore the Vallon de Réchy

Sometimes the best day trip doesn't require driving at all.

Just above Vercorin lies the magnificent Vallon de Réchy, one of Switzerland's most pristine protected alpine valleys.

This remarkable nature reserve offers:

• Spectacular hiking

• Alpine lakes

• Wildflowers

• Marmots

• Crystal-clear streams

• Panoramic mountain scenery

Many visitors consider it the hidden jewel of the entire region.

Why Stay at Cove des Alpes?

Vercorin's greatest strength is its location.

Within a short drive you can experience world-famous ski resorts, thermal spas, medieval villages, vineyards and some of Switzerland's most breathtaking mountain scenery.

After a full day of exploring, there is nothing better than returning to Cove des Alpes.

Our luxury chalet offers spacious accommodation, elegant interiors and peaceful surroundings where you can relax before planning tomorrow's adventure.

Whether you're visiting for a week or longer, Vercorin provides the perfect base for discovering the very best of the Swiss Alps.

Discover the Best of Switzerland from Vercorin

While Vercorin itself is a destination worth exploring, its central position makes it one of the finest bases for discovering the wider Valais region and beyond.

One day you can be standing beneath the Matterhorn. The next, soaking in natural thermal springs, wandering through medieval villages, tasting local wines or strolling beside Lake Geneva.

Few places offer such variety within such easy reach.

Stay at Cove des Alpes and enjoy the freedom to explore Switzerland at your own pace while returning each evening to the tranquillity of one of the Swiss Alps' best-kept secrets.