Zinal: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
With its quaint wooden houses, Zinal has preserved its original charm. The Swiss holiday resort is located at the end of the Val d'Anniviers at the foot of the impressive Imperial Crown. A ride on the Mountain Roller, the mini-golf course, and the Anniviers hut hikes are some highlights for summer recreation in Valais.
Table of contents
Zinal - Must-see attractions
Zinal Glacier
The Zinal Glacier in the Valais Alps was formed from the confluence of three glaciers. It features several caves created by mountain streams. In winter, the streams freeze, allowing the caves to be explored on a snowshoe hike. Several mountain huts are located around the Zinal Glacier. Noteworthy is the Cabane du Grand Mountet above the eastern lateral moraine. From Zinal, the hut can be reached in four and a half hours, and it also serves as a starting point for various mountain climbs.
Arpitettaz Lake
The Lac d'Arpitettaz, located at 2,229 m, can be reached from Zinal in a two-and-a-half-hour hike. If desired, the hike to the mountain lake can be extended to 4 hours by taking the footpath at the Roc de la Vache waterfall. The Lac d'Arpitetta is a popular spot for families to picnic by the idyllic lakeshore. From here, you have the most magnificent panoramic view of the peaks of Besso and the summit of Zinal with its glacier.
Besso Summit
Thanks to its location near the middle of the valley, the Besso is a prominent destination. The name, which means "twin" in the Valais dialect, describes the characteristic twin peak. Together with the other peaks of the Val d'Anniviers, the mountain forms the so-called Couronne impériale. Besso was first climbed in 1862. Today, several hiking routes lead to the summit. The easiest route is called Chemin des Dames. It starts at the Cabane du Mountet hut and runs over the southeast ridge to the peak.
Moiry Glacier
The last village before the Moiry Glacier is Grimentz. The glacier is considered a starting point for various tours in the area. A beautiful view of the glacier tongue can be seen from the mountain hut Cabane de Moiry, which is located above the mountain village of Zinal. The Gougra is fed by the Moiry Glacier and eventually flows into the Moiry Reservoir and further into the Navisence. The Lac de Moiry is a popular excursion destination that you can discover on a hike. The circular hiking trail covers 14 km.
Grimentz
Wooden houses adorned with geraniums create the charm of the car-free main street of Grimentz. You will surely notice the charming Burgerhaus. In its cellar, the famous glacier wine is stored. 100 km of hiking trails lead through the untouched nature around the area. The snow-sure ski area of Grimentz extends up to 3,000 m. Ski down with magnificent views and enjoy the view all the way to the Rhone Valley. A fun park provides thrills. A toboggan run and romantic winter hiking trails offer variety.
Becs de Bosson
The Becs de Bosson are known for their imposing peaks. The impressive mountain range spans a length of about 10 km and includes a diverse landscape of steep rock faces, snow-covered mountains, and lush green alpine meadows. The Grand Bec de Bosson reaches 3,149 m. With their spectacular natural scenery, the mountains are a paradise for hikers and mountaineers. Well-marked trails ranging from easy hiking paths to challenging climbing tours traverse them. In winter, the white winter world impresses as a ski area.
Zinal - Secret spots
Lake Armina
Above Saint-Luc near Zinal in the Valais Alps lies the Lac de l'Armina. The idyllic mountain lake is perfect for a hike followed by a picnic. To reach Lac de l'Armina, take the cable car from Saint-Luc to the Tignousa mountain station. From here, a hiking trail leads to the lake.
Pfyn Forest
Between Leuk and Siders in the canton of Valais lies the Pfynwald. It is one of the largest contiguous pine forests in the Alps and offers an extensive network of hiking trails with magnificent panoramas. A highlight of the Pfynwald is the nearly 134 m long Bhutan Bridge, draped with prayer flags, which spans the Illbach.
Beauregard Castle
On a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 1,000 meters above the Val d'Anniviers in the canton of Valais rises the ruin of Beauregard Castle. Built in the 12th century, the castle ruin of Beauregard is now a popular excursion destination. The view over the valley, which opens up to you when you visit the hilltop castle, is breathtaking.
Rock of the Cow
With a height of 2,581 m, the Roc de la Vache ("Cow Rock") near Zinal in the Val d'Anniviers in the canton of Valais is a vantage point by alpine standards. From its summit, you have a magnificent view over the valley, the Zinal Glacier, and the surrounding mountain landscape with the Weisshorn.
Zinal - In 3 days
Day 1
Unpack your bags, treat yourself to a little refreshment, and then set off on your first mountain adventures. Take the cable car to the mountain station of Corne de Sorebois at an altitude of 2,438 m. From here, the view over Zinal and the Valais Alps is already breathtaking. From the mountain station, continue hiking to the 2,895 m high summit. In total, the Val d’Anniviers, where your holiday resort is located, boasts almost 500 km of hiking trails. Here, everyone can find their favorite hiking route from spring to autumn. In the winter months, snowshoe hikes are a nice way to explore the surroundings on foot. A challenging but rewarding tour for experienced winter hikers takes you, together with a mountain guide or a local mountain guide, to the Zinal Glacier. From Zinal, it is about a 2.5-hour hike to the spectacular world of ice with its naturally created caves.
Day 2
Located at an altitude of 1,670 m, Zinal is the perfect starting point for winter sports fun with the whole family during the winter months. The Grimentz - Zinal ski area extends around the town with over 100 kilometers of slopes. These offer a good mix of easy slopes for families or beginners, intermediate slopes, and challenging slopes for professionals and those who like it action-packed. The freeride routes are well-suited for all adventurers. Additionally, 19 km of cross-country ski trails await you for your relaxed ski excursions amidst the winter-white fairytale landscape. In the warm season, mountain bikers are drawn to the world of peaks. The Val d’Anniviers boasts 200 km of marked MTB trails ranging from easy to challenging. A tour starting directly in Zinal takes you with a medium level of difficulty up to the Petit Mountet mountain hut and back to the starting point. The route measures a total of 13 km and is rewarded at the intermediate stop at the mountain hut with a fantastic view over your holiday destination.
Day 3
On the third day, you can look forward to an excursion to Lac de Moiry. The reservoir is nestled between the Valais Alps near Zinal. With its 14 km circular trail, it is perfect for a relaxed pleasure hike, where a picnic break by the shore is a must. Back in Zinal, you shouldn't miss one of the highlights of your holiday destination: high above the town stretches the Tzina de Vio suspension bridge at an altitude of 2,600 m. It spans a rocky gorge with the eponymous mountain stream Tzina de Vio and is an adventurous must for those with a head for heights. In the afternoon, pure relaxation awaits you in the indoor pool with an attached spa in Zinal, at any time of the year. Athletes swim their laps, little guests enjoy themselves in the children's pool, and those seeking relaxation unwind from everyday life in the sauna, steam bath, and whirlpool.