Things to do & know

Museums, Castles, Galleries & Cultural Gems Near Grimentz

Switzerland is full of extraordinary museums, historic castles, fascinating galleries and natural wonders. Although the mountains and outdoor activities are often the main attraction, there are some wonderful cultural experiences to be discovered, many of them within easy reach of Grimentz. We have selected a few of our favourites, from mysterious underground lakes and medieval castles to world-class art exhibitions and spectacular mountain walks.

1. St-Léonard Underground Lake
The Lac Souterrain de Saint-Léonard is a remarkable natural phenomenon, hidden between 30 and 70 metres beneath the vineyards. At approximately 300 metres long, it is recognised as the largest natural navigable underground lake in Europe. It's a surreal experience to board a small rowing boat underground, quite unlike anything else in the region. And if you're lucky, you might even find yourself with an opera singer as your guide. The guided boat trip lasts approximately 30 minutes and is suitable for families. Tours are available in French, German and English.

Practical information: Telephone: +41 27 203 22 66 / Website: https://lac-souterrain.com/.

2. Fondation Pierre Gianadda
The Fondation Pierre Gianadda is one of Switzerland's leading cultural destinations and a wonderful place to visit. What makes it particularly special is that there is always something new to discover. The foundation hosts major temporary exhibitions featuring important artists and private collections, meaning that every visit can offer a completely different experience. Beyond the changing exhibitions, there is an impressive permanent collection encompassing several fascinating attractions. The sculpture garden alone is worth a visit, and the combination of art, archaeology, motoring and music makes this an unusually varied cultural experience.

Practical information: Telephone: +41 27 722 39 78 / Email: info@gianadda.ch / Website: https://www.gianadda.ch/

Opening hours: Generally daily, 10:00–18:00. Seasonal variations may apply. We recommend checking the website before visiting to see which exhibitions and events are currently showing.

3. The Fairy's Cave – Grotte aux Fées, Saint-Maurice
We love visiting the Fairy's Cave, perched high above the historic town of Saint-Maurice. The adventure starts with a walk up the hillside, followed by the excitement of entering the caves. This is a wonderful natural spectacle, where water and rock are the stars of the show. The caves were the first tourist cave to open to the public in Switzerland and has been welcoming visitors for more than 150 years. The ~half-kilometre underground route offers an educational journey through illuminated natural galleries, ending at a beautiful underground lake fed by an impressive waterfall.

Practical information: Tourist Office telephone: +41 24 485 40 40 / Website: https://www.saint-maurice.ch/tourism/fairy-cave-54.html

4. Chillon Castle – A Beautiful Castle on Lake Geneva
Chillon Castle is a familiar and much-loved sight whenever we travel along the shores of Lake Geneva. Situated on a rocky island just outside Montreux, this magnificent medieval castle has stood guard over the lake for almost a thousand years. Inside, visitors can explore an impressive complex of around 25 buildings, three courtyards and a fascinating network of underground vaults.

Practical information: Telephone: +41 21 966 89 10 / Email: info@chillon.ch / Website: https://www.chillon.ch/en/

5. Stockalper Castle – Baroque Grandeur in Brig
Stockalper Castle is the defining landmark of Brig and one of the most impressive historic buildings in the Valais region. Built in the 17th century by the wealthy merchant and entrepreneur Kaspar Stockalper, its striking architecture is immediately recognisable, with three distinctive onion-domed towers rising above an imposing palace and beautiful formal gardens.

Practical information / Telephone for group tours: +41 27 921 60 30 / Email: info@brig-simplon.ch / Website: https://www.brig-simplon.ch/en/poi/stockalper-palace

6. Lac de Moiry – Turquoise Waters
This spectacular turquoise reservoir sits high above Grimentz, surrounded by dramatic Alpine peaks and magnificent mountain scenery. At approximately 2,250 metres above sea level, the drive up is impressive and once there, you can walk along the dam wall, admire the extraordinary colour of the water or follow one of the many hiking trails around the lake. One of the classic routes takes you around the reservoir, with spectacular views throughout. Allow approximately two hours for the circular lakeside walk, depending on your pace and conditions. For those looking for something more adventurous, you can continue towards the Moiry Glacier, the source of the lake's waters.

Practical information: Website: https://www.valais.ch/en/explore/activities/natural-sites/mountain-lakes/lac-de-moiry Access: By car or seasonal public transport. The mountain road is normally open from May until the first significant snowfall.

7. St-Luc and the Planet Trail
One of our favourite walks starts in St-Luc, where the funicular takes you up the mountainside to Alp Tignousa. From here, you can hike the Planet Trail, an educational walking route that recreates our solar system on a miniature scale. The trail stretches approximately 4.5 kilometres towards the historic Hôtel Weisshorn (which we call the Coca Cola hotel - as we have never need a coke more than after this walk), with the planets represented along the route at carefully calculated distances. It's a wonderful combination of science, education and spectacular mountain scenery, and particularly enjoyable for families with children.

8. Zinal and the Historic Copper Mine
The traditional mountaineering village of Zinal is another wonderful place to explore. One particularly interesting attraction is the historic La Lée Copper Mine, which provides a fascinating insight into the region's mining heritage. Discovered in 1832, the mine contains approximately 500 metres of underground galleries carved into the mountainside.

Useful information and bookings
Val d'Anniviers Tourist Office: https://www.valdanniviers.ch/en/
Planet Trail: https://www.valdanniviers.ch/en/P111254/things-to-see-and-do/planets-trail
Copper Mine: https://www.valdanniviers.ch/en/P114326/copper-mine-and-guided-tours
Moiry Lake: https://www.valais.ch/en/explore/activities/natural-sites/mountain-lakes/lac-de-moiry


Some great articles and a video on Grimentz and the surrounding area: