Sion

Sion, the capital of Switzerland's Valais canton, is nestled in a valley surrounded by Alpine peaks. This small city has two hilltop castles, Valère and Tourbillon, which stand out against the skyline. With a history spanning over 7,000 years, Sion has preserved its medieval architecture while incorporating modern elements. You can use Sion as a starting point to visit nearby vineyards, ski resorts, and hiking trails.

Sion's Hilltop Castles

The city's most recognizable landmarks are the twin castles on rocky outcrops above Sion. Valère Basilica, a fortified church from the 12th century, contains the world's oldest playable organ, built in 1435. You can hike up the hill to see this architectural site and get a wide view of the Rhône Valley. On the opposite hill, Tourbillon Castle represents 13th-century defensive architecture. Although mostly in ruins, its high position gives you a clear view of Sion and the mountains around it.

The Old Town

At the base of the castle hills, Sion's Old Town has narrow cobblestone streets and well-maintained medieval buildings. The Notre-Dame du Glarier Cathedral, which combines Romanesque and Gothic styles, is at the center of the historic area. Near the cathedral, you'll see the Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) with its detailed Renaissance façade. As you walk through the Old Town, you'll come across squares, fountains, and cafes where you can sit and observe daily life.

Valais Wines

Sion is in the middle of Switzerland's largest wine-producing area. The sunny, dry weather and mineral-rich soil help grow grapes. You can try local wine varieties like Fendant (Chasselas) and Petite Arvine at many wine cellars and bars in the city. For a closer look at winemaking, you can take a short trip to nearby vineyards, walk among the grape vines, and learn about wine production from the people who make it.

Outdoor Activities in the Valais

While Sion is a small city, it's close to many outdoor activity areas in the surrounding region. In winter, you can easily reach ski resorts like Verbier and Crans-Montana. During warmer months, there are many hiking and mountain biking trails in the nearby valleys and mountains. For a different kind of walk, you can follow one of the historic "bisses" – water channels cut into the mountainsides – which takes you through varied landscapes.

Getting Around Sion and Beyond

You can explore most of Sion on foot because of its small size, but the city also has a public bus system. Sion is testing self-driving shuttle buses in some parts of the city, which you can try. The main train station has regular connections to other Swiss cities and nearby towns in the Valais. If you want to go further into the mountains, you might find it useful to rent a car.