Grimentz

Grimentz sits high in the Val d’Anniviers, on the sunny side of the valley above Sierre, in a part of the Valais that kept its own dialect and customs long after the roads arrived. Its history goes back to the Middle Ages, when it was a remote farming and trading settlement. The village’s dark timber chalets, hung with red geraniums in summer, record centuries of alpine building tradition, and the narrow lanes between them, with granaries raised on stone pillars, create a village that feels almost unchanged.

History and Heritage The old buildings are the heritage. The Maison de Grand-Maman, a house preserved as a living museum, shows how a Valais family lived, with furniture, kitchen and tools in their original places. The Musée des Outils Anciens de Pinsec, known as the MOAP, displays old tools and rural objects from the valley, and the church and the granaries reflect the community’s faith and farming past. Grimentz’s position on routes used by traders and shepherds crossing the Alps made it a useful stop, and local festivals still celebrate the pastoral year. The valley also keeps old irrigation channels known as bisses, which can be followed on foot.

Main Attractions Grimentz is a destination for outdoor people. In winter the Grimentz-Zinal ski area offers over 115 kilometres of slopes, modern lifts and uncrowded terrain, a favourite for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with good powder and off-piste routes and a relaxed mood. In summer the village becomes a base for hiking and mountain biking, with trails to Moiry Lake and Glacier. The walk to the Cabane de Moiry gives panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding peaks, and the Anniviers Liberty Pass offers discounts on cable cars, buses and attractions throughout the valley.

Activities Beyond skiing and hiking, Grimentz offers a range of activities for all ages. The Anniviers Indoor Park and an Escape Room called AnniThink give rainy-day family fun, and local spa and wellness centres suit tired legs after a day in the mountains. The village is also a hub for glacier walks, climbing and paragliding. In autumn the larch forests turn gold, providing a fine backdrop for photographers and quiet walkers.

Getting There Grimentz can be reached by car or public transport, with regular buses from Sierre, where trains link to the major Swiss cities. The drive up the Val d’Anniviers is scenic, with winding roads and dramatic mountain views. Parking is available at the edge of the village to protect its pedestrian-friendly core. Most sights are within walking distance, and local buses and cable cars reach the wider valley.

Seasonal Advice July and August are best for hiking, wildflowers and glacier excursions, with comfortable temperatures of about 17 to 20 degrees Celsius, while December to March suits skiing and snow sports. Summer brings long days and lively village life, and winter brings reliable snow and a festive mood. Spring and autumn are quieter, with fewer crowds and soft colours. In every season Grimentz’s mix of history, alpine adventure and authentic charm makes a Swiss escape of the traditional kind.