The joy of rambling around the beautiful city of Sion
If you’re planning to travel to Switzerland, consider spending some time in the city of Sion, one of the smallest capitals in the country but certainly one of the most beautiful ones. There are plenty of things to do and see in this area, from taking walks along the Lake of Neuchâtel to visiting the old town’s many ancient sites like the Notre-Dame Cathedral or Petit Sion Castle. If you’re interested in learning more about rambling around the beautiful city of Sion or any other parts of Switzerland.
Day 1: explore la Rochette
La Rochette is a great place to start your exploration of Sion. This historic district is full of art and culture, and there are plenty of things to do. From exploring the scenic streets to adventuring in the many museums, you’ll never be bored in La Rochette. And don’t forget to take in the natural beauty of this area – it’s truly breathtaking! As I sat down on a bench in the small square I could see for miles across Alpine foothills.
I also stumbled upon an amazing museum that had this huge statue that was really impressive- my favorite kind of art because they always tell a story. It felt like I was standing at the base of some massive Greek monument with history on every side of me.
It was all so exciting, so intriguing… and it just made me want to explore more and find more hidden gems that make this region so unique!
Day 2: hike into Piedmont Valley
I awoke early this morning, eager to start my second day exploring the area surrounding Sion. After a quick breakfast at my hotel, I set out on foot towards Piedmont Valley. The valley is known for its scenic views and adventurous hiking trails, and I was not disappointed.
The natural beauty of the area took my breath away and I found myself stopping frequently to take photos and simply soak in the view. It’s days like these that make me grateful for being able to explore so many different parts of our world. When I got back to town, I treated myself to a dinner of traditional Swiss cheese fondue with friends before calling it an evening.
Tomorrow, I will be heading up into the mountains for some skiing! The experience is unlike anything else I have ever done before. Already, Switzerland has offered me a wealth of new experiences that I am looking forward to experiencing more of over the next few days.
Day 3: bike in Monte Verità
I biked up to Monte Verità, which is this really cool mountain that has a bunch of different hiking trails. I was feeling kind of adventurous, so I decided to go on one of the harder ones. It was really tough, but the view from the top was totally worth it.
There were cows grazing below me and a valley full of vineyards off in the distance. It’s always hard for me to come back down because you know that soon enough you’ll be stuck in traffic again and you can’t take in any more nature. But I would do it all over again if I had the chance!
The colors of the sunset just as we made our way back down were gorgeous and with every mile we went downhill my sense of accomplishment grew. My day ended with dinner at a restaurant overlooking Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) with views of Mont Blanc. The food was delicious and before I knew it, my day came to an end – 3 days gone too quickly!
Day 4: picnic at Soglio Lake
Today was a day for picnicking and enjoying the lovely weather. We packed up a lunch and headed to Soglio Lake, where we found a spot to sit and enjoy the view. The lake was so peaceful and serene, and the perfect place to relax after a busy week.
I feel like every day I’m discovering something new about it. There’s never enough time to do everything, but it’s fun to get out there and explore all that Sion has to offer. It doesn’t matter if you just want to take a stroll or go on an adventure; there’s always something waiting for you somewhere in this city.
-At the end of our trip, we drove by the amazing Duomo.
-On Sunday mornings they have singing at 8am and 11am, which is one of my favorite things to do here.
-We ended our day with a stop at Vivanda Farm, one of my favorite places in Sion, for some fresh organic produce. As usual when I got home, my dog Mitzi greeted me with tons of love and kisses!
Day 5: enjoy new perspectives at Zeneggen castle
I awoke early today, eager to explore more of this charming city. After a quick breakfast at my hotel, I set out on foot. The first stop on my self-guided tour was Zeneggen castle. Built in the 12th century, this imposing structure offers stunning views of the city below.
I spent some time exploring the castle grounds before heading back into town. I love how easy it is to navigate and see everything on foot here. Next up was the Basilica of Saint Martin, which dates back to the 14th century and is home to one of Europe’s largest stained glass windows. A perfect spot for contemplation and relaxation!
My final stop for the day was Hotel Les Comtes de Savoie in La Tour d’Aigle. It may not be located within the old city walls, but it does offer a breathtaking view over the old city center and Alps. I loved being able to step outside my room onto such an incredible balcony.
Day 6: hike from Grandvaux to Cressier Abbey
The sun was shining and the birds were singing as I began my hike from Grandvaux to Cressier Abbey. The route took me through fields of wildflowers and along a bubbling stream. I stopped to enjoy the view from a nearby hilltop before continuing on to the Abbey.
Cressier Abbey was founded in 1132 and is one of the most well-preserved Romanesque buildings in Switzerland. I enjoyed exploring the ancient ruins before heading back to Grandvaux. As I hiked down the path, I imagined what it would have been like to live during medieval times, when people would take pilgrimages to places like this.
Even though some people might find these hikes difficult, they’re really worth it! You get to experience nature at its finest, see historic sites with your own eyes and be away from technology for a while. Plus, you meet great people on the way!
Day 7: walk through Breganzona
I started my day by walking through Breganzona, a charming town located on Lake Lugano. The streets were lined with cute shops and cafes, and the lakefront was absolutely stunning. I could have easily spent all day exploring Breganzona, but I had to move on to my next destination. One thing that really stood out to me while in Breganzona was how friendly everyone seemed. It made me feel at home here in Switzerland! People smiled as they passed each other on the street and would often stop to ask for directions. Even when I tried speaking Italian, which is not very good, people would smile or offer help.
• I loved seeing the mountains from the top of San Salvatore church
•I enjoyed the panoramic views from Randa Tower.
•I found the cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings fascinating.