The mountain village of Vals, Switzerland is an extraordinary place endowed with the gifts of nature. Deep in a valley carved by the forces of water and ice, it’s the source of the world-famous Valser mineral water and sparkling Valserstein granite. Today, Valserstein is the source of Vals Gneiss, a much sought-after building stone, and Valser mineral water is bottled and sold by Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland.
But of greater interest to the world traveler, Vals is a tranquil holiday resort rife with traditional wooden homes with stone roofs and mountain hotels incorporating local quartzite and spas with thermal mineral sources. And it’s all surrounded by craggy peaks, alpine lakes, and waterfalls.
Let’s explore the holiday opportunities in Vals.
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How to get to Vals, Switzerland
The village of Vals is in the Surselva Region in the canton of Graubünden. Direct train services are available from Zurich through SBB for the 95-kilometer (59-mile) journey. You can depart from Zurich HB, Zurich Oerlikon, and Zurich Stadelhofen. Trains arrive in stations including Vals, Zervreila, Zurich Stadelhofen, and Parkplatz Bergbahnen
Things to Do in Vals, Switzerland
7132 Therme Vals
Built over thermal springs in the canton of Graubünden, 7132 Thermal Baths is the crown jewel of Vals. Designed by world-renowned architect Peter Zumthor, the hotel/spa complex was completed in 1996 and featured in New York Times Magazine’s special edition of the 25 most significant post-war works of architecture. Shortly after completion, the thermal baths were awarded protected heritage status.
Zumthor’s masterpiece is made of 60,000 slabs of local Vals quartzite. A common building and decorative material in the region, the stone was cut and polished to produce a subtle texture. The baths are located where the source of Graubünden’s thermal springs comes out of the ground.
The thermal bath pools are divided into outdoor and indoor pools, large pools, and small private pools. Contact with the stone and water of varying temperatures creates a unique bathing experience. The cool pool has blue lighting and the warm pool is lit in red. Large glass windows provide a view of the rolling Alps in every season.
Skiing
Queues and crowds replaced by wide-open pistes and gentle hollows attract skiers of all levels to the Vals ski area. Snowboarders and snowshoers also leave tracks in the pure, never-artificial snow.
The Dachberg snow sports area is one of the highest in Graubünden and extends to nearly 3,000 meters above sea level. An 8-person gondola takes you to the Gadastatt with an amazing backdrop of quiet beauty. Three further lifts take you even higher where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Bernina massif, the Easter Alps, and the distant 4000-meter peak of Walliser mountain.
The snow sports area has a children’s meadow with a magic carpet and pony lift for the youngest to learn the ups and downs of the mountain. For those who want to improve their ski skills, the Vals snow sports school offers a range of courses.
Hiking
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Outdoor adventures aren’t limited to winter fun in Vals. Summer brings hiking trails of all fitness levels and lively-themed trails perfect for hiking with the family. On the South Tyrolean Milk Trail, children learn about dairy farming, and on the Fairy Trail, they’ll go on a trail hunt.
Situated just above Mühlbach, rustic Fane Alm in the mountains of Val di Fundres/Pfunderer Tal is a popular Vals hiking destination. The landscapes are awe-striking with other hikes in the Jochtal ski area that will tempt you.
One of the most popular summer hikes in the canton of the Grisons, the 3-lake hike takes you past views of green alpine scenery and lakes that sparkle in shades of blue and green in the sun. It’s a moderate-level hike of 12.7 kilometers with a high point of 2,461 meters and a low point of 1667 meters.
You’ll look down upon the Zerfrelia Reservoir and the peak of the Zerfreilahorn can be seen to the southwest. North to the northwest you’ll admire the Frunthorn, the Faltschonhorn, Piz Serenastga, and the Piz Aul.
Where to Eat in Vals, Switzerland
You’ll find tantalizing cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere in several Val restaurants. Restaurants like the 7132 Silver in the 7123 Hotel create authentic dishes using fresh, local ingredients with wild herbs, mushrooms, and wild mountain berries.
At the Zervreila restaurant, dishes are prepared in the kitchen and served immediately using organic products from the local area whenever possible.
Restaurant Ganni is a cozy restaurant with a sun terrace to dine with a stunning view. Warm up with the hot and cheesy fondue on a wintry day.
The Steinbock restaurant focuses on homemade regional specialties with beef from Vals and game from Graubünden. Local beers like Edelbräu and Calanda Lager are served along with special beers from Chopfab, Switzerland’s most modern brewery.
Where to Stay in Vals, Switzerland
Booking.comVals has no shortage of excellent accommodations to choose from.
Stay in a luxurious setting where you’ll be pampered with thermal baths and massages at 7132 Hotel, a historically-listed building. The accommodations and amenities are top-notch with breathtaking views, excellent restaurants, and thermal baths made from local quartzite.
The Hotel Rovanada Wellness caters to travelers with services and amenities to meet individual needs. Guest rooms are warm and comfortable with amenities like a desk, minibar, and wake-up service. Enjoy views from a private balcony/terrace. The hotel offers a family room, meeting rooms, and babysitting.
The Valbella Resort has 5 floors of well-appointed rooms with excellent amenities like kitchenettes, a coffee maker, a TV, and Wi-Fi. Onsite recreation opportunities include a wellness spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a golf course.
Is Vals, Switzerland Worth Visiting?
Offering both summer and winter adventures in a unique setting blessed by nature, Vals, Switzerland is definitely worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What language Do they speak in Vals Switzerland?
German is the most common language used in Vals and is spoken by 94.4 percent of the population. Romansh is the second most common but is only spoken by 2.3 percent of inhabitants. About 0.8 of the inhabitants speak Italian.
How many rooms does a 7132 hotel have?
Designed by world-class architects, 7132 hotels are 5-star hotels that typically have 22 rooms.
