Canton of Valais

The canton stretches through the Rhône Valley between Lake Geneva and the Rhône Glacier, surrounded by mountains reaching above 4,000 meters in elevation.

The region transformed from Roman territory Vallis Poenina to French département Simplon, finally joining the Swiss Confederation as a canton in 1815.

Local mountain traditions manifest in regional products including raclette cheese, dried meats, wines from terraced vineyards, and seasonal cow fighting competitions.

The canton connects to neighboring regions through mountain passes, with regular train services linking main valley towns from Brig to Lake Geneva.

The Rhône Valley climate creates Mediterranean conditions allowing fig trees and cacti to grow naturally among Alpine peaks and glaciers.

Location: Switzerland

Inception: 1815

Capital city: Sion

Elevation above the sea: 512 m

Part of: Lake Geneva region, Romandy

Shares border with: Bern, Canton of Ticino, Canton of Vaud, Piedmont, Rhône-Alpes, Aosta Valley, Canton of Uri, Haute-Savoie, Province of Vercelli, Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Ollomont, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Website: https://vs.ch

GPS coordinates: 46.27500,7.50000

Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:18