Hiking
Orsières
Orsières
Orsières
Orsières is the centre of the Val Ferret at 900 metres altitude. The intact village centre features an 11th century bell tower. Extensive forests and impressive peaks set the stage for activities in unspoilt nature.
Orsières is easy to reach from Martigny with the panoramic St. Bernhard Express. The history of the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard (Great St. Bernard Pass) has also had a decisive influence on the history of Orsières. North-south trade created prosperity but this was a double-edged sword. The town owes its first historical mention to this: in 925 the Abbot of Cluny was kidnapped near the bridge of Orsières and only released after payment of a ransom.
The intact village centre and impressive 11th century bell tower are worth seeing. The Val Ferret still has several of its community bakehouses. These were intended to reduce fire risk and are still used several times a year. The Swiss Army fortifications are a special feature and parts are open to visitors. This is organized by a private club. Orsières has an observation post, Champex a fortress.
The area has a long tradition of alp farming with cattle (with Ehringer the dominant breed) and sheep, and its raclette cheese is a favourite with connoisseurs. Cow-fighting events are held every four years. The best fighters travel to Aproz for the cantonal final.
Val Ferret and Orsières are a veritable paradise for bike tours, hiking (400 km of marked hiking trails), mountain tours and mountaineering (e.g. Aiguille d’Argentière, 3901m). The valley has extensive forests, which naturally serve a protective function but also provide habitats for a wide variety of birds and wildlife. The civic community of Orsières is the largest owner of forest in Switzerland. The wealth of Alpine flora is another feature of the area and can be admired in concentrated form in the Champex Alpine Garden.
The intact village centre and impressive 11th century bell tower are worth seeing. The Val Ferret still has several of its community bakehouses. These were intended to reduce fire risk and are still used several times a year. The Swiss Army fortifications are a special feature and parts are open to visitors. This is organized by a private club. Orsières has an observation post, Champex a fortress.
The area has a long tradition of alp farming with cattle (with Ehringer the dominant breed) and sheep, and its raclette cheese is a favourite with connoisseurs. Cow-fighting events are held every four years. The best fighters travel to Aproz for the cantonal final.
Val Ferret and Orsières are a veritable paradise for bike tours, hiking (400 km of marked hiking trails), mountain tours and mountaineering (e.g. Aiguille d’Argentière, 3901m). The valley has extensive forests, which naturally serve a protective function but also provide habitats for a wide variety of birds and wildlife. The civic community of Orsières is the largest owner of forest in Switzerland. The wealth of Alpine flora is another feature of the area and can be admired in concentrated form in the Champex Alpine Garden.
Highlights
- Village centre and 11th century bell tower; Chapel of Saint Eusèbe (built 1875-1880) with baroque altar from 1698
- Well-developed network of hiking routes (approx. 400 km) network of biking routes, many mountain routes (Orsières is also a stage stop on the Tour Mt. Blanc)
- Extensive forests and rich variety of Alpine flora
- Swiss Army fortress complex in Champex
Orsières is the centre of the Val Ferret at 900 metres altitude. The intact village centre features an 11th century bell tower. Extensive forests and impressive peaks set the stage for activities in unspoilt nature.
Orsières is easy to reach from Martigny with the panoramic St. Bernhard Express. The history of the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard (Great St. Bernard Pass) has also had a decisive influence on the history of Orsières. North-south trade created prosperity but this was a double-edged sword. The town owes its first historical mention to this: in 925 the Abbot of Cluny was kidnapped near the bridge of Orsières and only released after payment of a ransom.
The intact village centre and impressive 11th century bell tower are worth seeing. The Val Ferret still has several of its community bakehouses. These were intended to reduce fire risk and are still used several times a year. The Swiss Army fortifications are a special feature and parts are open to visitors. This is organized by a private club. Orsières has an observation post, Champex a fortress.
The area has a long tradition of alp farming with cattle (with Ehringer the dominant breed) and sheep, and its raclette cheese is a favourite with connoisseurs. Cow-fighting events are held every four years. The best fighters travel to Aproz for the cantonal final.
Val Ferret and Orsières are a veritable paradise for bike tours, hiking (400 km of marked hiking trails), mountain tours and mountaineering (e.g. Aiguille d’Argentière, 3901m). The valley has extensive forests, which naturally serve a protective function but also provide habitats for a wide variety of birds and wildlife. The civic community of Orsières is the largest owner of forest in Switzerland. The wealth of Alpine flora is another feature of the area and can be admired in concentrated form in the Champex Alpine Garden.
The intact village centre and impressive 11th century bell tower are worth seeing. The Val Ferret still has several of its community bakehouses. These were intended to reduce fire risk and are still used several times a year. The Swiss Army fortifications are a special feature and parts are open to visitors. This is organized by a private club. Orsières has an observation post, Champex a fortress.
The area has a long tradition of alp farming with cattle (with Ehringer the dominant breed) and sheep, and its raclette cheese is a favourite with connoisseurs. Cow-fighting events are held every four years. The best fighters travel to Aproz for the cantonal final.
Val Ferret and Orsières are a veritable paradise for bike tours, hiking (400 km of marked hiking trails), mountain tours and mountaineering (e.g. Aiguille d’Argentière, 3901m). The valley has extensive forests, which naturally serve a protective function but also provide habitats for a wide variety of birds and wildlife. The civic community of Orsières is the largest owner of forest in Switzerland. The wealth of Alpine flora is another feature of the area and can be admired in concentrated form in the Champex Alpine Garden.
Highlights
- Village centre and 11th century bell tower; Chapel of Saint Eusèbe (built 1875-1880) with baroque altar from 1698
- Well-developed network of hiking routes (approx. 400 km) network of biking routes, many mountain routes (Orsières is also a stage stop on the Tour Mt. Blanc)
- Extensive forests and rich variety of Alpine flora
- Swiss Army fortress complex in Champex
Arrival and return Orsières
Adresse
Office du tourisme d'Orsières
Route de la Gare 34
Case postale 92
1937 Orsières
Tel. +41 (0)27 775 23 81
info@saint-bernard.ch
www.saint-bernard.ch
Route de la Gare 34
Case postale 92
1937 Orsières
Tel. +41 (0)27 775 23 81
info@saint-bernard.ch
www.saint-bernard.ch
