Blogs > Property News > Hiking and Biking in Evolène: Discovering the Heart of the Val d’Hérens

Hiking and Biking in Evolène: Discovering the Heart of the Val d’Hérens

23rd Oct, 2025, Alpine Property Search

Evolène sits quietly in the Val d’Hérens, an authentic valley in the Swiss Alps that still feels untouched by the rush of modern life. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, meadows rich with wildflowers and traditional wooden chalets, it offers a glimpse of Switzerland at its most genuine. While this part of the Alps may not attract the same attention as its glitzy neighbours, those who find their way here often say they’ve discovered something special.

At Alpine Property Search, we often spend time exploring the region, and Evolène has become one of our favourite destinations for walking and mountain biking. Its trails wind through forests, cross bubbling streams and open onto panoramic views that make every ascent worthwhile. It is a place where the rhythm of nature sets the pace and where time outdoors feels deeply restorative.

Walking Through Alpine Heritage

For those who love to walk, Evolène is pure delight. The paths here are wonderfully varied, catering to every level of ability and ambition. From gentle strolls between villages to high-altitude hikes that challenge even seasoned walkers, there is something for everyone.

One of the most rewarding routes leads from the village of Evolène up towards the hamlet of Les Haudères and beyond to La Sage. This trail offers views across the Dent Blanche, one of Switzerland’s most iconic peaks, and the smaller yet equally dramatic summits that form the skyline of the valley. The sense of heritage is strong here. Old chalets lean slightly with age, and farmers still bring their cattle down from the mountain pastures at the end of summer in colourful processions that mark the changing of the seasons.

The paths are well marked and maintained, yet they retain a wonderfully natural feel. In early summer, the air is filled with the scent of wildflowers, while in autumn the larch trees turn a golden orange that glows against the crisp blue sky. There is a profound peace in walking these trails, accompanied only by the sound of cowbells and distant waterfalls.

The Thrill of Mountain Biking

While Evolène is known for its tranquil beauty, it has another side that appeals to those seeking adventure. Mountain bikers have quietly discovered this valley, drawn by its challenging trails and spectacular scenery. It is not a commercialised resort, which makes it even more appealing to those who prefer exploring under their own steam.

Riders can take on routes that climb steadily through forests before opening out onto alpine pastures, or tackle single tracks that wind along ridgelines with heart-stopping views down to the valley below. The combination of technical descents, natural terrain and sweeping panoramas is irresistible.

The Character of Evolène Village

Evolène itself is a place that captures hearts. The village is a picture of traditional Valais architecture, with timber buildings darkened by centuries of sun and snow, flower boxes spilling with colour and cobbled lanes that invite you to wander. The locals take pride in preserving their customs, and festivals through the year keep old traditions alive.

It is also a wonderful base for exploring the surrounding area. From here you can venture towards Arolla for more high-level hiking or visit the Lac Bleu, whose vivid turquoise water reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror. In winter, the region transforms into a quiet skiing destination, with small local slopes that feel intimate and unspoilt. For those who love skiing but prefer somewhere more peaceful than the major resorts, this corner of the Alps holds great appeal.

A Place for Dreamers and Discoverers

Evolène and the Val d’Hérens attract a particular type of visitor. They tend to be people who appreciate authenticity, space and the slower pace of life that mountain regions offer. Many are drawn to the Alps for skiing in winter but return in summer to hike or cycle through the same landscapes, finding that each season brings its own beauty.

As a business, we at Alpine Property Search spend a great deal of time across the Swiss Alps, helping our clients find the perfect mountain home. We don’t currently have properties for sale in Evolène, but it is precisely the kind of place that inspires us. It reminds us why so many of our clients fall in love with the idea of owning a home in the mountains, somewhere to retreat, recharge and connect with nature.

A Lasting Impression

Spending time in Evolène leaves a lasting mark. The air feels different here – lighter, cleaner, charged with the scent of pine and the distant sound of rushing water. The people are warm and welcoming, proud of their heritage and happy to share it with those who respect their traditions.

Hiking or biking through the valley offers a sense of freedom that is increasingly rare in the modern world. Whether you come for a day or stay for longer, it is easy to imagine returning again and again. And while we may not have homes for sale here, we understand why so many fall in love with this region, it embodies the alpine dream that draws so many of our clients to Switzerland in the first place.

Begin Your Own Alpine Journey

If Evolène has sparked your curiosity about life in the Swiss Alps, we would be delighted to help you explore other regions where you might find your own mountain retreat. From lively resorts to peaceful valleys, we specialise in finding exceptional alpine properties that suit your lifestyle and ambitions.

Contact us at Alpine Property Search to begin your journey. The mountains are waiting – and they never fail to inspire.

Join Our Newsletter

Get the lastest property insights

Ok message

Error message