Grimentz is one of Switzerland's most beautifully preserved alpine villages with rich medieval heritage and authentic cultural attractions.
Good to know
Good to Know
- The whole village center is a Swiss heritage site, which means no concrete monstrosities or neon signs ruining the vibe.
- The famous "Vin des Glaciers" ("Glacier Wine") offers a taste of an ancient tradition that lives on only in Grimentz, a place in which times seems to stand still.
- You can walk the entire village in 20 minutes, but you won't run out of things to do.
- Known as one of the most beautiful villages of Switzerland, Grimentz has been attracting tourists for a very long time; its Tourist Board was established back in 1930.
- Visitors can enjoy one of the many heritage trails and learn about the rich history and culture of the Anniviers people.
- The village is car-free in its historic center—explore on foot only.
- The Val d'Anniviers has 100 kilometres of scenic hiking trails and biking routes.
Must See Sites
Old Village (Vieux Grimentz)
- Description
- Stroll through the old village centre, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in Switzerland, with cobblestone lanes lined with sun-darkened timber houses, barns, and granaries. In summer, colourful geraniums decorate windows and balconies.
Highlights
- Car-free main street (Rue du Village)
- Over 120 traditional mazots (old wooden granaries on stilts) and chalets, some dating back to the 1550s
- Historic wooden houses dating to 16th-18th centuries
Burgher House (Maison Bourgeoisiale)
- Wine Tradition
- Grimentz is typically associated with the Valais "sherry" called Glacier Wine. The village itself is the only place where you can try this wine. Each year, new wine is added to the casks and the casks are never completely emptied. Therefore, the oldest drops can be over 125 years old.
- Description
- Built in 1550, this house forms the center of the village. In its cellar, a white glacier wine matures in old larchwood barrels – a speciality of the nomadic farmers of the past.
La Maison De Grand-maman (Grandma's House)
- Description
- One of two examples of the rich architectural heritage of the village, representing traditional Valais architecture.
Historic Church (ÉGlise Paroissiale)
- Description
- Parish church rebuilt in 1951, and the chapel of St. Theodul dating from the 17th century.
Moiry Glacier & Lake
- Description
- This glacier, although only about 5km in length, is extremely impressive, about 12km south of Grimentz. Just a few minutes from the village, Lake Moiry and its turquoise-blue waters attract many visitors.
Guided Experiences
Village Guided Tour
- What You Learn
- Discover the secrets of this authentic village: ancient larch buildings, communal ovens, century-old barns, charming streets and age-old traditions. These tours tell the story of life in the past, local bourgeoisie, alpine know-how and the evolution of the village over the centuries.
- Description
- Explore the past and present history of Grimentz in the company of passionate locals who really love sharing their knowledge of village and valley with visitors. Guides include locals born in Grimentz who have seen the village change over decades.
Historical Heritage Trail (Parcours Historique)
- Description
- Traverse the main street and alleyways of the old Grimentz using a guide brochure or QR-codes. Discover the history and built heritage of one of the most traditional villages in Valais.
Seasonal Events
- Summer
- In July, a folk festival brings in music-lovers from all over the Val d'Anniviers, and in the winter, the Raquettissima snowshoe event combines snowshoeing with stopovers offering traditional dishes.
History And Heritage
- Medieval
- From the Middle Ages onward, Grimentz shared the fate of the Anniviers valley, coming under the control of several families and lordships, including the Bishop of Sion, the Counts de Granges and the von Raron. In 1243 it was the first village in the valley to form itself into a commune, marking an important milestone in its administrative autonomy.
- Prehistoric
- Rock carving complexes and cuppelliform stones have been discovered near the village to the southwest, evidence of a human presence dating back thousands of years.
- Religious Heritage
- Religiously, Grimentz depended on the parish of Anniviers until 1798, when it became a rectory and finally an autonomous parish in 1933.
- Economic Transformation
- Until the beginning of the 20th century, Grimentz's economy was based on mountain agriculture. As a result, the houses were built very close together so as not to lose precious land that could be used as fields or meadows. Since 1960, however, tourism has transformed the village, thanks in part to the construction of the Moiry dam in 1957.
Museum And Heritage Pass
- Cost
- CHF 0.00
Complimentary with accommodation stay (May-November)
- Name
- Pass Anniviers Liberté
- Description
- If you stay in Grimentz between May and November, you'll receive the Pass Anniviers Liberté. This pass gives you free access to most bus lines and complimentary entry to many leisure attractions in the region.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
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More About Grimentz
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.