The best traffic-free bike rides around Grächen

Wine hike through Europe's highest vineyard, combined with a wine tasting at the local St. Jodern winery. Below the village of Visperterminen lies Europe's highest, contiguous vineyard, at an altitude between 650 and 1,150 meters. In short terraces with high dry stone walls, the vineyard, called „Rieben“, overcomes 500 meters of altitude difference in a confined space. Hundreds of these retaining walls turn the steep slopes into small vine gardens, often no larger than two bedsheets. The southern exposure of the slope, in one of Switzerland's driest regions, and the large stone surfaces of these dry stone walls make the „Rieben“ a heat chamber until late autumn, which gives the grapes – along with a few gusts of Föhn wind – the necessary ripeness.

The inn has up to 80 seats in the dining room and additionally a large sun terrace as well as a lounge area. It is only open during the summer season. Further information and opening hours can be found here: https://www.dorbia.ch/unser-restaurant

The old Visp developed in the hilly zone because until about 150 years ago there were constant floods in the valley floor. The Rhone and the Vispa were corrected, expanded, and channelized. This made the entire area free for development. Another reason why people built on the hill was the military pressure on the Upper Valais. On a hill with ring walls, one could defend oneself better. Several conflagrations in the 13th and 14th centuries and the great conflagration of 1518 destroyed almost all of Visp. Thus, only individual houses built before 1518 can still be found.

Bike & Enjoyment at the Hotel Elite Visp Welcome to the Hotel Elite Visp – your centrally located retreat for active connoisseurs! Located right in the heart of Visp and just minutes from the most beautiful cycling routes in Valais, our family-run hotel is the ideal starting point for bike tours of all levels – from leisurely rides along the Rhône River to challenging mountain stages in the nearby Alpine regions. Combine your bike tour with a culinary experience and reserve a table in one of our three restaurants – there's something to suit every taste. Find more information on our website: www.hotel-elite-visp.ch

The Baxter Hotel caters to the needs of bikers and offers a secure bike room with washing and storage facilities. A repair kit is also available, which can be borrowed at reception. Power outlets for e-bikes are also available. Laundry services and packed lunches for your day trip are also available upon request. More information can be found on the website: baxterhotel.ch.

The quaint old town lies on the banks of the river Vispa, at the entrance to the valley of the same name. The alleys hide many charming restaurants and cafés, perfect for a stop on your bike tour.

Be sure to try the wine, it's worth it 🍷

High above the town of Visp lies Visperterminen with its fantastic view. The place was already settled in prehistoric times, and in 1715, four villages joined together to form the present-day municipality. A special feature of Visperterminen are the vineyards: on terraces built from dry stone walls, vines are cultivated up to an altitude of over 1,100 meters, making Visperterminen the highest vineyards in Europe. Heida is the name of the white wine made from the Savagnin grape.