Val d'Hérens: Alpine Wildflower Trails & 4,000m Peaks Without the Crowds

#summervacay **Why Summer Hiking Here?** This hidden valley in the Swiss Alps offers **glacier views, bell-clanging blacknose sheep, and trails so quiet you’ll hear snowmelt trickling underfoot**—all just 90 minutes from Zermatt but with 90% fewer tourists. --- ### **🥾 Your Perfect Summer Hike** #### **Dawn Start (5:30 AM)** - **Trailhead:** **Les Haudères** village (park near the stone fountain) - **Route:** **Evolène to La Sage** (2.5 hrs) through **lupine meadows** - **Secret Detour:** The **"Glacier Milk" waterfall** (drinkable mineral-rich water) #### **Midday Magic** - **10:00 AM - Picnic with a View:** - Local treats from **Evolène Bakery** (*seigle* rye bread + Abricotine schnapps) - **Swiss Army Knife Moment:** Cut cheese on a sun-warmed boulder #### **Afternoon Options** - **Adrenaline:** Via ferrata **Dent Blanche** (harness rental at Cabane de la Dent Blanche) - **Chill:** Dip toes in **Lac Bleu’s** milky waters --- ### **💰 Budget Breakdown** - **Transport:** Postbus from Sion €15 (free with Swiss Travel Pass) - **Lunch:** €12-20 for picnic supplies - **Extras:** €25 for via ferrata gear --- ### **⚠️ Alpine Survival Tips** - **Layer Up:** Summers swing from 5°C (dawn) to 28°C (noon) - **Cow Etiquette:** Give **Hérens fighting cows** 10m space - **Hidden Danger:** **Sunburn on snowfields**—SPF 50+ mandatory **Why It’s Special?** ✅ **Empty trails** even in August ✅ **Traditional villages** with wooden *raccards* (granaries) ✅ **Best chance** to see **Matterhorn’s south face** without Zermatt’s crowds **Tag your hike #valaissecret!** 🏔️🔔 *(Next Day: **Moiry Glacier’s** electric-blue ice caves!)*