Nax: Trails, history and seasonal winter experiences

Experience Nax from different perspectives: on a family hike with notable landmarks, on a peaceful walk along the Bisse de Nax, on an easy bike ride, and through seasonal winter activities. Distance and walking-time information provides practical guidance when choosing your trip; the other options differ mainly by activity and season. You can choose what to do in Nax based on the experiences that suit your plans.

Hikes to suit your schedule

The Zum Stein der Kinder route is a 5.4-kilometre family hike that takes about one hour and 50 minutes. The Bisse de Nax, by contrast, is an easy 2.5-kilometre circular hike with a walking time of around one hour. If you’re planning a shorter hike, the Bisse route is shorter in both distance and walking time. Check local route conditions before setting off, as route details may change.

Landmarks and traces of history

La Scie, an industrial facility dating from the late 19th century that is still regularly used for demonstrations, lies along the Zum Stein der Kinder route. The Pierre des Enfants, a boulder deposited by a glacier, is also on the family route. At its foot is a miniature cemetery with five wooden crosses. The hike thus combines historic technology with a striking landform and an unusual little place beside the boulder.

The Bisse de Nax winds through forests and meadows on a peaceful walk. It has been in operation since the 16th century, and its route leads to a restored sawmill. If you’re considering a bike ride as well as hikes, you can take the Route 3 villages from Nax through Vernamiège to Mase, following historic trails that once connected the villages. This gives you a choice between a peaceful hike with a long history and an easy cycling route between three villages.

Trails, scenery and surroundings

The Belvédère Via Ferrata begins in the forest below Nax and climbs directly up to the village; along the way, it offers views of the Rhône Valley. The fifth stage of the Tour du Val d’Hérens also leads to Nax, running from the Cabane des Becs de Bosson through the Vallon de Réchy. The wild Vallon de Réchy is a protected landscape home to numerous wild animals. For a trip to the surrounding area, Sion is one option: it takes about 20 minutes to reach the city by car. There, a medieval atmosphere and cultural attractions shape the visit.

The Prarion picnic area has a meadow and a covered space. Both are suitable for barbecues and family gatherings. This makes the picnic area a practical option for taking a break together outdoors, in addition to the hiking routes and scenic experiences.

Seasonal winter activities

At Tsébetta, Espace Loisirs Mont-Noble has a safe snow park for beginners learning to ski or snowboard. The snow park is seasonal, so check opening conditions before your visit. Other seasonal activities include sledging, snow tubing and snowshoeing. The Télé Mont-Noble ski area is on the western side of the mountain and has around 35 kilometres of pistes. Five lifts take you up to an altitude of 2,640 metres. The range of activities gives you several ways to plan your winter trip around what you want to do.

A route for several days

The Nax Region GeoTour is a geocaching route through the villages of Nax, Vernamiège and Mase. It is accessible year-round and can be completed at your own pace over one or more days. It’s worth checking the latest packages before setting off. This multi-day option differs from the shorter hikes and offers another way to explore the three villages along a route.

Discover more destinations: Ayent, Evolène, Vex, Les Agettes, Evolène, Vernamiège, Mase, Les Masses

Go to the main travel overview: Hérens.