Sierre: Wine Culture, Architectural History and Nature

Sierre lies between the Upper and Lower Valais, on the linguistic border between German- and French-speaking Valais. There are several themes to choose from when planning your trip: architectural history and museums, wine and regional cuisine, or observing nature in the Pouta Fontana wetland. Each place and activity adds its own character to your stay.

Architectural history and cultural sites

The Maison du Remuage was built in 1726 in the Zervettaz district of Sierre; the second floor was added in 1837. The building represents traditional life in Sierre and recalls the seasonal migration between the Val d’Anniviers and the plain. Its construction phases and the memory of this way of life offer insight into different aspects of local history.

On Pradegg Hill, Jean-Jacques Mercier-de Molin and Marie Mercier-de-Molin built their summer residence, Château Mercier, in 1906 on an estate of almost four hectares. Elements of the Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque styles come together in the building. For another view of the historic town centre, visit the richly decorated Hôtel de Ville; Rue du Bourg is also lined with historic buildings.

The Fondation Rilke Museum documents Rainer Maria Rilke’s life and time in Muzot through documents, photographs, other images and stories. At Théâtre Les Halles, the industrial architecture remains as a trace of a former metalworking company. Its contemporary programme includes theatre, dance, music and circus, bringing together local associations and professional companies.

Cultural programme and events

Château Mercier now hosts cultural events, including the Rencontres Orient-Occident and writing workshops run by the Dreamago film festival. If you would like to include one of these activities in your stay, check the dates before travelling, as the programme may change. It is also worth checking the latest dates at Théâtre Les Halles if you would like to plan your visit around an event.

Wine, museums and regional cuisine

The Musée du Vin has two exhibition sites: one at Château de Villa in Sierre and the other in the wine-growing village of Salquenen. The Sierre site presents temporary exhibitions on different aspects of vines and wine. You will find it at Rue Sainte-Catherine 6, near Château de Villa. In Salquenen, the permanent exhibition “La vigne et le vin, toute une histoire” explores the winegrowing and wine culture of Valais.

The approximately six-kilometre-long vineyard trail connects the museum’s two sites; the route between Sierre and Salgesch takes about two and a half hours. It passes through vineyards and wine-growing villages, as well as the wild Raspille Gorge. Historic wooden huts along the trail bear witness to several generations and are among the route’s highlights. This makes it possible to combine a museum visit with a walk through the wine-growing landscape.

At the restaurant in Château de Villa, raclette is prepared with five different types of cheese. The wine cellar offers around 780 wines from 120 Valais wine producers; its selection may change. Check the restaurant’s current offerings before visiting. The guided Escapade gourmande à travers Sierre takes you to three unusual places in the city, whose history the guide explains. The experience can be enjoyed on foot or by e-bike and includes five typical regional wines, a Valais platter and a dish featuring Valais specialities. As this is a bookable experience, ask about availability for your travel dates.

Nature and birdwatching

The Pouta Fontana nature reserve covers 32 hectares and is the largest wetland in Valais. Around 190 bird species have been observed there; 54 of them breed more or less regularly. The species counts may change. Visitor facilities include an observation station and educational information panels. As these facilities may be subject to maintenance or seasonal conditions, check their status before visiting.

From Sierre railway station, you can reach Pouta Fontana by taking the Sion–Sierre bus to the Grône stop and then walking for about 15 minutes. Check the latest public transport information before travelling. Another circular route leads from Sierre railway station via Château de Vidômes, the Goubing–Falcon suspension bridge, Chippis and Petit Lac, and back to the station. It is 7.8 kilometres long and takes about 2¼ hours.

Waterfront spots and planning your stay

Swimming is permitted in Lac de Géronde, which covers 5.5 hectares. Bains de Géronde has two heated pools, a paddling pool and a water slide. As the facilities may change, check the latest information before visiting.

When looking for a hotel in Sierre, you can first decide whether to focus on culture and architectural history, wine, or observing nature. If you have a fixed itinerary, also factor the latest event dates and your journey to Pouta Fontana into your plans.

Discover more destinations: Sierre, Crans-Montana, Vercorin, Lens, Grône, Crans-Sur-Sierre, Chandolin, Icogne, Saint-Luc Vs, Chalais Vs, Chippis, Saint-Jean Vs, Venthône, Miège, Veyras, Anniviers, Ayer.

For the broader travel overview: Valais.