Holidays in Saas Fee

Summer holidays in Saas-Fee combine some of mightiest mountains and glaciers in the Swiss Alps with chocolate-box village style

  • Stroll through the picture-perfect village, nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Alps'
  • Tuck into gourmet Swiss food in a cosy restaurant or mountain hut
  • Make the most of the Saastal Card and explore the valley's mountain lifts and walking trails

Saas-Fee is the largest of four villages in the Saas Valley, set on a high mountain plateau against a spectacular backdrop of 4,000 metre-plus peaks and snowy glaciers. It’s a popular ski resort in winter, but in summer the slopes are an excellent starting point for walking, climbing, cycling – and marvelling at some of the most sublime scenery in the Alps. Back in town, it's clear why Saas Fee is nicknamed the Pearl of the Alps. Wooden houses and rustic farm buildings line car-free streets – with many buildings transformed into cafés, shops, chalets and restaurants that serve hearty Valais specialities ideal for refuelling after a day’s explorations.

Walking in Saas Fee and the Saas Valley

Around 350 kilometres of footpaths connect the villages, valleys, viewpoints and glaciers of the Saas Valley.  Take your pick between meandering valley strolls and village-to-village rambles – or choose a more challenging ascent. For experienced hikers, there's plenty of options to suit the ambitious or you can have a go at a via ferrata route. Cable cars lead into the surrounding Alps for spectacular views and high alpine walking paths. Mountain bikers are in their element too; there’s around 70 kilometres of cycling and biking trails along the Saas Valley.

Mittelallalin

Mittelallalin, one of the summits of the perpetually snowy Allalinhorn, is reached by the Metro Alpin - climbing to over 3,500 metres, it’s the world’s highest funicular railway, which in turn travels up to the world’s highest revolving restaurant. This is the place for a bite to eat with views over glaciers and rugged mountains – and the surreal sight of skiers who swoop around the snowy slopes all year round. You can even visit the Ice Caves - a network of caves carved into the Fee Glacier, give an insight into life beneath the ice.

Explore Saas-Fee

Saas-Fee is largely car-free – you might just catch the whirr of the odd electric vehicle buzzing between hotels and cable car stations. It makes for a peaceful place for strolling between wooden houses, stone churches and restaurants that serve everything from potato rösti and cheesy raclette to gourmet extravaganzas. Getting a sense of déjà vu while wandering the streets? Just imagine Saas-Fee with its snowy winter coat on – it was the setting of Wham’s Last Christmas music video.

The post buses of the Saas Valley

Post buses run throughout the Saas Valley. Once upon a time, these carried parcels between remote villages and farms; these days, it’s mostly hikers who are delivered between valley villages, lakes and footpaths that head up into the towering peaks above. The buses also connect Saas-Fee to Stalden – the nearest train station for journeys onward to Zermatt, a mountain town with views of the iconic Matterhorn - or to Visp, for train connections further afield.

Why book a summer holiday in Saas Fee with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of the Saas Valley's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.

With 90 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Saas Fee include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team overseas can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

Half price rail, bus and boat travel with the Swiss Half Fare Card (worth over £100 per person)

Swiss Family Card Included - free travel for children under 16 on mainline trains/buses/boats in Switzerland when accompanied by a parent

Saastal Card included

24/7 support & tailored advice in person or over the phone from our local resort team

All holidays include flights or trains from the UK and train and bus transfers

Walking in and around Saas Fee

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Each day, a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking holidays in Saas Fee

The walking opportunities in this region are superb, Saas Fee offers over 350km of well-marked paths, the majority of which are above the tree line. PostBus services offer access into the valley, and the cable cars and gondolas take walkers to the higher trails and viewpoints. The terrain here is suited to all levels, and there are plenty of family friendly trails too.

Getting around Saas Fee

Saas Fee and the Saas Valley has a great network of public transport and lifts that make getting around the area really easy.

Lifts

There are up to nine lifts open during the summer and most are included in your Saastal Card (See "Cards & passes" tab for more information), which is given to you by your hotel.

  • Felskinn cable-car (normally open mid Jun - mid Jul)
  • Alpin Express (normally open mid Jul – end Oct)
  • Speilboden gondola (normally open mid Jun – mid Oct)
  • Längfluh (normally open mid Jun – end Sep)
  • Hannig (normally open mid Jun - end Oct)
  • Kreuzboden, Saas Grund (normally open end May - end Oct)
  • Hohsaas, Saas Grund (normally open end May - end Sep)
  • Furggstalden, Saas Almagell (normally open mid Jun - end Sep)
  • Heidbodme, Saas Almagell (normally open end Jun - beg Sep)

Hiking PostBus

With the Saastal Card you’ll have free use of local PostBuses to surrounding villages in Saas valley, such as Saas Balen, Saas Grund and Saas Allmagell. This creates unlimited freedom from Niedergut to Saas Fee, and from Saas Grund to Mattmark.

Subject to change.

Our favourite walks in and around Saas Fee

Suonen Trail

  • Easy walk
  • 6.1km
  • Expect to take two hours

Starting at the valley station of the Saas Almagell cableway you’ll go on an adventure to Saas Grund, crossing various water channels – such as going over the Almagellerbach stream on the new see-through floor metal arch bridge. With over five kilometres of the trail being forested, this is the perfect way to connect with nature, as well as see the valley from slightly above.

Chamois Trail

  • Moderate walk
  • 10.3km
  • Expect to take around three hours

Take the Hannig lift from Saas Fee to reach the starting point of this incredible descent. Part way through the hike, just after you pass Spissen, you will discover the short but steep zigzags - one of the walks highlights. Carry on going and you’ll reach the Gletschergrotte, great for a food break with spectacular glacier views. There is also an amazing viewpoint of Gletschersee to discover too.

Alpine Flower Trail on the Kreuzboden

  • Moderate walk
  • 8km
  • Expect to take around three hours

This trail is a popular and pleasant circular walk on Kreuzboden above Saas-Grund, with 1,000-year old larches and over 240 species of alpine plant thriving here. You’ll cross the pretty stream and see plenty of blooming flowers, making it a fantastic sensory experience as well.

Useful information and guidelines

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking maps and apps

For Saas Fee we recommend picking up a walking map from the tourist office. Maps will have a key to help you understand the nature of the walk before you begin. 

Hiking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

  • Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
  • Take all the recommended equipment
  • Make a note of emergency numbers:
    • Swiss Emergency Services: 144
  • Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
  • Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
  • Always leave gates as you found them
  • Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

Hotels in Saas Fee

  • from£919pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 30 rooms
Hotel Allalin Saas Fee Exterior Copyright Puzzlemedia.Ch

Hotel Allalin is a family-run hotel in a quiet location near the centre of Saas Fee. The friendly atmosphere and excellent food make it a firm favourite with our guests. The Alpin Express is a ten-minute walk, and the nearby bus station gives easy access to the Saas Valley.

  • from£737pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 16 rooms
Hotel Park Saas Fee summer exterior_2.jpg

The Hotel Park is tucked away from the main street of Saas Fee, offering comfortable accommodation in a convenient location. The hosts are friendly and welcoming and create a relaxed, home-from-home feel.

  • from£729pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 24 apartments
Allalin Apartments Saas Fee Two Bedroom Apartment (1)

Part of the excellent Hotel Allalin, the Allalin Apartments are a great value self-catering option for your Saas Fee getaway. In various locations throughout the resort, they have well-equipped kitchens and south-facing balconies so you can make the most of the sun and mountain views.

  • from£1219pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 72 rooms
swimming pool.jpg

In the centre of Saas Fee and within easy reach of the lifts, the luxurious but family-friendly Walliserhof Grand Hotel & Spa combines luxury and homely charm. The food is exquisite but the atmosphere is laid-back. A highlight of your stay will be the hotel's extensive spa.

  • from£1024pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 82 rooms
Revier Mountain Lodge Saas Fee Exterior

New for 2025 the Revier Mountain Lodge offers excellent cabin options to choose from. With a modern well-equipped gym, bar and lounge area located inside the hotel, it's a great hub with a lively atmosphere.

Travel information

All our holidays include return travel either by flight or train, and then a transfer between the airport or railway station and Saas Fee.

All departures are on Saturdays, Wednesdays or Fridays with stays from three - 14 nights.

On arrival into Saas Fee station, there will be a hotel shuttle to take you to your hotel.

Travel by air

Flights to Geneva or Zurich airports are available from eight UK airports.

Flights to Zurich:

Fly from

Days

Durations

Gatwick

Wed, Fri, Sat

3 - 14

Heathrow

Wed, Fri, Sat

3 - 14

London City

Wed, Fri

5, 7, 9, 12, 14

Birmingham

Fri

7, 14

Manchester

Wed, Fri

5, 7, 9, 12, 14

Transfer time from Zurich airport: approx. three hours 30 minutes by rail and Postbus. The first part of your journey is by train to Visp and may have one change. Saas Fee doesn't have a train station, so from Visp, your journey will be by bus.

Flights to Geneva:

Fly from

Days

Durations

Gatwick

Wed, Fri, Sat

3 - 14

Heathrow

Wed, Fri, Sat

3 - 14

Luton

Wed, Fri, Sat

3 - 14

Bristol

Fri, Sat

6, 7, 13, 14

Manchester

Wed, Fri, Sat

3 - 14

Edinburgh

Wed, Fri, Sat

3 - 14

Transfer time from Geneva airport: approx. three hours 45 minutes by rail and Postbus. The first part of your journey is by train to Visp and may have one change. Saas Fee doesn't have a train station, so from Visp, your journey will be by bus.

On arrival into Saas Fee bus station there will be a hotel shuttle to take you to your hotel.

Flight supplements may apply and are based on seven nights of midweek/weekend departures. 

Travel by train

We offer holidays by train to Saas Fee, which depart on Saturdays for seven or 14 days. The journey takes around 14 hours from London St. Pancras and you'll be able to enjoy the change of scenery out of the train window as you journey through France and into the Alps of Switzerland.

The provisional outbound timings are:

Saturdays

Arrive

Depart

London St Pancras

-

07:01

Change at Paris

10:20 (Gare du Nord)

14:22 (from Paris Gare du Lyon)

Change at Basel

17:26

onward travel by train

Onward travel from Basel: the transfer from Basel to Saas Fee will be by train and Postbus and will take approx. three hours 30 minutes. The first part of your journey is by train to Visp and may have one change. Saas Fee doesn't have a train station, so from Visp, your journey will be by bus.

On arrival into Saas Fee station, there will be a hotel shuttle to take you to your hotel. 

For your return journey, you will travel back to Basel on Saturday morning by train and bus and will take approx. three hours 30 minutes. The first part of your journey is by Postbus to Visp and then by train to Basel. The train journey to Basel may have one change.

The provisional inbound timings from Basel are:

Saturdays

Arrive

Depart

Basel

travel to Basel by train

14:34

Change at Paris

17:38 (Gare du Lyon)

19:12 (Gare du Nord)

London St. Pancras

20:30

-

Swiss Half Fare Card

The Swiss transport network is an excellent combination of trains, mountain railways, cable-cars, boats and buses that make it a pleasure to get around and explore at your own pace. 

Swiss Half Fare Card included for all Inghams guests

The Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the price of your holiday and is sent to you as part of your rail transfer tickets. This card can be used around Switzerland for up to 50% discount on various modes of transport - so make sure you keep it with you. It also gives free travel to children from 6 to 15 years old, when accompanied by a parent with the Family Card.

Saastal Card - included

Your Saastal Card is provided by your hotel on arrival and gives you:

Free unlimited use of most resort lifts including:

  • Felskinn cable-car (normally open mid Jun - mid Jul)
  • Alpin Express (normally open mid Jul – end Oct)
  • Speilboden gondola (normally open mid Jun – mid Oct)
  • Längfluh (normally open mid Jun – end Sep)
  • Hannig (normally open mid Jun - end Oct)
  • Kreuzboden, Saas Grund (normally open end May - end Oct)
  • Hohsaas, Saas Grund (normally open end May - end Sep)
  • Furggstalden, Saas Almagell (normally open mid Jun - end Sep)
  • Heidbodme, Saas Almagell (normally open end Jun - beg Sep)
  • Free use of local post buses to surrounding villages in Saas valley: Saas Balen, Saas Grund, Saas Allmagell

Subject to change. Metro Alpin and ski-specific lifts not included (pay locally).

Things to do in Saas Fee

Things to do in Saas Fee

Hiking

If you're looking for a challenging hike, or a more easy-going mountain stroll, the Saas Valley is home to many rambling routes and breathtaking landscapes. Discover high-altitude trails, wooden bridge crossings, beautifully mirrored lakes and many pleasurable routes. From green grassy walks to rocky climbs, hiking enthusiasts will be in their element here.

Allalin ice cave

Brave the chill as you go from warm rolling hills to the 3,500-metre altitude Fee glacier. Walk through pristine caves, down shiny ice-wall stairs and sit on incredible ice thrones inside the glacier. Be prepared though, a nice warm coat will work in your favour.

Via ferrata challenges

Saas Fee is renowned for its wide selection of via ferratas. The Jägihorn via ferrata at 3,206 metres offers a full day of alpine climbing, with stunning views. Or, for a taster into the world of via ferrata, try the short via ferrata loop at the edge of Saas Grund village.

Summer skiing

Remove your hiking boots and buckle up the ski boots, it's time for some skiing – yes, even right in the middle of summer. The glaciers reaching peaks of over 3,000 metres have around 20 kilometres of perfectly prepared summer ski pistes, so when you're in the mountains and itching for “ski season” to arrive, you can consider the wait a thing of the past.

Water sports

Take a visit to Visp water sports centre to try daring activities like rafting or canyoning, or a more leisurely kayak trip. Transport and equipment are provided when you book an excursion from the centre itself (pre-booking is advised directly through the supplier).

Aqua Allalin

Take a deep breath and relax as you unwind at Aqua Allalin. You can swim, or take in the beautiful views from the sauna, whirlpool or foot spas. Thanks to its modern design and grand layout, it is also accessible to wheelchair users too.

High-ropes course

Clip and climb as you take on the obstacles elevated within the trees, located next to the Alpin Express valley station. The “Big Course”, suitable for teens and adults, features Europe's longest Tyroliennes (a type of zip line) over the Fee gorge, over 200 metres each way.

Family activities in Saas Fee

Family activities in Saas Fee

Marmot adventures

Children and adults alike love spotting the cute little faces on wild marmots as they appear from their burrows. The area of Spielboden or the Stafelwald is home to many. Being the villages friendliest creatures, have your camera in hand – but don't disturb them and make sure the flash is off, the marmots don't like sudden distractions.

Fairytale trail

Above Saas Fee in the larch forest, between Mälchbodu and Bärufalla, you can learn the story of Pia through themed boards along the fairytale trail. Myths and legends, secret dances and other thrilling tales await your discovery.

Treasure hunting in the Saas Valley

Who loves a free activity with the kids? The family-friendly treasure hunt is full of tasking riddles as you make your way through the clues on the map. All Valais treasure hunts in the Saas Valley can be found in the brochure from the tourist offices locally. Start your adventure from the Furggstalden mountain station, accessible by foot or chairlift.

Rope-park fun

Make your way to the Alpin Express valley station, where you’ll be greeted by the adventure forest. From the age of four, little ones can wave from amongst the trees as they climb their way over obstacles and zip-line their way back down. For older children and teens, take on the big course with the grown-ups.

Feeblitz toboggan run

Hold on tight, it's time for an exhilarating ride past alpine trees and natural habitats. This roller-coaster ride reaches speeds of 40 kilometres an hour and is suitable for ages three and above when accompanied by an adult. Will you go for a second ride?

Kreuzboden bike park

Put the little ones skills to the test at the bike park above Saas-Grund. Starting with a helping hand from the conveyor belt, they can then trial and repeat multiple runs around 380 metres in length. Be sure to wear a helmet, some of the bends are trickier than you may expect.

Scooter biking

Have you ever seen a scooter with chunky wheels, suitable for all terrain? Saas fee has just this, with scooter routes to match. The three-and-a-half-kilometre route from Furggstalden to Saas-Almagell, or 11-kilometre route from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund is the perfect chance to experience the ultimate downhill ride.

Aqua Allalin

When the weather is too warm, or clouds are looming, head to Aqua Allalin, an exciting 25-metre swimming pool with children's area and snake themed slide. For teens aged 14 and above, they can enjoy the wellness area too, looking through the panoramic window from the whirlpool barrel.

Summer sports

Fun for all ages is to be had in and around Saas Fee for likeminded individuals bursting for a sporting activity on their holiday. Beat the kids to a game of tennis, beach volleyball or even mini golf. Looking for a game with a traditional background? Then Boccia is the way forward (lanes available at the minigolf course).

Pushchair-friendly hikes

Walk along wide woodland paths or smooth sidewalks next to flowing streams. Home to many family trails and pram-friendly routes, the region has beautiful scenic walks ranging from as little as 20 minutes (Saas Fee to Fletschhorn restaurant) to longer strolls perfect for a calm afternoon, like the two-and-a-half hour Mattmark trail.

Good to know

Walking trails: around 350km walking trails and easy access to neighbouring villages and lifts

Terrain: mountainous terrain, rugged mountains, forest trails, glaciers and valleys

Best time to go: end of May to mid October

Recommended for: Walkers of all abilities, nature

Arrive into: Geneva or Zurich airports (approx. 2 hours), or Visp station (approx. 14 hours from London St. Pancras, then transfer by Postbus to Saas Fee)

Transfer time: approx. 3 hours 30 mins (from Zurich) or 3 hours 45 mins (from Geneva) by train and Postbus (journey will require changes of train and last section is taken by bus)

24/7 Support and advice: In person or over the phone from our local resort team based in Saas Fee

Resort card: Swiss Half Fare Card and Saastal Card included for all hotels

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