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.
Hiking in 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 ice cave
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 over 85 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.
