2025 Sion Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Sion is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Valais, and its main feature is the medieval townscape. The main attractions are the Valere Mountain, 610 meters above sea level, and the Valere Church from the 12th to 13th centuries, as well as the Tourbillon Hill, 658 meters above sea level, and the castle ruins. The southernmost of two mounds at the eastern end of the old town, Valaire Cathedral houses the world’s oldest playable organ, built in the 1430s. Sion is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe. The alluvial fans of the Sion River, the rocky slopes above the river, and to a lesser extent the Valere and Tourbillon Massifs, have been inhabited almost continuously since ancient times. Sion has 14 buildings or sites listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance. #OverseasTravel #Alps #SwissTravel #SwissTravelGuide #SwissDestinations #Castle #Mountain #Church

#tripaway The longest Alpine helicopter flight brings you over mountain peaks and glaciers to the most famous of all mountains,Sion is an old beautiful city but It is a difficult walk up to get there, rough path and steep hill. Worth the effort though as it is an interesting old basilica.but it was inexpensive and worth it #tripaway

#summervacay This summer, I traded bustling cities for the haunting beauty of **Château de Tourbillon**, a medieval fortress ruin perched high above **Sion, Switzerland**. With its sun-bleached stones and panoramic Alpine vistas, this hidden gem was the perfect blend of history and adventure. ### **The Ascent: Hiking Through History** The journey began with a steep but rewarding **20-minute hike** from Sion’s city center. The path wound through vineyards and wildflowers, with the **Rhône Valley** unfolding below. As I climbed, the twin landmarks of **Château de Tourbillon** and **Basilique de Valère** (home to the world’s oldest playable organ!) stood in dramatic contrast—one in ruins, the other still intact. ☀️ *Pro tip:* Go **early morning or late afternoon** to avoid the midday heat—and bring water! ### **Exploring the Ruins: A Castle Frozen in Time** Built in the **13th century** as a bishop’s residence, Tourbillon was burned down in **1417** and never fully rebuilt. Today, its skeletal walls and crumbling towers tell a story of power and decay. Highlights: - **The Keep** – Climb the remains of the central tower for **360° views** of Sion and the Alps. - **Fresco Fragments** – Inside the chapel ruins, faint medieval paintings still cling to the walls. - **The Eagle’s Perspective** – From the battlements, you can see the entire **Valais region**, with vineyards stretching to the horizon. ### **Picnic with a View** I packed a simple Swiss picnic—local **cheese, fresh bread, and Valais wine**—and enjoyed it in the castle’s shadow. The breeze carried the scent of thyme and sun-warmed stone, making it feel like a scene from a storybook. ### **Bonus: Basilique de Valère** After descending, I crossed town to visit **Valère Basilica**, Tourbillon’s "sister castle." The cool interior, with its **12th-century organ** and Gothic arches, was a peaceful contrast to Tourbillon’s rugged ruins. ### **Final Thoughts** Château de Tourbillon is for those who love **history without barriers**—no velvet ropes, just wind, wildflowers, and whispers of the past. If you’re in Switzerland, don’t miss this off-the-radar treasure!

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #postandearn Nestled in the picturesque Valais region, Sion is a charming Swiss town that blends medieval history with breathtaking Alpine views. Known for its two hilltop castles—Valère Castle and Tourbillon Castle—Sion offers a fascinating mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Upon arrival, I was immediately captivated by the old town’s medieval charm. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame du Glarier with its impressive architecture and peaceful atmosphere is an iconic landmark in the town. What truly stole my heart was the view of the two castles from almost every corner. The Valère Castle stands proudly above the town, offering panoramic views of the Rhone Valley and the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The Tourbillon Castle with its dramatic ruins is a sight to behold, evoking a sense of ancient mystique. For a taste of Sion’s local culture, I wandered through its narrow streets, stopping at local shops and cafés where I could try authentic Valais wines and raclette—the traditional Swiss dish of melted cheese. Sion is located in one of Switzerland’s most renowned wine-growing regions, so wine tasting is a must! The surrounding landscapes make Sion an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. I ventured out on hiking trails that led me through vineyards, forests, and alpine meadows. The nearby Crans-Montana region offers skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, making Sion an ideal base for year-round outdoor adventures. Best Time to Visit: Spring and Summer: For hiking, vineyard tours, and enjoying the local festivals. Winter: For skiing and winter sports in nearby Crans-Montana. Travel Tips: Don’t miss the Valais Wine Route, which starts in Sion and winds through picturesque vineyards. Take a **cable car ride to the top of Montagne de l'Antème for spectacular views of the valley. Stop by the Sion Museum of Art for a taste of local art and history. Location: Sion, Canton of Valais, Switzerland #SionSwitzerland #ValaisViews #SwissCastles #AlpineCharm #TourbillonCastle #VineyardJourney #RhoneValleyEscape #CransMontanaAdventures #SwissHistoryAndNature #SionCulture

On the way to the Castle of Sion, you will find the Basilique de Valère, located on the rue de la Château, facing the Castle of Sion. The Cathedral of Valaire is surrounded by houses, forming a small medieval defensive castle. It is not known when it was built, but historical records date back to the 9th century. The architecture is quite stunning, with Gothic and Romanesque styles, and is very easy to appreciate. A tour inside is a must, as you will see the oldest playable pipe organ in the world, an impressive 12th century building, and inside you will find historic art pieces such as the 15th century statue of Mary and Jesus, and a fresco from 1435, as it now houses the city of Sion’s Archaeological Museum. It’s safe to say that the Cathedral of Valere is one of the must-see attractions in Sion! #2024TravelWish ~ Travel to Sicily, Italy

I highly recommend visiting Sion as it offers the perfect balance of culture, nature, and outdoor fun. You can visit historical sites, learn about nature and history at museums, hike around the mountains, explore the parks, taste delicious wine and beer, and more. Furthermore, Sion is right next to the Alps, so it is quite possible and a great idea to spend a night or two in Sion while skiing in the mountains, hiking and soaking in the hot springs! Overall, Sion is a must-visit place in Switzerland in my opinion. #2024TravelWish ~ Travel to Sicily, Italy

Climbing up the steep stairs to reach Sion Castle is something that everyone who visits Sion must do as it is one of the top attractions in Sion, Switzerland. Perched on a hill overlooking the city center and overlooking the Rhone River, it was built between the 11th and 12th centuries as the main residence of the Bishops of Sion. It has also been through quite a bit of history and was once closed to the public as it was a tactical military outpost, but it was eventually restored and became a Swiss National Heritage Site. #2024TravelWish ~ Travel to Sicily, Italy

La Planta Square is located on Avenue de la Gare train station avenue in the center of Sion, Switzerland. It is a very large square surrounded by all Swiss government buildings and the city government's palace. It's grand and beautiful, and if the weather is nice, the park is a great place for a picnic. And the surrounding area is full of great restaurants, bars, cafés and boutiques, so it's perfect for visiting La Planta Plaza and then going for lunch or shopping. It’s not a major tourist attraction by any means, but it’s definitely worth a stroll through the square and surrounding parkland as you explore the old town and is a must-see when visiting the city. #2024TravelWish ~ Travel to Sicily, Italy

As a traveler on the road, also known as a full-time wanderer, I sometimes find myself too busy to update my whereabouts. It's truly surprising even to myself. This is my first time snowshoeing, wearing snowshoes, doing snowshoeing, which is more tiring than hiking in nature. But it's a lot of fun. Especially being able to get close to the snow and the snowy terrain. It's very worthwhile.