In Evolène, village history and a variety of trails are close at hand: the old village is a compact settlement whose backbone is the former main road. The municipality has marked hiking trails, trail-running routes and snowshoe trails. You can therefore shape your stay around both its historic architecture and outdoor activities.
Built Heritage and History in the Old Village
Evolène’s built heritage reflects its rural past. Stone and wood give the buildings a natural appearance that blends them into the landscape. The clearly recognisable rural layout is overlaid by tourism development dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries; together, these layers shape the village’s historic and architectural qualities.
The Sentier du patrimoine bâti passes residential houses, stables with barns, raccards and granaries. The different building styles are adapted to the landscape and environment. The present-day parish church is also part of the village’s history: dedicated to John the Baptist, it was built between 1857 and 1860.
The Musée d’Evolène presents 19th- and 20th-century culture through objects, tools and traditional costumes. These are connected with local customs, religious life and mountain farming. The exhibition is housed in the original main room of the Demeure du châtelain, a Valais house dating from 1776.
Traditions and Cultural Events
At the Evolène Carnival, Peluches and Empaillés appear in wooden masks: the former wear animal skins, while the latter wear straw costumes. In odd-numbered years, the CIME Festival brings together six traditional dance groups from around the world and the local group l’Arc-en-ciel. Dates and programmes vary by edition; if you would like to include the festival in your trip, check the dates for the relevant event.
Another culturally themed route is the Sentier de la Désalpe. It offers insights into the Hérens breed and mountain farming. The trail leads from the Chemeuille alpine pasture to the small village of Lannaz; from there, you can walk to Evolène along a level road in about 20 minutes.
Hiking, Climbing and Winter Sports
Marked hiking and trail-running routes can be found throughout the municipality, as can marked snowshoe trails. A hike from Evolène to Arolla passes traditional mayens and a suspension bridge at La Monta. Along the way are glaciers, forests, fields, flower-filled meadows and Lac Bleu. The route also crosses alpine pastures to the Alpage de l’Etoile, with panoramic views of the Dent Blanche.
One specific longer stage is Evolène–Arolla on the Chemin des cols alpins: it is 15 kilometres long, takes 6 hours and 20 minutes, and includes 1,500 metres of ascent. This is different from the third stage of the Tour du Val d’Hérens between Arolla and Evolène. It connects well-preserved historic villages in the valley and crosses the Borgne d’Arolla several times, including via a 75-metre-long suspension bridge that opened in 2017.
The Via Ferrata d’Evolène comprises three routes and runs through very steep, compact rock. These include slightly overhanging sections and an exposed traverse; each section has an exit option. Allow about 2 hours and 30 minutes for the full route, though conditions and participants’ experience affect the duration. The approach starts at the village exit towards Les Haudères and goes via the paragliders’ car park; the walk takes 15 minutes. Check the technical conditions and access locally.
The ski area and lifts of Télé-Evolène start in Lannaz. From the historic hamlet, the area offers four red runs, three black runs and two downhill routes. It lies between 1,400 and 3,000 metres above sea level and offers mountain panoramas; chamois can be spotted from the chairlifts. As operations may vary from season to season, check the ski area’s seasonal information before your trip.
Trails by the River and Lac d’Arbey
The Sentier de la Chasse runs between the hamlets of Lannaz and Arbey, above the village. Twelve information boards explain the species mainly hunted in Valais and the role of wildlife reserves; life-size statues and figures supplement the exhibition. Several trails follow the river and can be chosen according to the time available. The walking trail stays close to the village and changes character with the seasons.
There are picnic tables at Lac d’Arbey, and the lake is generally accessible during the summer season. Check seasonal access before your visit. If travelling by PostBus, the service to Evolène goes via Les Haudères and requires a change. Check the timetable before departure.
Discover more destinations: Evolène, Nax, Vex, Saint-Martin Vs, Les Masses, Vernamiège, Mase, Eison.
For the broader travel overview: Hérens.
