Saas-Fee holidays

Saas Fee, Switzerland

From glacier tours to marmot-feeding, alpine activities are where it’s at on holidays to Saas-Fee – a lesser-known gem of the Swiss Alps.

A mountain-lover’s dream

On a high mountain plateau overlooked by giant 4,000m+ peaks, Saas-Fee delivers off-the-scale scenery like few places can. Memorable days of adventure await – from scenic hiking and biking trails to thrilling Via Ferrata routes, lake bathing and more. To really venture sky-high, catch the Alpine Express gondola before riding to the 3,500m Mittelallalin on the Metro Alpin, the world’s highest funicular. Once you’ve taken in the panorama, why not lunch at the world’s highest revolving restaurant, watch ski pros train on the Fee Glacier – or journey into the glacier’s depths with the unique VirtuAllalin VR experience.

Classic Swiss charm

Saas-Fee is totally car-free and is your traditional Swiss mountain village in every sense. From the flower-box-fronted wooden chalets to the meadows surrounding the village and the sound of clinking cow bells, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a timeless alpine scene. Simply wander round the curving cobbled streets, dipping into a souvenir shop here and stopping by a café or bakery there. If soaking up local culture is your thing, come for the annual SaasFeestival to enjoy free open-air concerts and a livelier vibe around the valley.

Close-up encounters

You’d do well to find a cuter animal than the alpine marmot – and Saas-Fee is famous for them. Feeding marmots in the wild is a highlight here, especially around Spielboden and Stafelwald, where they often pop out of burrows near hiking trails. Surprisingly tame, they’ll nibble carrots and peanuts straight from your hand. It’s especially a hit with kids, and simply a heartwarming way to connect with the local wildlife.

See more with your SaastalCard

Keen to get up among the peaks, or go hiking on a high-altitude trail? With the SaastalCard, that’s easy. Included with your stay, you’ll get free access to all of the summer lifts in the Saas Valley (only excluding the Metro Alpin funicular – though you’ll be able to buy a discounted Metro Plus Ticket for this). You’ll also be able to use the Postbus free too – meaning fuss-free travel around the valley to access trailheads, local attractions, Visp train station and more.

Out and about

  • Guided glacier tours
  • Indoor pool
  • Museum
  • Mountain lifts
  • Bike hire
  • Cycle routes
  • Lakeside cycle paths
  • Electric bikes
  • Fishing
  • Lake bathing
  • Mountain railway
  • Local markets
  • Waterfalls
  • Open-air concerts
  • Tennis courts
  • Minigolf
  • Via Ferrata
  • Padel
  • Yoga
  • Beach volleyball
  • Golf
  • Toboggan run
  • Mountaincarts
  • Monster scooters

Popular hotels in Saas-Fee

Top things to see and do in Saas-Fee

Shopping

Bargain buys

Thursday is market day in Saas-Fee (from mid-July to late August), when the vibrant Obere Dorfstrasse transforms into a lively open-air market. Stroll along the main street, sampling regional delicacies and filling your tote or rucksack with unique gifts and handcrafted treasures from local artisans. For daily discoveries, the same charming street is dotted with welcoming bakeries, souvenir shops, and a well-stocked Coop supermarket. Don’t miss the Cabane du Fromage – a cheese specialty shop with a huge range of delicious local products.

Mid-range buys

Along Obere Dorfstrasse and nearby lanes you’ll spot well-stocked sports shops like Intersport Glacier, Olympia Sport, and Patrizia’s Sport Mode – each offering top-notch advice and gear for hiking, biking and all sorts of outdoor pursuits. Whether you're after durable boots, technical outerwear or stylish accessories, these stores blend performance with Swiss flair.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

From evening strolls through the car-free village to fondue nights, Saas-Fee is well suited to a casual evening out. Settle in at a friendly bar or café, enjoy local flavours and soak up the relaxed mountain atmosphere as the sun sets behind the peaks.

Lively evenings

Summer evenings in Saas-Fee can have quite the buzz. Start with drinks on a sunny terrace, then dive into the village’s bar scene – try the Aussie Bar for a laid-back vibe or the Old Cinema Pub for live music and cocktails.

Food & drink

Eating out

You’ll find a good mix of family-run restaurants and gourmet venues in Saas-Fee, with a focus on local Valaisan dishes and regional ingredients. A real highlight of eating out here are the mountain restaurants – think timber beams, sheepskin throws and a warm atmosphere as you tuck into traditional cuisine and toast the day with fellow travellers.

Indulge in Swiss classics at Restaurant Zur Mühle

In the heart of the village, this cosy spot serves up Valais favourites like rösti, fondue and local Hérens beef in a warm wooden interior decked out with alpine touches. And when it’s a fine day outside, the sun terrace is a standout – perfect for lingering lunches with glacier views and fresh mountain air. Friendly service and a well-curated wine list round out the experience.

Gorge views at Restaurant Zer Schlucht

One not to miss if you’re after refined alpine cuisine in a dramatic setting. Inside, the elegant wood-and-stone dining room feels both contemporary and cosy, while the terrace offers sweeping views over the Fee gorge. Dish-wise, expect beautifully presented Swiss and seasonal fare, attentive service, and a wine list that makes every meal feel special.

Getting about

Buses

The village is served by frequent Postbus services. These distinctive yellow buses connect the resort to nearby villages every half an hour, and journeys to Visp train station take about 50 minutes. Tickets are available at stops or online, and travel within the valley is free with the SaastalCard.

Summer lifts

Saas-Fee’s summer lift network includes gondolas, cable cars and chairlifts – departing from the village centre as well as the three neighbouring villages. The Alpin Express is the main gondola which takes you up on to the Fee Glacier – but other lifts such as the Hannig, Spielboden and Kreuzboden also take you up to panoramic viewpoints, mountain huts and high-altitude trails. The SaastalCard includes free access to most lifts (except Metro Alpin and the summer ski area), meaning it’s super easy to explore the high alpine scenery.

Trains

Saas-Fee has no train station, but nearby Visp (approx. 50 minutes by Postbus) offers frequent connections across Switzerland – including to Lake Geneva, the Jungfrau Region, as well as the Glacier Express to St Moritz. Note that your free SaastalCard includes free Postbus travel within the valley, but not train fares.

On foot

Saas-Fee is a compact, car-free village with a charming layout of narrow alleys and cobbled streets. The terrain is gently sloping, making it easy to explore on foot. The main street is lively and well-maintained, lined with shops and cafés, while quieter paths wind through traditional chalets and alpine scenery.

Walking

Walking

Walking in Saas-Fee is a dream for hikers of all levels. From gentle meadow strolls to high-alpine glacier hikes, the variety is exceptional. Trails are well-marked and often start right from the village, with stunning views, mountain huts and wildlife along the way. Whether you're after a challenge or a scenic wander, you’ll find lots of options to fill your days.

Saas-Fee Village Loop

Taking around 2.5 hours, this easy, mostly flat circular walk starts at the Post roundabout and loops above Saas-Fee, blending forest trails, village lanes and historic highlights. Enjoy sweeping mountain and village views, scenic resting spots and sights like a traditional water mill and Suone. It’s a gentle, culture-rich route which you can fit into a leisurely afternoon.

Bodmen Forest Trail

This easy, family-friendly walk winds through peaceful larch forest between Saas-Fee and Saas-Almagell – and will take you less than an hour. Along the way, enjoy far-reaching valley views and a stop at Waldhaus Bodmen, where you’ll find a petting zoo and a welcoming restaurant for lunch or coffee. The route is well-maintained and perfect for a short, scenic walk.

Top Hotels in Saas-Fee

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Facts about Saas-Fee

Currency

Swiss Franc

(CHF)

Language

German, French and Italian

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

1 hour 40 minutes from Gatwick

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