Val d'Hérens · Arolla · alpine nature
Wildlife & flora of the Val d'Hérens.
Ibex, marmots, Hérens cattle, Arolla pine forests and golden larches: the living nature of a high alpine valley, on the hotel's doorstep.
A living
valley.
The Val d'Hérens is one of the most unspoilt valleys in the Valais. Between 2 000 and 3 800 m, its pastures, Arolla pine forests and rock faces are home to remarkable alpine wildlife and flora, observed through the seasons from the paths around Arolla.
To walk here is to meet the gaze of an ibex, hear the whistle of a marmot or recognise an edelweiss on a ledge, nature that has to be earned, on foot and in silence.
Ibex, chamois,
marmots.
Ibex and chamois frequent the rocky slopes above the village; marmots enliven the pastures with their warning whistle. Above the ridges, the golden eagle patrols its territory.
The valley also owes its reputation to the Hérens cattle, hardy and combative: their cow fights (combats de reines) are a Valais tradition, in spring and autumn, during the moves up to and down from the alpine pastures.
Arolla pines, larches,
edelweiss.
The high-altitude forest is dominated by the Arolla pine (Swiss stone pine) and the larch, which turns golden in autumn. On the ground bloom edelweiss, rhododendrons, martagon lily and, in protected areas, the rare lady's slipper orchid.
The fine flowering season runs from June to September. In autumn, the golden blaze of the larches transforms the slopes, one of the most eagerly awaited sights of the Val d'Hérens.
The tree that
gave its name.
The Arolla pine (Pinus cembra) gave its name to the village of Arolla. This high-altitude conifer withstands the harshest winters and grows up to the tree line. Its dense, fragrant wood is a traditional material of alpine joinery.
Arolla pine wood is said to have soothing properties, conducive to sleep and relaxation, a form of forest therapy rooted in Valais culture, which you will find in our rooms and our approach to well-being.
When to watch,
how to respect.
Summer (June to September) brings together flora in bloom and active wildlife. Autumn (late September to October) offers the golden larches and the rut. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife.
Watching wildlife means staying discreet: keep your distance, do not feed the animals, keep dogs on a lead and stay on the paths. Picking protected flora is forbidden. The mountain is to be visited as a guest.
Nature on
the hotel's doorstep.
The Grand Hôtel & Kurhaus stands in Arolla, at 2 070 m, at the heart of this alpine nature. Founded in 1896 and a member of Swiss Historic Hotels, it is an ideal starting point for watching the wildlife and flora of the Val d'Hérens.
Our rooms panelled in Arolla pine extend this bond with the forest and with sleep. Reception open 9am–7pm, 7 days a week: +41 27 283 70 00.
The nature,
in practice.
What animals can you watch around Arolla?
Ibex and chamois on the rocky slopes, marmots in the pastures, golden eagle above the ridges, and the Hérens cattle, known for their cow fights (combats de reines). You will also come across foxes, mountain hares and many mountain birds.
What is the Arolla pine and its link with Arolla?
The Arolla pine (Pinus cembra / Swiss stone pine) is a high-altitude conifer that gave its name to the village of Arolla. Its dense, fragrant wood is traditional in alpine joinery; it is said to have soothing properties that aid sleep, which you will find in our panelled rooms.
What is the best season to watch the nature?
Summer (June to September) for the flora in bloom and active wildlife; autumn (late September to October) for the golden larches. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to watch the animals.
What are the cow fights of the Hérens cattle?
The Hérens breed is a local cattle breed, hardy and combative. The cows naturally face off to establish their hierarchy; these cow fights (combats de reines) have become a famous Valais tradition, during the moves up to and down from the alpine pastures in spring and autumn.
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