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Holidays in Saas-Grund
Saas-Grund is a charming village situated in the heart of the Saas Valley in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. Known as the "Hiking Pearl," it is a popular year-round holiday destination that offers a wealth of alpine activities and stunning natural surroundings.
Description and History
Description:
Location: Situated in the Saas Valley, Saas-Grund is at an altitude of 1,559 meters above sea level. It is the central village of the four municipalities in the valley (Saas-Fee, Saas-Grund, Saas-Almagell, and Saas-Balen).
Atmosphere: The village is enchanting, with a center full of rustic houses and narrow alleyways that have maintained a traditional Valais mountain village character.
Tourism: Tourism is vital, with Saas-Grund offering an extensive winter sports and hiking area. The village provides approximately 3,500 beds for guests.
History:
The history of the entire Saas Valley dates back to a time when it was a glacial valley. Early inhabitants were likely Celtic migrants who were later conquered by the Romans just before the birth of Christ.
In 939, the Saracens (Moors) invaded the Valais. Their presence is thought to have influenced local place names, such as Monte Moro (Moors Mountain), Almagell, Allalin, and Mischabel.
Originally, the valley inhabitants lived a meager existence mainly from farming and shepherding, viewing the mountains and glaciers with fear until the late 18
th
and early 19
th
centuries.
Johann Josef Imseng (1806-1869), a local priest and pioneer of tourism in the Saas Valley, built one of the first hotels in Mattmark in 1856. He is also credited as the first person in Switzerland to use skis, skiing from Saas-Fee to Saas-Grund in 1849. His work helped pave the way for the development of tourism in the region.
Nature and Surroundings
Saas-Grund is nestled in a breathtaking high-alpine environment, often described as an "Eldorado for mountain enthusiasts."
Four-Thousand Meter Peaks: The Saas Valley is famously surrounded by 18 mountains over 4,000 meters high, providing an incomparable backdrop. From the Hohsaas area, at 3,100 meters, you can enjoy a panoramic view of all 18 peaks.
Flora and Fauna: The surroundings feature intact nature and diverse alpine flora. An alpine flower walk allows visitors to discover more than 240 plant varieties, including Swiss stone pines, which grow at altitudes over 2,500 meters.
Kreuzboden: The Kreuzboden middle station (2,400m) is a key natural attraction, featuring a small mountain lake.
Saaser Vispa River: The Saaser Vispa river flows through the valley.
Activities (Summer and Winter)
Saas-Grund, and the entire Saas Valley, offers a diverse range of activities for all seasons, often focused around the Kreuzboden-Hohsaas area.
Season Activities Highlights
Summer/Autumn Hiking, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Mountaineering, E-Biking, Tennis, Scootering Hiking: Access to high-altitude trails like the Almagelleralp and Gspon high Alpine trails, and the '18 4,000-metre Peaks' trail at Hohsaas. The total network of hiking trails is over 350 km.
Adventure: Kreuzboden Adventure Land (water park, suspension bridges, climbing walls), a 1,200 meter wellness and activity trail on Kreuzboden, Jägihorn via ferrata, and a Monster Scooter ride down the 11 km track from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund.
Winter Skiing and Snowboarding, Tobogganing, Winter Hiking, Cross-country Skiing Skiing: The Hohsaas ski area is one of the highest in Switzerland, with slopes up to 3,200m above sea level and guaranteed snow.
Tobogganing: An 11 km-long toboggan run is a major attraction. Night sledging is also offered on the well-prepared trails.
Special: Hohsi Snowland (a family-friendly snow park), Husky Trekking and Kids Week Hohsaas for young guests. Night activities include Copilot - Kreuzboden by Night and Biking by Night on a floodlit slope.
Eksportér til Sheets
Typical Foods and Culinary Specialties
Saas-Grund, located in the Valais canton, shares in the traditional cuisine of the region and Switzerland, often featuring hearty mountain fare:
Cheese Dishes: The Valais region is the origin of Raclette, where melted cheese is scraped onto boiled potatoes and served with pickled onions and cornichons. Fondue (melted cheese with bread) is also a classic.
Local Specialties:
Saaser Hauswurst: A local sausage specialty.
Saaser Gsottus: A local dish that is sometimes the special at events like the Autumn gathering.
Meat Soup: A simple, hearty mountain dish.
Regional Swiss Classics: Restaurants often serve other Swiss staples like:
Rösti: A fried potato cake.
Älplermagronen (Alpine Macaroni): A hearty dish of pasta, potatoes, cream, and cheese, topped with fried onions.
Landjäger: A square-shaped smoked sausage, perfect for a hiking snack.
Beverages: The valley also offers local drinks such as Genepi, an alpine herbal liqueur.
Shops and Festivals
Shops:
The Saas-Grund area, as part of the larger Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region, offers some shopping opportunities. Specific numbers indicate approximately 14 shopping opportunities were noted for Saas-Grund in recent listings. These are likely to be local shops, sports retailers, and souvenir stores catering to tourists.
Festivals and Events:
Saas-Grund hosts various cultural, social, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Cultural and Social Events:
Legend Evening: An ongoing event (often weekly) where local Walser tales are shared by candlelight and wine.
Lottery MG Enzian: A traditional lottery hosted by the local music society.
Sunday Saujass: A traditional card game event.
Seasonal and Sports Events:
Autumn Gathering at Kreuzboden: A seasonal get-together at the mountain restaurant, often featuring musical entertainment and local food.
Enzian Music Society Christmas Mass: A festive service with Christmas music.
Season Opening at Kreuzboden: A welcoming event for the start of the winter season with music and panorama views.
Kids Week Hohsaas: A multi-day event of ski lessons for children.
Mentelity Games and 12-hour Race: Ski and snowboard events, including a fundraiser knockout race.
Description and History
Description:
Location: Situated in the Saas Valley, Saas-Grund is at an altitude of 1,559 meters above sea level. It is the central village of the four municipalities in the valley (Saas-Fee, Saas-Grund, Saas-Almagell, and Saas-Balen).
Atmosphere: The village is enchanting, with a center full of rustic houses and narrow alleyways that have maintained a traditional Valais mountain village character.
Tourism: Tourism is vital, with Saas-Grund offering an extensive winter sports and hiking area. The village provides approximately 3,500 beds for guests.
History:
The history of the entire Saas Valley dates back to a time when it was a glacial valley. Early inhabitants were likely Celtic migrants who were later conquered by the Romans just before the birth of Christ.
In 939, the Saracens (Moors) invaded the Valais. Their presence is thought to have influenced local place names, such as Monte Moro (Moors Mountain), Almagell, Allalin, and Mischabel.
Originally, the valley inhabitants lived a meager existence mainly from farming and shepherding, viewing the mountains and glaciers with fear until the late 18
th
and early 19
th
centuries.
Johann Josef Imseng (1806-1869), a local priest and pioneer of tourism in the Saas Valley, built one of the first hotels in Mattmark in 1856. He is also credited as the first person in Switzerland to use skis, skiing from Saas-Fee to Saas-Grund in 1849. His work helped pave the way for the development of tourism in the region.
Nature and Surroundings
Saas-Grund is nestled in a breathtaking high-alpine environment, often described as an "Eldorado for mountain enthusiasts."
Four-Thousand Meter Peaks: The Saas Valley is famously surrounded by 18 mountains over 4,000 meters high, providing an incomparable backdrop. From the Hohsaas area, at 3,100 meters, you can enjoy a panoramic view of all 18 peaks.
Flora and Fauna: The surroundings feature intact nature and diverse alpine flora. An alpine flower walk allows visitors to discover more than 240 plant varieties, including Swiss stone pines, which grow at altitudes over 2,500 meters.
Kreuzboden: The Kreuzboden middle station (2,400m) is a key natural attraction, featuring a small mountain lake.
Saaser Vispa River: The Saaser Vispa river flows through the valley.
Activities (Summer and Winter)
Saas-Grund, and the entire Saas Valley, offers a diverse range of activities for all seasons, often focused around the Kreuzboden-Hohsaas area.
Season Activities Highlights
Summer/Autumn Hiking, Mountain Biking, Climbing, Mountaineering, E-Biking, Tennis, Scootering Hiking: Access to high-altitude trails like the Almagelleralp and Gspon high Alpine trails, and the '18 4,000-metre Peaks' trail at Hohsaas. The total network of hiking trails is over 350 km.
Adventure: Kreuzboden Adventure Land (water park, suspension bridges, climbing walls), a 1,200 meter wellness and activity trail on Kreuzboden, Jägihorn via ferrata, and a Monster Scooter ride down the 11 km track from Kreuzboden to Saas-Grund.
Winter Skiing and Snowboarding, Tobogganing, Winter Hiking, Cross-country Skiing Skiing: The Hohsaas ski area is one of the highest in Switzerland, with slopes up to 3,200m above sea level and guaranteed snow.
Tobogganing: An 11 km-long toboggan run is a major attraction. Night sledging is also offered on the well-prepared trails.
Special: Hohsi Snowland (a family-friendly snow park), Husky Trekking and Kids Week Hohsaas for young guests. Night activities include Copilot - Kreuzboden by Night and Biking by Night on a floodlit slope.
Eksportér til Sheets
Typical Foods and Culinary Specialties
Saas-Grund, located in the Valais canton, shares in the traditional cuisine of the region and Switzerland, often featuring hearty mountain fare:
Cheese Dishes: The Valais region is the origin of Raclette, where melted cheese is scraped onto boiled potatoes and served with pickled onions and cornichons. Fondue (melted cheese with bread) is also a classic.
Local Specialties:
Saaser Hauswurst: A local sausage specialty.
Saaser Gsottus: A local dish that is sometimes the special at events like the Autumn gathering.
Meat Soup: A simple, hearty mountain dish.
Regional Swiss Classics: Restaurants often serve other Swiss staples like:
Rösti: A fried potato cake.
Älplermagronen (Alpine Macaroni): A hearty dish of pasta, potatoes, cream, and cheese, topped with fried onions.
Landjäger: A square-shaped smoked sausage, perfect for a hiking snack.
Beverages: The valley also offers local drinks such as Genepi, an alpine herbal liqueur.
Shops and Festivals
Shops:
The Saas-Grund area, as part of the larger Saas-Fee/Saastal holiday region, offers some shopping opportunities. Specific numbers indicate approximately 14 shopping opportunities were noted for Saas-Grund in recent listings. These are likely to be local shops, sports retailers, and souvenir stores catering to tourists.
Festivals and Events:
Saas-Grund hosts various cultural, social, and seasonal events throughout the year.
Cultural and Social Events:
Legend Evening: An ongoing event (often weekly) where local Walser tales are shared by candlelight and wine.
Lottery MG Enzian: A traditional lottery hosted by the local music society.
Sunday Saujass: A traditional card game event.
Seasonal and Sports Events:
Autumn Gathering at Kreuzboden: A seasonal get-together at the mountain restaurant, often featuring musical entertainment and local food.
Enzian Music Society Christmas Mass: A festive service with Christmas music.
Season Opening at Kreuzboden: A welcoming event for the start of the winter season with music and panorama views.
Kids Week Hohsaas: A multi-day event of ski lessons for children.
Mentelity Games and 12-hour Race: Ski and snowboard events, including a fundraiser knockout race.
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