Did you know that Zinal is not only a picturesque mountain village in Valais, but also a place full of surprises? Embark on a journey of discovery and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Zinal.
Learn about the history of the village, from its humble beginnings as a Mayensässdorf to its current importance as a popular tourist destination. Visit the only publicly accessible mine in Switzerland and discover what life was like in Zinal in the 18th century at the Maison du Remuage.
Let yourself be enchanted by Zinal and discover the countless facets of this unique village!
In this blog post, we reveal some of the secrets of Zinal and present you with 7 exciting fun facts that you definitely didn’t know yet.
Fun facts about Zinal that you didn’t know yet!
1. annual venue of the famous Sierre-Zinal ultramarathon
The Sierre-Zinal mountain run is a mountain run in the canton of Valais in the Valais Alps that ends in Zinal and takes place every year in August. It is also known as the run of the five 4,000-metre peaks, as it passes five mountains over 4,000 metres. These are the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Ober Gabelhorn, Matterhorn and Dent Blanche.
2. starting point for the ascent of several Valais four-thousand-metre peaks
Zinal is known as the starting point for climbing the four-thousand-metre peaks of the Zinalrothorn, Weisshorn, Dent Blanche and Ober Gabelhorn.
3. the dialect name Chinaz, which has been declared unworthy
Zinal was originally called “Chinaz”, which meant “gutter”. It was an allusion to the narrowing valley at this point. The first topographers declared this dialect name unworthy and changed it to the word Zinal as we know it today.
4) Zinal used to be a “Maiensässdorf”
Zinal used to be a so-called “Maiensässdorf”, i.e. a settlement that was not inhabited all year round. The village was inhabited for a few weeks in May and June, before the cattle were taken to the alpine pastures, and then again for a few weeks after the cattle left the alpine pastures in October.
5 The blue wonder in the Zinal Glacier
Hidden in the Valais Alps lies a grotto in the Zinal Glacier. A cave created by nature that shines in turquoise blue colours.
6. the only publicly accessible mine in Switzerland
The Zinal copper mine is the only mine in Switzerland that is open to the public. It was discovered in 1832 at 1920 metres above sea level and exploited at the end of the 19th century.
7 The Maison du Remuage
The Maison du Remuage is an authentic, old-fashioned farmhouse from the 18th century, which illustrates the daily life of the past. The house is presented in the form of a small museum. However, it can only be visited in summer.
About Zinal
Zinal is a small village in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It lies at an altitude of 1,670 metres above sea level and has around 500 inhabitants. Zinal is a popular holiday destination for hikers, mountaineers and winter sports enthusiasts.
The village
Most of the houses in the village are made of wood and have balconies with flower boxes. There are several restaurants, hotels and shops in Zinal.
The neighbourhood
Zinal lies in the middle of a breathtaking mountain landscape. Some of the surrounding mountains are over 4,000 metres high. There are many hiking trails in Zinal that lead through the mountains. You can go on easy walks or attempt challenging climbing tours.
In winter
In winter, Zinal is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The Grimentz-Zinal ski area comprises 21 lifts and over 115 kilometres of pistes.
How to get there
Zinal can be reached by car, bus or train.
Bonus tip: Discover Zinal with Foxtrail
Foxtrail is a unique and interactive scavenger hunt that offers visitors an innovative way to discover Zinal and its sights. In this adventure, participants are guided in teams through the charming mountain village, solving puzzles and deciphering clues to find the next location on their way. This experience is designed to not only encourage physical movement through the village, but also to challenge teamwork and logical thinking.
How does the Foxtrail in Zinal work?
Starting point: Each Foxtrail begins at a designated starting point where teams receive their documents and initial clues. This marks the start of their adventure through Zinal.
Solve puzzles: Participants have to solve various puzzles that lead them to hidden messages, unusual places and impressive sights in Zinal. The puzzles are designed to encourage participants to take a closer look at the surroundings and engage with the town’s history and culture.
Team experience: Although Foxtrail can be experienced with family, friends or as a team-building activity with colleagues, the focus is on the shared experience. The tasks require communication and co-operation, which makes the whole experience a social one.
By taking part in a Foxtrail in Zinal, visitors get the opportunity to explore the mountain village in a fun way. They not only discover the well-known sights, but also hidden corners and special places that are off the beaten track. At the same time, they learn interesting facts about Zinal and its history, making the experience both educational and entertaining. Foxtrail thus offers a perfect combination of adventure, culture and fun, ideal for anyone who wants to discover Zinal in a unique and interactive way.
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