Things To Do
in Fully

Fully is a sun-soaked wine-growing village in Valais, Switzerland, perched in the Rhône valley just north of Sierre. The town is known for its terraced vineyards, old stone houses, and a welcoming Alpine atmosphere. From here you can taste flagship Valais wines like Petite Arvine and Heida while enjoying views of the surrounding Alps.

With a compact centre and easy access to nearby Crans-Montana and Sion, Fully is a great base for both culture and outdoor adventures.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Fully and Riverside Stroll
morning
:

You arrive in Fully and settle into a cozy guesthouse overlooking the Rhône River, greeted by the gentle murmur of water and lush vines. The crisp mountain air invigorates you as you unpack and prepare for the day. A light coffee at a riverside café sets the tone for your Swiss adventure.

afternoon
:

Wandering along the riverbank, you discover hidden bridges and pebbled beaches perfect for an impromptu picnic beneath chestnut trees. Local children play in the shallows, and you sample freshly baked rye bread with creamy Reblochon cheese. Soft sunlight filters through the canopy as you learn about the region’s grape heritage from friendly passersby.

evening
:

Golden hour bathes the valley in warm hues as you dine at a family-run bistro, savoring goat cheese ravioli paired with a glass of empyrean Chasselas. Laughter and folk tunes drift from neighboring tables, creating an inviting atmosphere. Under a canopy of stars, you stroll back to your guesthouse, the distant silhouette of the Dents du Midi guiding you to rest.

day 2
Vineyard Hike and Wine Tasting
morning
:

A hearty alpine breakfast fuels you for a guided vineyard trek through Fully’s terraced slopes. The path winds past centuries-old stone walls draped in vines heavy with grapes ready for harvest. Your guide shares stories of traditional pruning techniques, each row a testament to generational knowledge.

afternoon
:

At a hilltop domaine, you join a small-group wine tasting featuring Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and local specialties. Each sip reveals volcanic minerality and sun-soaked ripeness, complemented by regional charcuterie. You wander the cellars, learning how oak barrels shape the wine’s character over time.

evening
:

As sunset warms the sky, you enjoy a farm-to-table dinner in the vineyard under lantern-lit tables. A glass of your favorite vintage accompanies fresh trout from nearby streams and crisp garden salad. Lanterns glow as the valley cools, and lingering conversations echo among the vines.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
🍷Glass of local wine$6-12
🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-75
Coffee$3-5
🧀Cheese plate at cafe$8-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Scenic wine country with easy access to the Alps
  • High-quality public services and safety
  • Compact town center ideal for walking
  • Excellent wine culture and regional cuisine
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Can be expensive, especially dining and lodging
  • Public transport schedules in remote areas may vary by season
  • "Bonjour" - Hello (French)
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où est la gare ?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Pouvez-vous recommander un bon restaurant ?" - Can you recommend a good restaurant?
  • "Je voudrais de l’eau, s’il vous plaît" - I would like some water, please
  • "L’addition, s’il vous plaît" - The check, please
  • "C’est combien ?" - How much is this?

Places to Visit in Fully

Visit one of these nice places.

Terraced vineyards above Fully

Golden hour shots of neatly stacked stone terraces climbing the hillside with the town and river below.

St-Léonard Church and historic center

Charming medieval streets and a small church with traditional Swiss architecture.

Rhône Riverbank and bridge viewpoints

Reflections of the mountains in the Rhône offer tranquil river photography.

Crans-Montana panorama from the valley

Distance shots of the Alps with the valley below from higher viewpoints nearby.

Culinary Guide

Food in Fully

Valais cuisine emphasizes fresh Alpine produce, cheese, wine, and hearty regional dishes. Expect cheese-focused dishes, rustic breads, and generous wine pairings from local varietals like Petite Arvine and Heida.

Fully Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Raclette

Melted cheese served with potatoes, pickles, and onions; a quintessential Valais experience, often paired with a local white.

Must-Try!

Rösti

Crispy potato pancake served as a side or main, commonly found in bistros across the valley.

Walliser Trockenfleisch

Air-dried beef slices served with bread and pickles; a traditional snack to accompany a glass of local wine.

Papet (leeks and potatoes with sausage)

Slow-cooked leeks and potatoes with sausage; hearty comfort food popular in winter months.

Wine and fondue pairing

Tasting flights featuring Valais varietals (Petite Arvine, Heida, Cornalin) paired with cheeses or bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Markets in Sierre and surrounding towns

Fresh produce stalls, cheeses, and regional specialties on market days; great for tasting seasonal bites.

Vineyard stalls along the valley

Seasonal fruit and snacks sold along hillside terraces; try dried meats, breads, and local condiments.

Climate Guide

Weather

Fully enjoys a valley climate with warm summers and cool winters; alpine conditions at higher elevations; spring and autumn are mild but can be wet; quick weather shifts are common in the mountains.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Be on time for appointments or tours; Swiss culture prizes punctuality.

Greetings

A handshake is common; greet shop staff and hosts politely; use formal titles (Monsieur/Madame) when appropriate.

Tobacco and quiet hours

Respect quiet hours in residential areas and avoid loud behavior late at night.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally very safe; standard Swiss safety; keep valuables secure in tourist areas; emergency numbers in Switzerland: 112 or 144 for medical; 117 police.

Tipping in Fully

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charges are often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Switzerland uses cards (Visa, Mastercard) widely; cash (CHF) is common; mobile payments are increasingly accepted.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Milder days with blossoming vineyards; occasional showers; great for walking and early hikes.

Summer

Warm and sunny; perfect for vineyard tours, swimming along the Rhône, and longer hikes in the surrounding Alps.

Autumn

Harvest season; vibrant grape colors on the terraces and wine-tasting events; cooler evenings.

Winter

Snow higher elevations; cozy cafes, possible ski trips to nearby resorts; shorter daylight hours.

Nightlife Guide

Fully at Night

Low-key, village-style nightlife with wine bars, cozy cafes, and small pubs; in nearby towns you can find live music and seasonal events, especially during harvest festivals. Expect a relaxed atmosphere rather than a party scene.

Hiking in Fully

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Wine terrace loop above Fully

A scenic, moderate hike along terraced vineyards with viewpoints over the Rhone Valley.

Crans-Montana panorama hike

A longer hike to elevated viewpoints offering sweeping alpine panoramas.

Valais alpine meadow stroll near Sierre

Gentle trails through alpine meadows with wildflowers in summer.

Airports

How to reach Fully by plane.

Sion Airport (SIR)

Nearest regional airport with seasonal connections to Swiss and European destinations; easy rail connections to Fully.

Geneva Airport (GVA)

Major international hub about 2–3 hours by train and road from Fully; abundant long-haul and European connections.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international hub about 3–4 hours by efficient Swiss rail network; frequent flights and excellent onward connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Fully is compact and walkable within the town center; most attractions and eateries are within a short stroll, while vineyard routes and higher viewpoints require a short bus ride or drive.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Families with school-age children; stable community and services geared toward families.

Wine Enthusiasts

Visitors drawn to Valais wines and vineyard tours.

Tourist Couples

Romantic getaways and spa-like experiences in nearby towns.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Access nearby Crans-Montana and other Valais resorts for winter sports.

Mountain Biking

Seasonal trails and forest tracks suitable for various skill levels.

Hiking and Trail Running

Extensive network of valley and alpine hikes with panoramic views.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport in Switzerland is efficient; use trains and post buses to move between Sierre, Sion, Crans-Montana. In town, walking is easy; private cars provide best flexibility for vineyard visits; winter driving may require winter tires.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Fully.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many Valais dishes are meat-forward, but you can find cheese-focused dishes like raclette and rösti; ask for vegetarian options and fresh salads in bistros.

Gluten-Free

Most Swiss bread contains gluten; opt for grilled vegetables, gluten-free options at larger eateries, and confirm pasta or sauces are gluten-free.

Vegan

Vegan options are increasingly available in larger towns; rely on vegetable dishes, salads, and cheese-free sauces when needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Switzerland offers world-class healthcare; in Fully you’ll access services in Sierre and Sion hospitals and clinics; carry proof of insurance; emergency numbers 144 (medical) and 112 for general emergencies; pharmacies are widely available in town.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide