A life between mountain and valley - Discover the history of Wallis semi-nomadism between Siders, Salgesch, and Varen - we open buildings, create encounters with residents and eyewitnesses, and provide you with local specialties.

Meeting point
9:30 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. bus stop Frayen in Varen

Arrival Information
SBB Timetable

Remarks
Like the semi-nomads, we wander from Varen to Siders, where the "Maison du Remuage" is celebrating its 300th anniversary.

This form of seasonal commuting – semi-nomadism – shaped the life rhythm of entire families: in spring and summer, people moved down into the valleys to the vineyards, and in winter, they returned to the mountain village. The Albinerhaus, the Eischlergässi, and La Maison du Remuage are thus authentic examples of mobility that arose not from freedom, but out of necessity.

Maison du Remuage in Siders
The communities of Val d’Annivers are closely connected to the town of Siders. Each village had its quarter in Siders. What is special about semi-nomadism is that each family had multiple dwellings, and the entire village moved on the same day, with the pastor, teacher, and children in tow, twice: during Lent and after the herding down from the Alps to St. Catherine's Church.

Living in Albinen, working in Varen
For generations, families from Albinen owned vineyards in the lower, climatically favored locations of Varen. Since the daily hike over several hundred meters of elevation was arduous, the vintners used simple overnight accommodations directly in the vineyard. The Albinerhaus served as their sleeping place, workplace, and storage space during intense phases like vine pruning, care, or harvest.

Free opening Albinerhaus - Varen
Opening Eischlergässi - Salgesch
Maison du Remuage - Festival operation