Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Monthey (BFS 6153) sits at 413 m elevation in Monthey District, Canton of Valais, connecting travelers to Les Essertés and Petit Clos via Bahnhof Monthey (1.3 km). Visitors pair alpine scenery and historic streets in Monthey (pop. 17,894) with regional specialties including Valais Raclette AOP and Cholera savory pastry.
Within Canton of Valais Region (Monthey District region), Monthey (Monthey (BFS 6153)) serves as a municipality (gemeinde / commune) in canton of valais region. Travelers exploring Canton of Valais often combine a stop in Monthey with regional highlights such as Zermatt, Matterhorn & Gornergrat, Aletsch Arena & Great Aletsch Glacier, Saas-Fee & Verbier alpine resorts, Sion castles & Lavaux/Valais vineyards.
| Fact | Details for Monthey (Monthey (BFS 6153)) |
|---|---|
| Switzerland Name | Monthey (BFS 6153) (Monthey) |
| Administrative Status | Municipality (Gemeinde / Commune) in Canton of Valais Region |
| Region & Capital | Canton of Valais Region (Capital: Sion) |
| Region of Switzerland | Monthey District |
| Population | 17,894 residents |
| Total Area / Density | Regional km² · Urban/Town people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | Official Municipality |
| Coordinates | 46.2436°N, 6.9545°E |
Getting to Monthey & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Sion Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)): Simplon rail line via Brig and Visp; Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Zermatt and Glacier Express route.
- Local rail & SBB EasyRide / transit cards: Once in Canton of Valais Region, SBB regional trains, narrow-gauge mountain railways, and yellow PostBuses connect Sion with Monthey. The SBB Mobile app (EasyRide swipe) and Swiss Half Fare Card & regional transit passes cover trains, PostBuses, trams, and boats nationwide.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Canton of Valais have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Monthey en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with SBB Luggage Transfer.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Monthey are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways station or airport in Canton of Valais can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and high Alpine passes. Read our Renting a Car in Switzerland Guide.
What to Eat in Monthey & Canton of Valais
Monthey shares the culinary traditions of Canton of Valais Region and the wider Monthey District region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Valais Raclette AOP — a signature specialty across Canton of Valais Region.
- Cholera savory pastry — a signature specialty across Canton of Valais Region.
- Valais dried beef (Trockenfleisch) — a signature specialty across Canton of Valais Region.
- Petite Arvine & Fendant wines — a signature specialty across Canton of Valais Region.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Switzerland Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Switzerland dietary explanations at restaurants in Monthey.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Best time to visit Canton of Valais: Jun–Sep (hiking), Dec–Apr (skiing).
Regional highlights across Canton of Valais Region that pair well with a visit to Monthey include: Zermatt, Matterhorn & Gornergrat, Aletsch Arena & Great Aletsch Glacier, Saas-Fee & Verbier alpine resorts, Sion castles & Lavaux/Valais vineyards.
Practical Travel Tips for Monthey
- Tourist information office (Tourist Info): Look for the official Switzerland Tourism or local tourist office counter inside or right outside the main train station in Monthey (or at Sion Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Monthey accept international cards and contactless / SBB EasyRide payment, smaller family-run restaurants, Alpine huts (Berghütten), and farm stands may prefer cash or Twint. Swiss PostFinance and cantonal bank (Kantonalbank) ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Monthey (Monthey (BFS 6153)) located in Switzerland?
Monthey (Monthey (BFS 6153)) is a municipality (gemeinde / commune) located in Canton of Valais Region in the Monthey District region of Switzerland (coordinates: 46.2436°N, 6.9545°E). It has a population of approximately 17,894 across an area of Regional km².
How do I get to Monthey by train?
Most visitors reach Monthey via the main prefectural gateway of Sion Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways). Simplon rail line via Brig and Visp; Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn to Zermatt and Glacier Express route. From the regional hub, connect by SBB regional trains, PostBus (PostAuto), or lake steamer to Monthey. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways Fare Calculator.
What local food is Monthey and Canton of Valais known for?
In Monthey and across Canton of Valais Region, top local dishes include Valais Raclette AOP, Cholera savory pastry, Valais dried beef (Trockenfleisch), as well as Petite Arvine & Fendant wines. Look for traditional Swiss Stuben, Alpine cheese dairies, and weekly town markets near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Monthey?
Best time to visit Canton of Valais: Jun–Sep (hiking), Dec–Apr (skiing). Check our Switzerland Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: