20 of the World's Most Scenic Valleys

Some are framed by impossibly high peaks. Others are lush landscapes with lazy rivers meandering through them. Some are full of vineyards and orchards and some are deserts, dotted with massive stone towers. We’ve travelled the world to bring you 20 of the most scenic (and diverse) valleys in the world. Which ones do you want to visit?

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1. Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is pretty much the default image most people have of Switzerland. Its name means 'clear spring'. Located near Bern, it's easy to reach. And you can walk in the footsteps of J. R. R. Tolkien who hiked here in 1911.

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2. Kalalau Valley, Hawaii

Located on Kauai, the Kalalau Valley is one of the most spectacular locations in Hawaii. The valley is in the Na Pali Coast State Park. However, access is restricted to those who hike the Kalalau Trail or kayak in. If you kayak, you'll also be able to experience Kalakau Beach.

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3. Okanagan Valley, BC

BC's Okanagan Valley is much more than wine country. Home to a mild climate, it's a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Water sports, golfing, hiking and skiing are just a few of the things you can fill your days with.

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4. Napa Valley, California

California's wine country is also located in a beautiful setting. The Napa Valley is just a short journey from San Francisco and is a popular spot for those interested in learning more about wine. Or just drinking it. A unique way of experiencing the area, its food, and its wine is on the Napa Valley Wine Train.

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5. Verde Valley, Arizona

Located in central Arizona, the Verde Valley is located close to Sedona. The valley is surrounded by national forests and is a popular spot for outdoorsy-types. The valley and the river that runs through it are named for the area's beautiful cottonwood trees.

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6. Lotschental, Switzerland

Another mind-blowing Swiss valley is Lotschental. You'll find it in the Bernese Alps. Lotschental is 27 km long and includes picturesque villages like Wiler and Kipple. Be wary of the local custom Tschaggatta, which involves scary individuals dressed in furs and masks flinging soot on unsuspecting people.

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7. Romsdalen, Norway

Romsdalen is a 37 km long valley in Norway. Massive peaks tower over the Rauma River below. A large, unstable rock is threatening to fall to the valley's floor, so keep looking up!

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8. Yosemite, California

Yosemite is a huge valley and part of Yosemite National Park. More than four million visitors descend on the park every year, and most spend their entire visit in Yosemite Valley. This is one of America's great destinations, especially for hikers and climbers.

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9. Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff, Alberta

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9. Valley of the Ten Peaks, Banff, Alberta

It doesn't get much more Canadian than the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park. Yes, there are ten peaks and as an added bonus: Moraine Lake. The valley is easily reachable. Leaving is more difficult.

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10. Douro Valley, Portugal

Douro Valley is another gorgeous valley that is also a big wine producing region. Located in northern Portugal, east of Porto, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. The region is known for its production of Port, but non-fortified wines are produced here, too.

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11. Simplon Valley, Italy/Switzerland

The Simplon Valley is in the Alps and shared by Italy and Switzerland, making it one of the most beautiful border regions on earth. There are four large mountain peaks here ranging from 3533 m to 4017 m.

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12. Haa Valley, Bhutan

The remarkable Haa Valley is in the Haa District of western Bhutan. The Himalayan kingdom is known for its beauty, and the Haa Valley doesn't disappoint with its terraces and steep walls.

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13. The Valley of Geysers, Russia

Located in Russia's remote Kamchatka Peninsula, the Valley of Geysers is accessible only by helicopter. The area was home to nearly 90 geysers until a massive mudslide in 2007 covered two-thirds of the valley. Years later, some of the geysers have come back to life, and there are hopes the valley will return to its former state.

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14. Logar Valley, Slovenia

Slovenia's Logar Valley is in the northern part of the country, just south of the Austrian border. Jagged peaks tower over the beautiful green valley floor below. A well maintained walking path provides easy access to the valley's different points of interest.

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15. Jiuzhaigou, China

Jiuzhaigou is located in Sichuan, China. The name means "Valley of Nine Fortified Villages". Jiuzhaigou is a national park and features mountains, waterfalls and colourful lakes like Five Flower Lake. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

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16. Kaghan Valley, Pakistan

Wow! Pretty impressive, eh? The Kagan Valley is located in Northern Pakistan. The valley is 155 km long and its highest point is nearly 4200 m.

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17. Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

You'll want to break out in song when visiting Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. On one side, the Blue Ridge Mountains. On the other, the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians. It's named for the Shenandoah River and is home to a number of limestone caves, should you wish to go under the valley.

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18. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah

One of the most amazing spots in the US, it's hard to describe just how incredible Monument Valley is. The desert valley straddles the Arizona and Utah border and is famous for its sandstone buttes that rise as much as 300 m into the air.

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19. Loire Valley, France

The charming Loire Valley is located in central France. There are so many vineyards and orchards that the valley is known as the 'Garden of France'. The UNSECO World Heritage site has something for everyone, from historic towns with stunning architecture to, well, all those vineyards!

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20. Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Autumn is the best time to visit Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley. The leaves are changing and roadside stands are overflowing with the fall harvest. Drive the back roads and discover quaint villages. Pop over to the Bay of Fundy for exceptional seafood (scallops!). Visit one of the many vineyards. Or just take a stroll around the Grand Pre National Historic Site.

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