Working closely with the Cantonal Office for Gender Equality and Family Affairs and the Valais Cantonal Archives, Unterbäch Tourism revamped the Women’s Quotes Trail in 2026. Quotes from famous women from the Valais now punctuate this enjoyable hike from Brandalp to Unterbäch. The first is located directly opposite the Alpenrösli restaurant, at the top station of the chairlift leading from Unterbäch. The hiking trail is signposted separately with purple boards and runs for a few minutes along Brandstrasse before branching off onto the nature trail at the bend above Ta. Along the route, you will come across 15 panels featuring quotes from well-known women such as Iris von Roten, Camille Rast and Germaine Seewer. The words are intended to encourage reflection whilst walking. The trail also serves as a reminder that women in Unterbäch, the ‘Rütli of Swiss women’, were allowed to vote 14 years before women were officially granted the right to vote. The trail is on easy and safe terrain, but still covers an elevation gain of around 450 metres. We therefore recommend walking boots and, if needed, walking poles. If you prefer to walk uphill, you can also start the well-signposted trail at the village square in Unterbäch. In winter, this popular trail is accessible on snowshoes (Brandalp Trail).

On the following page, you will find further information about the fifteen women featured, in both German and French: https://vs.ch/30-frauen-30-femmes

Design concept for the Women’s Quotes Trail

The redesign of the Women’s Quotes Path by visual artist Manuela Brügger draws on the symbolism of road signs. These serve as a source of creative inspiration: they highlight what is important, provide guidance and send a clear message.

This principle is developed organically within the concept. The signs do not appear rigid, but alive – like growing flowers. Different sizes symbolise various stages of growth. This image stands as a metaphor for the history of women: as the seed of an idea that takes root across generations – from the struggle for political rights, through important steps towards equality, to developments that continue to grow.

The bold colours of the panels echo the visual impact of traditional road signs. They attract attention whilst simultaneously inviting passers-by to pause and reflect. The backgrounds are based on macro photographs of flowers, which were first photographed, then interpreted in a painterly style, and subsequently photographed again. This multi-layered process creates a densification of detail that leaves room for the imagination.

Each thematic area – such as politics, culture or science – is given a specially designed icon as well as a consistent visual and colour scheme. Within this shared visual language, however, each panel remains individually designed. This emphasises the uniqueness of each personality.

The quotations grow along the path and resonate with the walkers. Every walker carries the words forward, so that the thoughts and voices of the women can continue to grow both in the landscape and in people’s consciousness.

About the artist

Manuela Brügger (b. 1983) is an artist and art educator. In 2004, she completed a federally recognised diploma in Fine Arts at the École Cantonale d’Art du Valais in Sierre, and in 2008 she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design Education from the Zurich University of the Arts.

In her artistic practice, she works with painting, sculpture and installation formats. A particular focus is on participatory projects developed in collaboration with various social groups. In doing so, she explores processes of collective creation as well as questions of perception, participation and social space.

Her works are created both in the studio and in public and social contexts, combining material, process-oriented and collaborative approaches.

www.manuela-bruegger.ch