If you’re looking for a football experience that blends raw passion, alpine charm, and a touch of Swiss eccentricity, Stade de Tourbillon in Sion is your next must-visit stadium. Home to FC Sion and a key host for UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, this is where history, fan culture, and dramatic mountain backdrops collide.
🏟️ Why Stade de Tourbillon is Special
A Stadium with a View (and a Temper)
Most stadiums have a roof; Tourbillon has a medieval castle looming over it. The Château de Tourbillon, perched on a hill, watches over every match like a stone-faced referee. It’s an unbeatable backdrop—especially at sunset when the Valais Alps turn pink.
But don’t let the scenery fool you—this is a proper old-school ground. The stands are steep, tight, and loud, especially the Tribune Nord, where FC Sion’s hardcore fans turn up the volume. Unlike sanitized modern arenas, Tourbillon feels alive, even when it’s only half-full.
FC Sion: Switzerland’s Most Dramatic Club
No club in Switzerland burns as hot as FC Sion. Owned by the controversial, outspoken Christian Constantin (a former architect who treats football like a personal crusade), they’ve been relegated, promoted, and embroiled in legal battles—yet their fans never stop singing.
This season (2024-25), they’re back in the Swiss Super League after promotion, and their home form is brutal: 4 goals scored, 0 conceded in their first match (a 4-0 demolition of Lausanne-Sport). If you want passion over polish, this is the place.
Women’s EURO 2025: A Rare Chance to See International Football Here
Tourbillon isn’t usually on the international radar, but EURO 2025 changes that. The fixtures:
- 🇧🇪 Belgium vs. Italy 🇮🇹 (July 3) – Battle of tactics: Can Italy’s defense hold?
- 🇳🇴 Norway vs. Finland 🇫🇮 (July 6) – Scandinavian showdown under the Alps
- 🇵🇹 Portugal vs. Belgium 🇧🇪 (July 11) – Jostling for knockout-stage positioning
This is a golden opportunity—the stadium will be packed but not oversold (limited to 7,750 for UEFA games), meaning great views and a festival vibe in Sion’s cobbled streets.
🎟️ Tickets: How to Get the Best Seats
For FC Sion Games
- Tribune Nord = Best atmosphere (ultras, drums, €25 tickets) especially in those big classement championnat d’europe de football matches.
- Tribune Ouest = Best view (center-line, but pricier—up to €150).
- Avoid the corners—sightlines can be awkward.
Pro Tip: Buy via fcsion.ch early—big games (like Sion vs. Basel or Young Boys) sell out fast.
For EURO 2025
- UEFA’s ticketing site is the only official source.
- Category 3 (€25) is fine if you just want in, but Category 1 (€50-60) gets you midfield seats.
- Free Swiss Travel Pass included on matchday—use it to explore Valais.
🚆 Getting There: Skip the Stress
The Best Way? Train + Short Walk
- From Zurich/Geneva: Direct trains to Sion Station (~2hrs).
- From the station: It’s a 15-min walk (or a 3-min bus to Tennis de Valère).
Why walk? You’ll pass vineyards, the old town, and the castle—better than sitting in traffic.
Driving? Park Smart
- Official lot behind Tribune Nord fills fast.
- Better option: Park near Pl. de la Planta and stroll through the city.
🍻 Where to Drink & Eat (Like a Local)
Pre-Match Pubs
- La Bièrothèque (Le Bartis): A very eye-pleasing bar with hops to induce the tastebuds. Rue des Casernes 75, 1950 Sion, Switzerland
- Chez Nathan: An unpretentious boozer on the East side of town. Plenty of food options too. Rue du Scex 49A, 1950 Sion, Switzerland
- Domino: A drinker’s drink destination. Plenty of Belgian beers on tap. A few sources state that this is one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly spots in Sion, which by Swiss and wider European standards is under-represented. Rue de la Dixence 24, 1950 Sion, Switzerland
Avoid: Tourist traps near the station.
Stadium Food: Surprisingly Good
- Must-try: Schüblig sausage (spicy local favorite).
- Vegan? They’ve got plant-based burgers.
🍔 The Absolute Must-Visit Spots
1. Inglewood Burgers – The Best Burger in Town
📍 Cour de la Gare (5-min walk from station, 15-min to stadium)
🔥 Why go? These aren’t just burgers—they’re artisan masterpieces. Juicy beef, local cheeses, and a killer vegan option for non-meat eaters.
📌 Pro Tip: No reservations—get there early on matchdays.
2. Luigia – Proper Italian Before the Game
📍 Cour de la Gare 29
🍕 Why go? If you’re craving real pizza or pasta (especially Forza Italia fans), this place nails it. Wood-fired crusts, fresh burrata, and a killer Aperol Spritz to calm pre-match nerves.
📌 Pro Tip: The truffle pasta is worth every franc.
3. Burgerlution – For the Best Vegan Options
📍 Pl. du Midi 35
🌱 Why go? Rated 9.7/10 by locals, this spot does next-level plant-based burgers (plus meat options). The “Revolution Burger” (with smoked tofu) is a game-changer.
⚡ Matchday Tips (From Experience)
✅ Check the weather – Valais sun is brutal; bring sunscreen.
❌ Don’t expect a museum – This is a working-class stadium, not a corporate bowl.
❌ Don’t ignore the smoking ban – They enforce it strictly.
🏰 Beyond Football: What to Do in Sion
- Climb to Château de Tourbillon – Best view of the stadium.
- Wine tasting at Les Celliers de Sion – Valais = Switzerland’s best wines.
- Surf at Alaïa Bay – Yes, surfing in the Alps.
Final Verdict: Should You Go?
Yes—especially for EURO 2025. This is a rare chance to see top women’s football in an intimate, atmospheric stadium before FC Sion potentially moves to a new ground.
For FC Sion games, it’s even better—few places in Switzerland mix chaos, beauty, and pure football passion like this.
Pack your scarf, grab a schüblig, and join the noise. ⚽🔥
“Header photo” by Jamcib is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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