After being settled by Rhaeto-Romance people in the 10th century, around 1300 the Monforter dukes brought Walliser mercenaries from Switzerland to guard the passes and borders and offered them lands in return. The mercenaries were followed by many Walser families and settled the valley. The typical scattered settlement structure of the Walser still bears witness to this history today.

Keeping tradition alive, maintaining the language and wearing local costume are still important to local people.

Read more about the history and culture of the Walser people:
Walser Association (available in German language only), 
Homeland Association (available in German language only),
Grosswalsertal Homeland Museum