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Varen

Canton of Valais · District: Leuk · 701 inhabitants (31.12.2025, provisional FSO figure)
View of Varen
Photo: Reustli, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons · Coat of arms: Public domain
Origin of the name Founding Historical timeline Population over time Must-see historical sites Remains Sources and references Nearby villages

Origin of the name Varen

The village is first mentioned in 1225 as « Varonam ». Its French name is Varonne. The name remains unexplained.[1]

Founding of Varen

Varen (Varonne) lies on the right-bank slope of the Rhône valley, above the Pfyn forest (Pfynwald). A Bronze Age grave shows a very early presence. In 1241 the diocese of Sion bought estates in Varen from the de Varona family, which then administered them as fiefs. The Dala tower, with its drawbridge, dates from the 13th century. In the 14th century the community gradually acquired land and alpine pastures, including the bishop's estates in 1382. It regulated the use of the Dala irrigation channel in 1484 and 1493 and adopted a first farmers' ordinance (Bauernzunft) in 1543. Part of the parish of Leuk, Varen became a parish in 1783.[1]

History of Varen

Bronze Age. A grave containing a Valais-type triangular dagger attests a human presence.[1]

1225. First mention as « Varonam ».[1]

1241. The diocese of Sion buys estates in Varen from the de Varona family, which then administers them as fiefs.[1]

13th century. The Dala tower, with a drawbridge, is built.[1]

1363. Varen acquires one eighth of the Alp zum Stein.[1]

1379. Acquisition of the Condemina field.[1]

1382. Varen acquires the bishop's estates.[1]

1383. Acquisition of the communal alp of Blechten.[1]

1484. The municipality regulates the use of the Dala irrigation channel, again in 1493.[1]

1543. The first Bauernzunft (farmers' ordinance) is founded.[1]

1556. The boundary with Leuk is fixed.[1]

1666. The boundary with Salgesch is fixed.[1]

1783. Varen separates from the parish of Leuk and becomes a parish.[1]

1799. French troops burn the parish church of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows.[1]

1800-1804. The church is rebuilt, followed by further work in 1870-1871 and 1967-1969.[1]

1816. Last mention of a Bauernzunft.

1986-1990. The Dala bridge and the link road to Leuk are built.[1]

2005. The primary sector still provides 61% of jobs. Many residents work in Sierre, Leuk, Leukerbad and Chippis.[1]

Population of Varen

Sources and references: [1][2]

Population of Varen
1798282 inhabitants
1850413 inhabitants
1900484 inhabitants
1950605 inhabitants
2000602 inhabitants
2025701

Historic sites in Varen

Church of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. Church of the parish created in 1783, burned by French troops in 1799, rebuilt in 1800-1804 and altered in 1870-1871 and 1967-1969.[1]

Dala irrigation channel. Irrigation channel whose use the municipality regulated in 1484 and 1493.[1]

Dala bridge. Bridge built in 1986-1990 together with the link road to Leuk.[1]

Vineyards. Viticulture is at the heart of the village economy.[1]

Remains in Varen

Bronze Age grave. Grave that yielded a Valais-type triangular dagger.[1]

Dala tower. 13th-century tower with a drawbridge.[1]

Sources

  1. Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse (version allemande), « Varen » (Alois Grichting, version du 21.02.2013)
  2. Office fédéral de la statistique (OFS), STATPOP, chiffres provisoires au 31.12.2025, via citypopulation.de
  3. geo.admin.ch, recherche de lieux (coordonnées)

Localities of the municipality with a page

Other villages near Varen

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