Leukerbad

The largest thermal spa village in the Valais Alps: soak in open-air pools beneath snowy peaks and towering cliffs, and ride the cable car up to the Gemmi Pass for panoramic views.

Leukerbad lies in the German-speaking part of the Swiss canton of Valais, at the head of the Dala valley on the north side of the Rhône valley, at about 1,411 m. Enclosed on three sides by the thousand-metre Gemmi cliffs and the Daubenhorn, it is the largest thermal spa village in the Alps. The village has more than 60 hot springs, with water up to about 51°C and some 3.9 million litres flowing out each day. They were recorded as far back as Roman times, and from the 19th century the village became a health resort for European aristocracy. Today the village centre has two large public spas—Leukerbad Therme (formerly the Burgerbad) and Walliser Alpentherme—and many hotels have their own thermal pools, so in winter you can soak outdoors while gazing at snowy peaks. Beyond the baths, the Gemmi cable car whisks you up to the 2,350 m Gemmi Pass in minutes, where you can visit the cliff-edge viewing platform, hike around the Daubensee, or follow the ancient Gemmi mule track over the mountains to Kandersteg in the canton of Bern. Across the valley, the Torrent area offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer; in Albinen you can climb the eight wooden ladders handed down by the villagers; and down in the valley are the old town of Leuk, Pfyn-Finges Nature Park and the wine village of Salgesch. Seasons: the thermal baths are open year-round; December–April is the most popular time for snowy soaks and skiing; June–October is good for hiking, when the Gemmi cable car and the ladder route are open. Getting there: take the train from Brig or Sion to Leuk station, then a bus up the mountain (about 30 minutes); from Zurich it takes about 2.5–3 hours. Leukerbad can be combined with Zermatt, Saas-Fee and the Aletsch Glacier on a Valais itinerary. Plan to stay 1–2 nights. Overnight guests receive a guest card with discounts on some spas and cable cars. Note: drink plenty of water before and after bathing, and people with heart conditions should be careful in the hottest pools; the Gemmi mule track and the ladders involve steep drops, so avoid them in rain or snow.

Top sights

Where to eat