Nestled in the deep-cloven valley surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps; Leukerbad is a Swiss village that looks straight out of a storybook. It is the largest thermal and wellness resort town in the Alpine region and is situated in the canton of Valais in the south of Switzerland at 1411 meters above sea level. The spa village is known to have the maximum number of thermal pools and is a perfect place if you are looking for a relaxing spa weekend. In this post we give you the details of how to visit, what to do, and where to stay in Leukerbad Therme Switzerland.
To the east, the Daubenhorn at 2942 m. above sea level; to the north the Gemmi Pass (2322 m.) and the Balmhorn (3698 m.); to the west the Torrenthorn (2998).
The springs here contain a wide variety of essential minerals and produce water that is said to have therapeutic abilities. Thermal spring water contains different minerals, so they are suitable for treating various ailments. Spurting out at 51°C, the water here is very warm, which permits bathing during colder months amidst breathtaking locations.
Though it is not just limited to thermal pools, Leukerbad is also famous for hiking trails and the most famous one is the Gemmi Pass that connects the Valais and the Berner Oberland.
HOW TO REACH LEUKERBAD THERME, SWITZERLAND
The town is located in the canton of Valais in the southwestern part of Switzerland. To get there, you can drive or take the train to Leuk and bus 471 from there. The bus station is right outside the railway station.
Note: The spa town is quite close to Brig, Visp & Leuk. You can also combine the trip with Zermatt or any other above-mentioned cities/ towns.
THINGS TO DO IN LEUKERBAD, SWITZERLAND
Village Tour Leukerbad Therme Switzerland
Take a walk around the village and you will find it has beautifully preserved its old town feel. There are hardly 1500 inhabitants and the town gives you all the laid-back vibes that you expect from a spa town.
There are cute cafes and shops dotted all around. You can happily browse the souvenir shops, boutiques or satiate your taste buds at cute or fancy restaurants. The local wine here is also said to be very good. Most of the shops in Leukerbad are family-run run businesses.
Relax in Thermal Pools of Leukerbad Therme Switzerland
Nothing better to soothe your body after an arduous day skiing or hiking in one of the many thermal pools at Leukerbad.
The most popular one is Leukerbad Therme Switzerland. It is Europe’s largest alpine thermal spa. It has an elaborate leisure complex with 10 thermal pools (28 ° C to 43 ° C), a spa, a restaurant on-site, a swimming pool, and a dedicated area for the kids with two thermal pools and waterslides. There is also man-made river and massage jets for relaxation.
They have different water temperatures, pools are spread over indoor and outdoor areas, allowing guests to relax and recharge against a backdrop of incredible panoramic views.
The best part is that you can experience the thermal baths for 365 days a year. There are also special treatment and rehabilitation programs.
Locker facilities, shower area, and dresser area are on site. You can also pick up some beauty essentials from the store at Leukerbad Therme.
- Price: 3 hrs – 25 CHF / 1 Day – 30 CHF
Note: Towels and robes can be rented at the reception desk.
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
Price: Children under 8 years can use the facilities free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Another large spa facility that is also accessible to the public is Walliser Alpentherme & Spa.
Drink Wine & Eat
Valais region is famous for wine and it would be a shame to come back without a wine tasting session. You can head to Varen which has numerous vineyards.
Make sure apart from fondue, you also try the special bread (Walliserbrot).
Enjoy the panoramic views from Gemmi Pass ( 2322 m )
If you don’t fancy a hike, hop on to cable car that whisks you straight up to the top, and ogle at the incredible vistas from the top.
Hiking Trails
There are many hiking trails that are quite popular, especially to Kandersteg, Adelboden, or the Wildstrubel. If you do not suffer from vertigo you can also opt for a two-hour hike to Albine as it is quite a challenging and adventurous trek or an easy two-hour hiking trail from Gemmi Pass that leads to one of the stunning lakes – Daubensee.
Hike to Dala Gorge & Thermal Spring Footbridge
Surrounded by rocky cliffs and gushing water underneath, the 600 meters long footbridge and 35-meter-high waterfall are must-visit places. The pool which is said to be thermal water’s source in the Dala Gorge is a mini oasis of tranquility.
Visit Lake Majingsee
Another beautiful lake is quite popular among locals and tourists alike and can be easily combined with a hike to Dala Gorge. The hike to the lake is serene and picturesque.
Hike to Wysse Lake
This lake plays a significant part in the history of the long journey of thermal springs. The rainwater infiltrates the mountains. As it heats up, it spurts up and flows into one of the many springs. The easy hike begins at the Rinderhütte summit station.
Hiking time – 3-4 hours
Winter Activities
Winter Activities that are quite popular – Skiing and snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing.
WHERE TO STAY IN LEUKERBAD
The spa town is riddled with pretty spa resorts and homestays. There are also accommodations with their own unique settings of thermal provisions that include indoor and outdoor thermal pools exclusively for their in-house guests. In-house doctors and professionally trained staff.
Le Bristol is a beautiful property to stay and is quite close to the Leukerbad Therme Switzerland. The hotel boasts both indoor and outdoor thermal spas that are accessible to its in-house guests only. The hotel has 67 rooms with modern amenities, a sauna, a bar, and an onsite restaurant. The outdoor thermal pool of the hotel offers some great views of the snow-capped mountains.
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NOTE
If you do find our article useful in planning your trip, don’t forget to send a note/picture of your trip to us ( Email: thetalesofatraveler@gmail.com) for our Testimonial section.
Great post with comprehensive list.
The houses looks like those in children’s story book and its dreamy! I wish to visit this destination, am sold!
Which part of Leukerbad is your favorite?
Switzerland is so magical! I love spa towns and spending time in the thermal pools. I would love to visit here. It looks beautiful.
What a picture postcard perfect place! As you say, Leukerbad looks right out of a storybook. I like all the cafes, shops and restaurants, plus love the idea of the thermal pools/
Leukerbad looks picture perfect town with fairy-tale type of streets and houses. I would love to go for a Village tour with thousands of photos of those quaint wooden houses. Also taking dips in thermal pools look fun and I would surely opt for it. Loved your photoraphs!
WOW! Although Switzerland is perfect in any season it looks so dreamy in winters. The village tour you took looks fab. And, man just 1500 people. That’s awesome.
This spa village looks so magical! I visited Switzerland in the summer so didn’t see snow on the Alps. Wine tasting sounds nice too. Would love to come back Switzerland and visit here.
I’ve never heard of Leukerbad but it’s absolutely beautiful! You’re right – it definitely looks straight out of a storybook, or even a fairytale! I find that with a lot of Ski and Spa resorts in the mountains of Switzerland, Austria & Europe but often they become a little ruined by tourism. In this case it’s clear Leukerbad hasn’t reached that point and hopefully won’t any time soon!
Leukerbad looks like the cutest little town, and I love the sound of a spa town! I would love to go skiing in the Swiss alps one day and can’t think of a better way to end a long ski day with a dip in a geothermal spring. Zermatt’s been on my list for a while too, so would love to combine this with a Zermatt trip.
Wow, it really does look like from a story book. I love it. I have visited Basel in Switzerland one time, and I thought it was really cool too. Everything is so fairytale -like and there is so much to see. I also loved it since there is so much history behind each building. Here is another village that goes on my bucket list.
I had no idea about Leukerbad until I read this post. Quite an offbeat find. I would love to do hiking here. Your pictures are amazing and tempt me to head there asap. Switzerland is one dreamy destination.
I love these small Swiss towns. They have such a cute ambiance. Those wooden cottages, bright roofs. This one too, has that and looks like quite a fairyland. Lucky you to have experienced it as well as those lovely thermal spas. Must have been quite an experience.
Wow this town in Switzerland has left me in love with Switzerland. The snow-capped mountain photo is so beautiful. Plus the property in which you stayed sees luxury.
Amazing post and awesome pictures. Never actually heard of this place but after seeing your pictures I’m surely gonna add this to my list.
I had heard about the thermal and wellness resorts of Leukerbad but it was good to hear about it more through your experiences. Switzerland is gorgeous for sure and the credit for it goes to its pretty landscapes and lovely towns and cities like this. I am sure you had a great trip. Le bristol looks inviting. The pictures say so.
Leukerbad sounds like the perfect little fairy-tale village! I’d love to take a stroll around the old town, it looks so charming. Also, the idea of thermal pools, especially when it is so cold outside, sounds perfect. I’ve been to Switzerland in the summer but I’ve been thinking of making a winter trip. Also, since I’ve visited the bigger and more popular cities, it’s time to explore the small towns and villages. Leukerbad sounds just like the sort of place I’d like to go to!
Leukerbad is indeed beautiful. The village gives an old rustic feeling. You have captured some really lovely images of the village. Never ever saw such big thermal pools – these are just so amazing and seem very well maintained. I am sure you had a great time relaxing in the pools.
Switzerland is high on my list but I can’t decide what time of the year I should visit! I feel ike it is so different in the winter compared ot the summer. Your photos are absolutely stunning and it feels like no matter where you turn, it really does look like it was out of a fairytale.
What an amazing and fascinating place to visit. Whats the temperature as it is my main concern before the visit.
Leukerbad really comes alive through your photos. Awesome reading about the place.