Best Things To Do In Leukerbad, Switzerland: Alps & Thermal Springs

1. Take a thermal bath in the largest thermal spa resort in the Alps 

Leukerbad as a whole is considered the largest thermal spa resort in the Alps. Whether you’re coming here for therapeutic purposes or just to relax, the natural thermal waters are perfect for this dual purposes and are open 365 days a year. The water in Leukerbad can go up to 51-degree celsius (124°F). This is especially great for active trekkers and vacationers who want to relax their sore muscles after a day out in the mountains. The waters are open to everyone.

Leukerbad Thermal Pools

Address: Pfyn-Finges Nature Park, Rathausstrasse 32, 3954 Leukerbad, Switzerland

Website: Leukerbad Thermal Pools

2. Try the cable car or adventure sports at Torrent 

If you aren’t prone to vertigo, then by all means, take the cable car to the Torrent Alp which goes up to 2,313 meters (7,589 feet) above sea level. From there, you can catch a beautiful view of the French Alps on one side and the Italian Alps on the other. It’s also especially nice for trekkers, skiers, and mountain bikers who want a little bit of a lift going up before they take the slide down.

Torrent Bahnen Leukerbad

Address: Bergstation Rinderhütte, 3954 Leukerbad, Switzerland

Website: Torrent Bahnen Leukerbad

3. Hike the icy natural landscape of Wildstrubel, Altels, Balmhorn or Steghorn 

While Leukerbad also has great tails during the spring and autumn seasons, hiking it during the winter months is also quite an experience. At this time, you will get to experience the snowy fairytale landscape of Switzerland. Other than the historical Gemmi Pass, there are other hiking trails to choose from, from long to short, and steep or ground level hikes. Those with impressive peaks though are Wildstrubel, Altels, Balmhorn, and Steghorn. Mountain guides are available all throughout Leukerbad to guide you through the icy terrain.

Hiking Tour Around Mt. Wildstrubel

Address: Kandersteg Tourismus Hauptstrasse, 3718 Kandersteg, Switzerland

Website: Hiking Tour Around Mt. Wildstrubel

4. Climb the thrilling adventure pass at Gemmi via Ferrata 

The Gemmi Pass plays an important historical role in the development of Switzerland as it became the preferred route between Bern and Valais. If you want to climb rather than taking the cable car, whichever way, your goal is to reach 2,322 meters above sea level or 7,618 feet, the highest point in the pass. Other than Ferrata, you can also take other hiking trails such as that of Kandersteg, Adelboden, or Wildstrubel.

Gemmi Pass via Ferrata

Address: Leukerbad Tourismus Rathaus Postfach, 100 3954 Leukerbad, Switzerland

Website: Gemmi Pass via Ferrata

5. Bath and dine like Caesar with Leukerbad's Roman-Irish Night

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The official website says “Leave the humdrum of daily life behind and enjoy the music from a bygone era.” The Roman-Irish Night is cosplay with a historical twist. During the Roman-Irish Nights, (dates of which change, but it’s always announced months beforehand) visitors can have a genuine steam and water bath with a brush and soap massage. And just like how the Romans did in ancient times, together with the bath, you can also enjoy a buffet of meat, grapes, olives, and such in candlelight.

Leukerbad's Roman-Irish Night

Address: Walliser Alpentherme & Spa Leukerbad

Website: Leukerbad’s Roman-Irish Night

6. Get your thrill on with the Klettersteig Gemmi-Daubenhorn hiking trail 

There are about 65 beautiful hiking trails in Leukerbad but the Klettersteig Gemmi-Daubenhorn trail is especially challenging and worth the mention because it has the longest fixed-rope climbing route in Switzerland. It’s also called a via Ferrata, a route made out of cables and ladders. The trail has 216 meters (709 feet) of ladder and 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) of steel cables. From that angle, you can see the beautiful view of the Valais Alps along with the thrill of having the wind and sometimes rain at your back. It’s ideal for those who love the thrill of heights.

Klettersteig Gemmi-Daubenhorn

Address: Leukerbad tourism Rathaus CH-3954 Leukerbad, Switzerland

Website: Klettersteig Gemmi-Daubenhorn

7. Enjoying one of Europe’s largest Pine Forests, Pfyn Forest 

Pfyn Forest is a nature park center found in the center of Valais. It houses Europe’s largest pine forests, and several animal and plant species. The River Rhone also flows through Pfyn. Apart from its natural significance, Pfyn is also of national importance because it is the border of the German and French language in Switzerland. You can find several exhibitions, a specialized library, and an information booth in the area.

Pfyn Forest

Address: Natur- und Landschaftszentrum Kirchstrasse 4 Postfach 65, Switzerland

Website: Pfyn Forest

8. Make a day out of the Shepherds' Festival in Gemmi Pass in July

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Combined with the Sheep procession at Gemmi Pass, the Shepherds’ Festival is a fun event that highlights the hard work and camaraderie of shepherds and farmers all over Leukerbad. The festival is held in Kandersteg to Sunnbuel. In order to ease the climb of outside spectators, the Sunnbuel cableway runs backs and forth on that day. You can also take the old Roman Road, which is a traditional hiking trail going to Gemmi Pass. The whole hike will take you around 90 minutes. Expect a lot of singing, dancing, and, of course, sheep!

Shepherds' Festival

Address: Kandersteg Tourismus 3718 Kandersteg, Switzerland

Website: Shepherds’ Festival

Pastoral paradise

Leukerbad may hold important historical significance but it doesn’t mean that it’s chockfull of tourists just yet. So much of it is still dense forest, rivers, mountain streams, and small town living. You will be surprised at how carefully it has preserved its old town feel. All in all, it’s a great getaway for those looking for a slower, more intimate way of life.