Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps lies Leukerbad – a place where nature and magic intertwine, a place surrounded by snow-capped peaks and complete with natural healing waters. Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking for your next ski getaway, or simply looking for a tranquil break soaking in mineral-rich hot springs under the starry skies, this hidden gem in the Swiss Alps will not disappoint.
I recently visited Leukerbad for a 3-day trip, and here’s the resultant ultimate guide to making the most of this charming mountain town, including the best places to eat, stay, and guides on things to do.
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How Long Should You Stay in Leukerbad?
Leukerbad may not appear very big, but it has plently to do. Both within and outside the town, you will be graced by natural beauty unlike what you’ve seen before. Leukerbad also has two cable cars, which take you up to the peaks of Gemmi and Torrent, situated at 2350m.
Map of Leukerbad, Gemmi and Torrent (including ski pistes, hikes and cable cars/ski lifts)
To truly soak in the magic, plan to spend at least 2-3 days in this hidden gem in the Swiss Alps. This will give you enough time to relax in Leukerbad’s thermal spas, indulge in some traditional Swiss cuisine, and explore the beautiful surroundings. For the more adventurous, plan to extend your stay to 4 days, allowing enough time ski or snowboard down Torrent, Sledge Gemmi, hike around Daubensee Lake, or photograph the beautiful birds and wildlife in this snowtouched landscape.
Best Time to Visit
Leukerbad is beautiful all-year round, with both Summer and Winter activities aplenty! If you’re someone who loves to hike, wants to complete the via ferrata, or simply want to nestle in the beauty of the hilltops, Summer is a great time to visit. For someone a little like me (who will never pass up an opportunity to see snow), Leukerbad is beautiful in Winter, with opportunities for skiing, sledging, winter hiking, soaking in thermal baths and more.
Where to Stay
Leukerbad is not a very large town, so it almost does not matter where you stay. We opted to stay quite centrally, close to the main restaurants, and between the two cable cars that operate in Leukerbad (one going up to Torrent, and the other to Gemmi).
It is also important to note that Leukerbad is not a very luxury/touristy destination, so whilst accomodation will be clean and comfortable, it will likely not be very fancy.
- Therme 51° Hotel Physio & Spa: If you are looking for a centrally located, comfortable mid-range to luxury stay, Therme 51° is lovely. The hotel has its own private thermal baths so you don’t have to trek to the main ones, and is 10-15 minutes away from both cable cars. Speaking from personal experience, the rooms are comfortable, and the hotel’s location is super convenient if you need to pop to the shops to pick up any essentials. The only downside is the hotel is split over two buildings – meaning you may have to walk across the square to get to breakfast, or the Therme 51° baths, depending on which building you are in.
- Résidence Les Sources des Alpes: Résidence Les Sources des Alpes is a lovely mid-range to luxury property further up in Leukerbad, with wonderful views of the mountains. Like Therme 51°, they also have their own thermal baths.
- Hotel Alpenblick: Hotel Alpenblick is mid-range hotel primely located right next to the Leukerbad Therme; perfect if your intention is a spa break.
- Hotel Viktoria: Hotel Viktoria is the closest hotel to the Leukerbad Therme, and also brilliant for those spa moments. It is highly rated in all aspects, from staff, to location, cleanliness, wifi and value for money.
- Hotel Paradis: Hotel Paradis is a very affordable accommodation option, and even offers rooms with kitchens for those wanting more of a self-catered experience. The hotel is close to the Gemmibahn, perfect for a trip up to Gemmi for hiking, sledging and more.
5 Enchanting Things to Do in and Around Leukerbad
note: these suggestions are more winter focused, but many still apply in the summer months.
1. Take the Cable Car up to Gemmi (and go hiking, sledging, or snowshoeing)
One of the cable cars in Leukerbad takes you up to Gemmi, a beautiful mountain pass connecting Leukerbad, in the Valais Canton, with Kanderstag, in the Bern Canton. Gemmi has numerous things to see and do both in summer and winter.
In the winter months, Gemmi has some beautiful snowshoe hikes (and regular walking hikes too). Gemmi is also where you can go to sledge. You can rent sledges at the top (in the Gemmi Bahn station) for CHF 10.00 per hour. There are two trails to sledge down (one faster/steeper, and one slower). Both are equally fun, and there is a mini cable car at the bottom that will bring you back to the start, meaning you can sledge down as many times as you would like.
2. Go on a Hike (and bring your camera!)
The Alps are beautiful, no matter the time of year; and Leukerbad (and its surrounding peaks) have some beautiful hiking trails. You can hike the Dala Gorge, around the Daubensee Lake, or simply walk the hills and mountains around you.
When hiking, not only will you encounter stunning landscapes, but see beautiful wildlife too! Hiking up the hill just beside the cable car stop at the top of Gemmi, we saw some beautiful birds!
3. Ski/Snowboard down Torrent
The second cable car in Leukerbad takes you up to Torrent, Leukerbad and surrounding town Albinen’s very own ski resort. Torrent has over 50km of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of every level (though the majority of slopes are red and black).
You can choose to take a ski lift further up the mountain and ski down to Torrent station, or can even choose to ski down the mountain from Torrent station to Flaschen (where you can get a 20 minute bus back to Leukerbad).
4. Soak in Leukerbad’s Thermal Baths
Leukerbad is known for its natural hot spring thermal baths, great for a soak after a day out, or even a full spa day.
The public thermal baths are distributed over four ‘floors’ and offer 10 spaces complete with refreshing mineral rich waterfall showers, massage jets, pools, whirlpools, water slides and grottos. The temperature of the baths range from 28 C to 43 C, ideal for every range of comfort and every weather condition.
Certain hotels also have private thermal baths, which tend to be smaller, but equally as nice if you are looking for something less crowded.
5. Visit Leuk
Wanting to get out of Leukerbad? Nearby, the medieval town of Leuk, nestled among hillside vineyards and with beautiful views of the Pfyn-Finges Forest awaits. Leuk used to be one of the most important towns in Upper Valais, controlling historical traffic between Brig and Sion.
Best Places to Eat (in Leukerbad, Gemmi and Torrent)
In Leukerbad (for food)
- Restaurant Waldhaus: Restaurant Waldhaus is the high-end place to be, offering a selection of Swiss delicacies, tender meats, and age old wines any connoisseur will want to try.
- 1411 Restaurant Lounge: 1411 is a fabulous upscale, but not overly fancy restaurant. It has flavourful food, a great atmosphere and brilliant service.
- Restaurant Canaan: Whilst I love fondue, and eating hearty, traditional Swiss mountain food, I also love the Pan Asian cuisine. If you’re anything like me and craving some Chinese after a day out on the slopes, Restaurant Canaan will not disappoint!
In Leukerbad (for drinks)
- Leukerbad Therme Pool Bar: The pool in the main thermal baths has a swim-up bar, perfect for a quick refreshing drink. Note: drinks are a bit on the expensive side, but well worth it for the experience of having a drink in thermal baths
- 1411 Restaurant Lounge: Other than being a fabulous restaurant, the downstairs lounge area of 1411 serves lovely coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Perfect after being out on a cold day (or even on a warm summers day).
In Gemmi
- Gemmi Lodge 2350 Panoramarestaurant
In Torrent
- Rinderhütte Panoramarestaurant
All in all, a visit to this hidden gem is the Swiss Alps is well worth it. Leukerbad boasts wonders to see and do, and is the perfect haven for a quick relaxing getaway.
