Leukerbad, municipality in the canton of Valais, Switzerland
Leukerbad is a mountain town in the Valais region known for its natural hot springs and set within a valley surrounded by tall cliffs. It contains several thermal baths and wellness centers where visitors soak in warm water while looking out at snow-capped peaks and green valleys below.
People have lived here since ancient times, and Romans used the hot springs for health and bathing. In the 1800s, it became a popular health resort after famous writers like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Mark Twain visited and wrote about the springs' healing properties.
The name Leukerbad refers to the natural hot springs that have drawn people for centuries from the surrounding valleys. Walking through the town, you see traditional Swiss architecture alongside modern wellness facilities, reflecting how locals and visitors blend mountain heritage with contemporary spa culture.
The town is accessible by car or cable car, and there are many ways to explore the thermal baths and mountain trails. Summer offers the best conditions for hiking, while the winter season provides excellent snow sports and snowshoeing.
The historic Gemmi Pass served as a major trade route for more than 1000 years, connecting the Valais to the Bern region and now attracts hikers for its spectacular views. Walking this old path lets you see how traders once crossed the mountains in the same places where you stand today.
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