Leukerbad

Leukerbad (German: Leukerbad; French: Loèche-les-Bains) is a municipality in the district of Leuk in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. It is a well-known spa town, celebrated for its thermal baths and wellness facilities.

Geography and setting: The village lies in the Leuk valley in the northern Valais Alps at roughly 1,000–1,400 meters above sea level. It serves as a popular gateway for alpine hiking, skiing and thermal recreation. The area includes the nearby Gemmi Pass, a historic mountain crossing that links Valais with the Bernese Oberland.

Thermal baths: The town sits atop natural hot springs whose mineral-rich waters feed a cluster of spa complexes. The principal facilities include the Leukerbad Therme and the Walliser Alpentherme & Spa, plus numerous hotels offering spa services. Bathing is available both indoors and outdoors, and the waters are commonly advertised as therapeutic.

Economy and tourism: Tourism is the main economic activity, focused on spa hospitality, winter sports and summer hiking. The municipality accommodates several thousand residents and hosts visitors year-round.

Transport and accessibility: Leukerbad is accessible by road from Leuk and other Valais towns, with regional rail connections nearby and local bus services linking the spa quarter with surrounding communities.

History: Spa development began in earnest in the 19th and early 20th centuries, transforming Leukerbad into one of the Alpine spa hubs.