Episode 204: Discover Leukerbad: Switzerland’s Alpine Spa Village

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Tucked away in the canton of Valais, Leukerbad is a spectacular Alpine village best known for its natural thermal waters.

In this episode, Ryan Maxwell from Leukerbad Tourism shares the best things to do in Leukerbad, from soaking in the Leukerbad thermal baths – including Walliser Alpentherme Leukerbad and Therme 51 – to hiking, skiing and exploring the Gemmi Pass and Torrenthorn.

We also visit the nearby villages Albinen, Varen and Inden and discover why this beautiful corner of Valais is worth adding to your Switzerland itinerary.

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Show Notes

In this episode you’ll learn about:

Where Leukerbad is located in Switzerland and why it remains a hidden gem
What makes Leukerbad’s thermal springs unique and the differences between its three public thermal baths
Essential spa etiquette tips and what to expect when visiting the baths
Things to do in Leukerbad beyond the pools, including hiking, skiing, sledging, mountain biking, and more
The nearby villages Albinen, Inden, and Varen, and how easy they are to reach

Our Guest

Ryan Maxwell is the Head of International Sales and Marketing for My Leukerbad, helping bring one of Switzerland’s leading alpine destinations to an international audience. His journey has included roles such as Managing Director of EXTREME and Marketing Director of Boardmasters Festival, giving him a unique perspective on destination marketing, international growth, and how brands connect with people in an increasingly competitive world.

Places mentioned in this episode

Leukerbad’s three public thermal baths:

Thermal spa in Leukerbad — One of Leukerbad’s thermal pools.

>> Leukerbad Therme – The largest thermal spa in the Alps, Leukerbad Therme is spread over four levels and features ten pools and experiences at different temperatures. There are indoor and outdoor pools, sauna facilities, a sports pool and even a pool bar, as well as a grotto where you can experience the mineral-rich thermal water in its natural, unfiltered state.

>> Therme 51 – Therme 51 offers a smaller and more intimate thermal spa experience, with numbers kept lower than at Leukerbad Therme. Its 13 pools and sauna experiences include different temperatures, steam rooms and features such as hay saunas, all surrounded by beautiful mountain views.

>> Walliser Alpentherme – With indoor and outdoor thermal pools and spectacular mountain surroundings, Walliser Alpentherme is perhaps the most photogenic of Leukerbad’s thermal baths. A highlight is its underground sauna village, with traditional wooden huts, saunas and dipping pools, as well as a Roman-Irish bathing experience.

Leukerbad and its nearby villages:

>> Leukerbad – Surrounded by dramatic mountains in the canton of Valais, Leukerbad is an Alpine village sitting at around 1,400 metres above sea level. Best known for its natural thermal waters, it combines wellness with year-round outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, skiing and snowshoeing, making it an appealing destination in every season.

>> Albinen – Just a short distance from Leukerbad, Albinen is a small, traditional mountainside village characterised by old wooden chalets and a beautiful church. Adventurous walkers can reach it via the historic Albinen ladders, an old route between Leukerbad and the village that’s definitely not for the faint-hearted.

>> Inden – Situated between Leukerbad and Varen, Inden is a small, quiet village partway up the mountain. It offers visitors a peaceful contrast to the greater range of activities and facilities found in Leukerbad.

>> Varen – Further down the valley, Varen is wine country and is known for producing both red and white wines. Visitors can enjoy wine walks combined with local food, making it a worthwhile addition to a stay in the Leukerbad region.

Mountain excursions from Leukerbad:

>> Torrent – The Torrent side of Leukerbad is the greener and sportier of the village’s two mountain areas. As well as hiking and other outdoor activities, visitors can enjoy restaurants and expansive views across the surrounding mountains, including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.

>> Gemmi – In contrast to green Torrent, the Gemmi side has a more dramatic, rocky landscape. Historically, the Gemmi was an important north-south route through Switzerland, and today visitors can walk towards Kandersteg, enjoy a beautiful mountain lake and take in impressive views from high above Leukerbad.

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