Spa Tourism and the Four Seasons in Leukerbad

17 April 2025

Finds of Roman coins in Leukerbad (Loèche-les-Bains in French, kanton Wallis) provide evidence that the Romans were already familiar with the thermal springs in Leukerbad and that the thermal water has been used without interruption ever since. Today, around 65 thermal springs are known.

Leukerbad was first mentioned in 1229, but at that time, it was still referred to as Boez. The inhabitants spoke a Roman-French dialect. A change took place around 1,500.

In the last decades of the 15th century, the German language became increasingly prominent alongside the Roman-French vernacular, which had been the only language spoken until then. Within two generations, the old vernacular had been wholly replaced.

The predominance of the German-speaking population in Valais, combined with the energetic leadership of German-speaking bishops Walter Supersaxo and Matthäus Schiner from the bishopric of Sion and the many visitors from German-speaking areas, contributed to this change. Bishop Schiner built and exploited around 1,500 different bathhouses.

The number of spas, visitors, hotel accommodations, and other tourist facilities rapidly increased in the 19th and 20th centuries. Leukerbad developed into an important tourist resort. The thermal baths, mountain cabins, and numerous hiking trails offer something for everyone.

And despite all the new buildings, this village has also retained its authentic centre and atmosphere.

(Source: Gemeinde Leukerbad)

Impressions 

   

Schwingen, the national Swiss sport