Hikes

Thermal Canyon Walk

Thermalquellen-Steg

Leukerbad

Fascinating walk that combines a theme trail devoted to Leukerbad’s famous mineral water and a spectacular walkway that leads into the Dala gorge, site of the hot springs.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

2.83 km

Duration

1:30 h

Description

This walk combines parts of the resort’s «Thermal spring trek» theme trail (Thermalquellen-Weg) with the «Thermal canyon walk» (Thermalquellen-Steg) into the Dala gorge.

The theme trail explores the history and significance of the thermal springs in Leukerbad. Our route begins in the village centre and crosses the resort to reach the Dala gorge. Information panels along the way give details of the various hot springs in the resort and reveal the medicinal properties of the thermal water and its importance for the local economy. 

At the entrance to the Dala gorge, you leave the theme trail and begin the «Thermal canyon walk». This follows a walkway opened in 2004: a secured steel structure that leads deep into the gorge. Leukerbad’s famous thermal springs bubble up in the river bed below your feet. Rust-brown streaks show the high iron content of the thermal water, which emerges from cracks and fissures in the gorge’s rock walls.

The wheelchair-accessible walkway is about 600 metres long and leads through the Dala gorge as far as a 35-metre-high waterfall. Able-bodied visitors can continue via flights of steps up to the source of this waterfall – a peaceful pool of crystal-clear water.

Our route now leaves the ravine and returns to Leukerbad via the northern side of the gorge and the hamlet of Buljes.

The described route follows only part of the theme trail. This additionally leads through the lower part of the village of Leukerbad – offering a potential extension to our walk.

Turn-by-turn directions

"De la place du village, suivre le chemin balisé (environ 1 km) jusqu'au pont des thermes. La passerelle des sources thermales commence ici et mène à plusieurs mètres au-dessus du lit du ruisseau dans les gorges sauvages de la Dala. Cherche une petite poulie qui te permettra de remonter l'eau thermale naturelle directement depuis les gorges. Un pont suspendu de 21 mètres de long t'amène finalement de l'autre côté et à une chute d'eau rugissante. Deux escaliers en fer serpentent sur les rochers et mènent à la sortie des gorges de la Dala.

Arrivé au bout de la passerelle des sources thermales, il y a plusieurs possibilités de poursuivre la randonnée : À droite, en traversant le pont en bois, un chemin mène au point de vue "Wasserfall", d'où l'on peut prendre les meilleures photos des gorges et de l'imposante passerelle. Tout droit, on continue à monter jusqu'au lac de Majing (foyer) et au restaurant Weidstübli. À gauche, le chemin de randonnée descend vers le restaurant Buljes et le sentier des sources thermales. Les trois sentiers de randonnée reviennent au village en 30 à 90 minutes.

La guilde des sources thermales te sera reconnaissante pour un don volontaire (cash ou Twint sur place). La passerelle a été construite et financée par la guilde. Les frais d'entretien annuels peuvent être couverts grâce à ton soutien. Un grand merci pour ta visite".

Start

Leukerbad, main village square (1401m)

Destination

Leukerbad, main village square (1401m)

Author's recommendation

Follow (from the Heilbad bridge onwards) the Thermal Springs Trail and learn more about the historical and geological background of the healing thermal waters.

Technical information

Altitude

1542m

1387m

Ascent

+165m

Descent

-165m

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Tags

  • Geological highlights
  • Accessibility
  • Round trip
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Family-friendly
Getting there
Information

Public transport

Leuk can be reached by train (SBB), then by bus (LLB - Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) to the starting point in Leukerbad.

Approach

From Basel and Zurich: A1 motorway to Bern; A6 to Spiez; direction Kandersteg; Kandersteg - Goppenstein car transport; direction Gampel; Leuk - Leukerbad.

From Geneva: Motorway A1 to Lausanne; direction Sion/Sierre; Leuk - Leukerbad.

From Milan: Motorway A8/A26 direction Simplon; car transport Iselle-Brig; direction Leuk - Leukerbad.

Parking

Various parking options in the village of Leukerbad. Follow the local parking guidance system.

Car parks in Leukerbad: Sportarena parking, Rathaus parking, Torrent parking, Leukerbad Therme parking, Alpentherme parking.

Equipment

Day hiking bag (approx. 20 litres) with rain cover, sturdy and comfortable footwear, multi-layered clothing suitable for the weather and hard-wearing, telescopic poles, sun and rain protection, provisions and drinking water, first aid kit, pocket knife, mobile phone, maps.

Safety information

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on "Print" icon, top right of this page.

Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Close gates after passing through.

Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.

Additional information

The tourist office in Leukerbad has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region and will give you detailled information about this hike.

Thermal Spring Guild of Leukerbad

Literature

The tourist office in Leukerbad has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region and will give you detailled information about this hike.

Maps

SwissTopo maps 1:25’000: 1267 Gemmi

Source

This activity is brought to you by Leukerbad . Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.