Hikes

Thermal Canyon Walk

Leukerbad

8/22°

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

Easy

Length

2.83 km

Duration

1:30 h

Thermal-Seilbahn, um das Thermalwasser direkt aus der Quelle zu greifen

Wasserfall zuhinterst Thermalquellen-Steg

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)

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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

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

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

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

For all hikes:

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.
Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Safety information

The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place.

When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

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

Preparing your hike

Status of the facilities

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.