This beautiful river gorge cuts through the Leukerbad valley, part of the Thermalquellenweg, or source of thermal waters path. This village is known for its thermal baths, so it’s fitting that you walk along the river that provides these magical waters. Part of the trail is in a narrow section of the gorge, with an elevated walkway built onto the sides of the canyon walls high above the water. It’s an exciting and beautiful trail and free to visit unlike similar gorges in Switzerland.
| Location: | Valais, southern Switzerland |
| Address: | Leukerbad |
| Car: | Parking garage at Leukerbad Therme on Kantonsstrasse: 46°22’41.6″N 7°37’29.1″E |
| Train: | bus stop: Leukerbad, City about 1hr from Brig, 2hrs from Interlaken or Montreux |
| Trail: | 3.4 km loop, about 1hr |
| Condition: | elevated metal walkway with stairs, partially wheelchair & stroller accessible |
| Skill: | easy |
| Open: | May through October |
| Cost: | free |
| More info: | www.leukerbad.ch |
This hike is in the alpine village Leukerbad in southern Switzerland.
The trail starts in the center of the village and walks up and down along the river, partially on a road, partially on a path. The best part of the trail is on the elevated walkway on the sides of the canyon walls, with a couple suspension bridges crossing the river. The website says that the gorge (including stairs) are accessible by wheelchairs but I don’t remember seeing this. The walkway is quite narrow, so you would need to be very careful with passing traffic.
Longer option: You can hike further up the valley to the Majingsee pond. See my Leukerbad Valley Walk post.
Getting to Leukerbad
By car: Drive toward Leuk, then up the mountain road to Leukerbad. I suggest the Rathaus parking garage at Kantonsstrasse 5, 3954 Leukerbad. Then walk to the center of the village to join the trail.
By public transport: Take a train to Leuk, then bus 471 to Leukerbad, City. This drops you in the center of town, just a few meters from the trail.
On the trail
Parts of the trail are a bit away from the river, sometimes on the road, where you get views of the mountains and hills around the area.
Most of my pics are in the narrow part of the gorge, so I’ll just spam you with those….
In a couple parts, you get close down to the water.
The trail ends in the village where you can get ice cream or go soak in the thermal baths, highly recommended.
