These ten hiking destinations are easily accessible from Leukerbad by public transport, offering a mix of thermal springs, alpine meadows, and stunning mountain vistas. From the Loop to Flüealp alpine pasture to the challenging Ascent of the Torrenthorn, each trail showcases the natural beauty of the region. Whether you're looking for a relaxing walk or a more strenuous hike, there's something for everyone in the area surrounding this famous spa town.
The hikes are listed in order of travel time from Leukerbad, making it easy to plan your adventure based on your schedule and preferences. Check out the map to explore thousands of destinations and activities, reachable from any starting point in Switzerland.
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Leukerbad owes its existence to the abundant hot springs in the spa resort and along the Dala gorge above. This hike climbs out of the town to trace a high-altitude loop around the entire upper Dala gorges, and showcases Leukerbad’s magnificent mountain setting in grand style. In and around Leukerbad, 3.9 million litres of water bubble every day out of 65 thermal springs at a temperature of 51 degrees, feeding a variety of pools and spas. The hot springs have drawn bathers since Roman times, and for centuries have been an attraction on the historical route linking Valais and the Bernese Oberland via the Gemmi Pass. This climbs the towering Daubenwand cliffs above Leukerbad via a zig-zag mule trail hacked into the rock more than 250 years ago; the sight of this vertiginous trail from our hike makes the mountain scenery all the more impressive. Our route climbs from the centre of the resort straight up to the Folljeret pastures to the west, and then on up to the Majing pastures further up the valley, and finally up to Flüealp. In summer, alpine flowers create a dazzling display of colour in the meadows on which the cattle graze; you can taste the natural goodness in the resulting cheeses. At the far point of the loop, just beyond Flüealp, a natural rock grotto was enclosed in the early-19th century to make a tiny rock chapel. This place of pilgrimage is a wonderfully peaceful, contemplative spot, with its own spring just below. From here, the trail leads back to Leukerbad along the opposite side of the valley, via the pastures of Clabinu. The restaurant at Buljes offers a relaxing spot for refreshments just above Leukerbad. Highlights: High-level walk around upper valley with spectacular views of mountain scenery Alpine pastures along route with working cheese dairies; charming rock chapel Spas in Leukerbad – dozens of thermal pools and a vast range of wellness facilities Other outdoor attractions include theme trails (thermal springs), gorge walk, via ferratas
13.38km
674m
674m
4h 30mStarting point for the hike is Rinderhütte, the summit station of the cable car from Leukerbad. The climb leads across the alpine pastures of Torrent, where many cows, sheep and goats spend the summer. The path leads steadily towards the western ridge of the Torrenthorn via the Rinderhalte pastures, where hikers will frequently hear the whistling of marmots. At an altitude of around 2,700 m, the grassy alpine meadows give way to rocky terrain. Up on the ridge you enjoy a magnificent view of the Majingalp pastures and the dramatic Montanji cliffs: best known for the precipitous Gemmiwand rock face above Leukerbad, they extend eastwards all the way to the summit of the Balmhorn on the border between Valais and the Bernese Oberland. After about another kilometre you reach the summit of the Torrenthorn, also known as the “Rigi of Valais”. From the summit you have a complete 360° panoramic view, and on a clear day you can see peaks including the Jungfrau, Bietschhorn, Monte Leone, Weissmies, the Mischabel massif, Monte Rosa, Matterhorn, Grand Combin and even Mont Blanc. For the return leg, the most direct route is along the ridge and via the historical Hotel Torrenthorn back to Rinderhütte. However, it is also possible to extend the hike via alternative descents. For example, you can follow the ridge south towards the Schafberg and climb another peak before following the alpine route (marked white-blue-white) down to Rinderhütte. Another alternative is to turn north at Rinderhalte to descend to the Majingalp pastures, and then walk along the Dala river back down to Leukerbad. Highlights: Summit of the Torrenthorn, with superb panoramic views of the Valais and Bernese Alps – and on a clear day, the French Alps. Many options for extending the hike via a variety of alternative descent routes.
6.84km690m690m3h 0m| Leukerbad, City | |
| (5m) | |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen | |
| (3m) | |
| Leukerbad, Torrent-Bahnen |
| Leukerbad (Torrentbahn) | |
| (5m) | |
| Rinderhütte |
This great mountain hike leads from Lauchernalp first on the Lötschentaler Höhenweg via Hockenalp and Kummenalp to Restialp. From here, the mountain trail climbs steadily to the Restipass at 2,626 m.a.s.l. From the top of the pass, the trail leads through a beautiful mountain landscape, gently descending past small lakes to the Rinderhütte station, from where the cable car takes you to Leukerbad.
14.84km896m530m5h 30m
Difficulty: Medium
Minimum elevation: 1969m
Maximum elevation: 2633m
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valais.ch
| Leukerbad, City | |
| (5m) | |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen | |
| (3m) | |
| Leukerbad, Torrent-Bahnen |
| Leukerbad (Torrentbahn) | |
| (5m) | |
| Rinderhütte |
The highest connected vineyards in continental Europe lie on a sunny slope high above the river Vispa, culminating at an altitude of 1,150 m. A fascinating theme trail leads from the floor of the Rhône valley through the vineyards and up to the village of Visperterminen. Local winegrowers cultivate a range of grape varieties of which the most prestigious is the golden Heida. This rare member of the Savagnin Blanc family of grapes flourishes on the light soils here, and produces an aromatic straw-yellow wine with notes of nuts, honey and exotic fruits. Our trail begins in Visp, and leads through the twisting alleys of the Old Town before reaching the first of the vineyards, which extend from the banks of the Vispa for 500 vertical metres up the mountainside. The path zig-zags up through the vines before turning south to climb to the village of Visperterminen. The views of the Vispa valley – which leads to the resorts of Zermatt and Saas-Fee – and of the snow-capped peaks in the distance are enchanting. Along the trail, information panels tell a fascinating story. The vineyards here date back to Celtic, pre-Roman times – hence the name «Heida», derived from the word for «pagan». Many kilometres of dry-stone walls, painstakingly built and maintained by hand, support the narrow terraces of the steep vineyards; the rocks store warmth from the sun and radiate it out again through the night, helping the vines flourish at this high altitude. Hundreds of part-time winegrowers working tiny plots handed down over generations cultivate grapes for the main cooperative winery, the St. Jodern Kellerei, open for visits. Restaurants along the route also offer the chance to taste the wines along with local delicacies. Highlights Fascinating theme trail on wine and winemaking through dramatic terraced vineyards Old Town of Visp, charming mountain village of Visperterminen Glorious mountain scenery; tasting opportunities en route
7.91km742m46m3h 0m| Leukerbad, City | |
| (5m) | |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen | |
| (6m) | |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal | |
| (34m) | |
| Leuk, Bahnhof |
| Leuk | |
| (15m) | |
| Visp |
Follow the route of the famous Trail des Patrouilleurs team race (15 km course), which takes you up to the Bella Lui and then the iconic Col du Pochet. Starting at the Ycoor ice rink in Montana, the loop begins with a gentle climb as far as the Lac de Chermignon. The itinerary then becomes steeper, following the course of the famous Chetzeron ski piste up to the hotel of the same name, which reveals superb views of the Rhône valley and the surrounding peaks. Continue your climb as far as Cry d’Er, and then pass via Tsa Bonna to reach the Bella Lui, at an altitude of more than 2,500 metres. From here, do a loop that allows you to climb the ladders of the Col du Pochet for a guaranteed blast of adrenalin. Head back down via the initial section of the Chetzeron piste course before traversing to access Merbé and Arnouvaz. Eventually you reach the centre of Montana after a total descent of more than 1,200 metres, having enjoyed magnificent views of the Alps along the way.
17.15km1198m1198m3h 50m| Leukerbad, City | |
| (5m) | |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen | |
| (6m) | |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal | |
| (34m) | |
| Leuk, Bahnhof |
| Leuk | |
| (7m) | |
| Sierre/Siders |
| Sierre/Siders (funi) | |
| (13m) | |
| Crans-Montana gare |
Crossing through meadows, bordering apricot trees and skirting the edge of forests, the Voie des Érables trail boasts commanding views of the Rhône Valley. The twelve information boards dotted along the route from Isérables add an extra dimension to the hike, offering interesting insights into the history and nature of these locations. Discover traditional raccard granaries, drystone walls and even grain-growing terraces along the trail. With its hillside path, the Voie des Érables trail is a very easy and charming walk, not least thanks to stunning colours of the maple trees that give the trail its name.
9.7km837m200m3h 30mMaximum elevation: 1195m
Difficulty: Hard
Minimum elevation: 471m
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valais.ch
| Leukerbad, City | |
| (5m) | |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen | |
| (6m) | |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal | |
| (34m) | |
| Leuk, Bahnhof |
| Leuk | |
| (31m) | |
| Riddes |
This hike climbs through the forests of the Val d'Anniviers to traditional villages and ends in either Chandolin or St-Luc. The trail first follows the steep, wooded slopes of the valley. In Chandolin, it levels out for the second part of the hike to St-Luc. Perched at an altitude of 1,956 m. on a sunny south-facing slope, Chandolin is one of the highest villages in Europe, inhabited all year round. Ella Maillart, one of the great travellers of the 20thcentury, and famous photographer, writer and journalist, spent the last years of her life here. A permanent exhibition in an old chapel is dedicated to her. In St-Luc an astronomical observatory near the arrival of the funicular is open to the public. The village features many attractions, including a planetarium in an old 19thcentury barn, several working 18th century mills, a historical trail and a "bread trail".
9.33km943m267m4h 0m| Leukerbad, City | |
| (5m) | |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen | |
| (6m) | |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal | |
| (34m) | |
| Leuk, Bahnhof |
| Leuk | |
| (7m) | |
| Sierre/Siders |
| Sierre/Siders, gare routière | |
| (22m) | |
| Les Pontis |
Panoramic hike on high-level BLS railway Südrampe (south ramp). Popular classic hike beside the Lötschberg Railway tracks to imposing Bietschtal bridge. Lovely path beside historic water channels (suonen) to hanging bridge; superb views at Brägji and Riedgarten.
12km640m260m3h 40m
Landscape: With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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schweizmobil.ch
| Leukerbad, City | |
| (5m) | |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen | |
| (6m) | |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal | |
| (34m) | |
| Leuk, Bahnhof |
| Leuk | |
| (6m) | |
| Gampel-Steg |
| Gampel-Steg, Bahnhof | |
| (4m) | |
| Steg VS, Bäckerei |
Sion is surrounded by a sea of vineyards that laps against the slopes of the two rocky outcrops of Valère (also known as Valeria) and Tourbillon, each crowned with castles. The terraces of grapevines in the first section of this walk are among the steepest in the world. The route takes you along a picturesque old irrigation channel, known as a “Suone”, and through winemaking villages where you can enjoy tasting opportunities.
19km720m460m5h 15mLandscape: Through a vineyard
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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schweizmobil.ch
| Leukerbad, City | |
| (5m) | |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen | |
| (6m) | |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal | |
| (34m) | |
| Leuk, Bahnhof |
| Leuk | |
| (7m) | |
| Sierre/Siders |
| Sierre/Siders (funi) | |
| (3m) | |
| Venthône |
Following the narrow, deep gorges south of Brig, this trail leads through splendid pine forests and sheltered floodplains. High-level paths cut into the rock snake along the slope high above the Saltinaschlüocht gorge. Later, the trail runs along the banks of the Taferna which winds its way down between huge boulders.
12km1600m260m5h 20mLandscape: Over a pass,With panoramic views
Tour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
Learn more on
schweizmobil.ch
| Leukerbad, City | |
| (5m) | |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen |
| Leukerbad, Obere Maressen | |
| (6m) | |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal |
| Leukerbad, Busterminal | |
| (34m) | |
| Leuk, Bahnhof |
| Leuk | |
| (26m) | |
| Brig |
Maximum elevation: 2069m
Minimum elevation: 1387m
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum elevation: 2997m
Difficulty: Medium
Minimum elevation: 2312m
Minimum elevation: 647m
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum elevation: 1345m
Difficulty: Medium
Minimum elevation: 1499m
Maximum elevation: 2539m
Maximum elevation: 1921m
Difficulty: Medium
Minimum elevation: 1001m
Learn more on
valais.ch
Learn more on
valais.ch
Learn more on
valais.ch
Learn more on
valais.ch
Learn more on
valais.ch
