Things to do in Laukerbad
Spa and Water Fun
LEUKERBAD – EUROPE’S LARGEST THERMAL RESORT
HISTORY
Leukerbad, once home to an ancient Roman bathhouse and a traditional destination for Christians in search of healing, boasts 60 hot springs. The picturesque Swiss Alp village, just over 200 km northeast of Geneva, houses Europe's largest thermal-spring resort - 3.9 million liters of water flow into its 22 pools every day. The water comes out of the ground at 51°C, and has to be cooled to body temperature before it enters the pools. Remarkably enough, it takes 40 years from the moment the water falls onto the mountains as rain and snow until it comes out of the springs, enriched with essential minerals.
At first sight, thermal bathing would appear somewhat old fashioned, practiced mainly by elderly people suffering from conditions such as chronic arthritis. Indeed, a decade ago, Leukerbad was a popular destination for athletes, who came on rehabilitation programs, and the elderly. Since then, the situation has changed, with the appearance of the idea of "wellness," a concept of nourishment and relaxation for both the body and the soul. Today, Leukerbad is flourishing as a wellness resort more than anything else.
TOUR TO THE SOURCE OF THE SRINGS
A dramatic walkway leads along rock walls to the 35m waterfall. You feel the energy, and the atmosphere is rich in poetry: the essence of this thermal spa resort. The path leads 600 meters into the gorge; the force of the water is almost within reach, along mossy rock faces, until you reach a 35 meter deep waterfall. Over narrow stairs the trail leads along the edge of the waterfall to its source, a spring. Perfectly shaped and almost artistically designed it lies in the Dala gorge - a pool of spiritual power, when you consider that, at the beginning of time, water had its origin in the middle of paradise.
LEUKERBAD SPAS
Leukerbad's wellness temple today is the newly built Alpentherme, a huge complex that offers a whole range of medical, beauty and wellness services. One of the most enjoyable - and a proven anti-stress tool - are the Roman-Irish baths. The idea, based on a concept introduced 120 years ago by a certain Dr. Frech at the Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden, Germany, combines elements of Roman steam baths with the Irish idea of relaxation in warm, dry air. During the ritual, which lasts two hours, bathers visit saunas, Turkish baths, hydromassage and mineral and thermal pools, plus a soap-and-brush massage on the way. The effect is as though you have not only recharged your batteries, but replaced them with triple-strength ones. At each stage, instructions on the wall tell bathers how much time to spend in each location, but most people seem to follow these guidelines quite liberally.
Opening hours: 8:00-20:00
Tickets: 15 EUR/adult/3 hours, 11 EUR/child/3hours, 18 EUR/adult/day, 13 EUR/child/day
The Burgerbad in Leukerbad offers everything for spa enthusiasts. Not less than 10 pools with warm water of varying temperatures, with water jets and bubbles comprise the largest Alpine thermal water resort in Europe. All these features are complemented by an extensive fitness and spa health & beauty zone. At any time of the year the indoor thermal swimming pool with different kinds of underwater massages is ideal for acclimatising yourself. After getting used to the water temperature, you swim to the outdoor pool and let yourself be massaged by various water torrents and jacuzzies. At the central level, you'll discover that you have come to the spa-goer's paradise. You float effortlessly in the water and let your neck be massaged by warm water. Along the foot course you can try a Kneipp Kur with warm and cold foot baths, complemented by alternating hot and cold baths for your forearms.
Opening hours: 8:00-20:00
Tickets: 14 EUR/adult/3 hours, 8 EUR/child/3hours, 18 EUR/adult/day, 9,67 EUR/child/day
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