Spa tourism in Leukerbad

Oldest deed
The oldest deed in the local archives of Leukerbad dates from 1315. In 1380 as many as 50 families lived in today's spa town. In 1478 the first inns appear in Balnea leucensia or "Baden" as it was called.

The year 1501 was decisive for spa tourism in the town: Matthäus Schiner from Sion, who was cardinal at that time, bought the rights to the hot springs in Leukerbad, invested in bathing facilities and had a splendid inn built. From his castle in Leuk the churchman liked to ride to the beneficial springs, to soak away the troubles of the day in the company of political and church notables from all over Europe.

Development of tourism
Although over the centuries avalanches repeatedly damaged parts of the village and thus also some of the baths, the oldest spa resort in the Valais managed to rebuild the infrastructure time and again. In 1850 the village had 577 inhabitants and finally a road made Leukerbad accessible from the valley. In 1896 a hotel and spa association was founded, it was the first hotel joint-stock company in Switzerland. The construction of the first ski lift 1948 marked the beginning of winter tourism in Leukerbad.

Then things began to happen in quick succession: in 1957 the Gemmibahn was constructed, a rheumatism and rehabilitation clinic was built between 1959-61, followed by the paralysis institute in 1962. The outdoor pools were opened in 1968. The Torrent mountain railways were established and erected between 1970-72. The thermal bath centre of the community was opened in 1980.

1989 saw the completion of stage 3 of the new spa. The Lindner Alpentherme was officially opened in 1993. Leukerbad's spa history which goes back to Roman times proves that wellness is not a modern invention but originated many centuries ago.