Culture in Leukerbad

The actual history of bathing tourism in Leukerbad begins in 1501, when Roman Catholic cardinal Matthäus Schiner acquires the rights to the thermal springs, invests in the local infrastructure and promotes Leukerbad as a spa or health resort on his travels. In the "Balnea leucensia" of the time - which was also known as "Baden" (as in the UK's "Bath") - the German language begins to prevail at the start of the 16th century.

Right up to today, many famous visitors have come to the Alpine spa village - including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Guy de Maupassant, Mark Twain and Pablo Picasso.

Alpine farming still takes place today from around the end of June to mid-September on the mountain pastures surrounding Leukerbad. Alpine parades, mountain festivals and cheese-making for everyone to see are just some of the traditions that have been preserved up to the present day.


Tips for Culture Vultures:

Events:
Shrovetide carnival in Leukerbad, National Day with fireworks, Sheperd’s Festival on the Gemmi, Wine weeks of Varen
Visitors' entertainment:
guided tour of the village, cultural outings, wine tasting events, art exhibitions
Architecture:
village square, parish church, Flüekapelle (a small chapel)