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>>ITG Scenic Spot<< Switzerland: Leukerbad Spa
Extract from Peter M. Geiser's Internet Travel Guide to Switzerland
(http://www.pmgeiser.ch/switzerland) __________________________________________________ _________________________ Leukerbad is a famous thermal spa situated in an Alpine basin 1,411 meters (4,629 feet) above sea-level. Depending on your personal disposition, you will find its location either perfectly spectacular or oppressive, because above the small town tower the awe-inspiring, almost vertical grey faces of the Daubenhorn and the Gemmi. Historical Facts about Leukerbad (http://www.pmgeiser.ch/switzerland/i...ukerbadHistory) The village's old center still consists of traditional Valais houses and sheds, structures of dark wood built on stone foundations. And not so very long ago, local women did their washing outside in the fountains. Look at the storage sheds very carefully and you can discover flat vertical stones between the foundations and the house itself. Those were put in so that mice could not climb up and eat stored supplies. Despite a fair share of rich tourists, Leukerbad remains refreshingly egalitarian. Room rates and entrance fees to thermal baths range from affordable to very expensive. Its most popular public bath, the Burgerbad, is said to be Europe's largest thermal spa and offers indoor and outdoor basins as well as many different wellness attractions at a price most people are able to afford. Besides wellness, Leukerbad offers a wide choice of sports. In summer, the surrounding mountains are a hiking paradise, in winter they turn into a skiing resort. Funiculars: Gemmi (http://www.pmgeiser.ch/switzerland/i...LeukerbadGemmi) Torrenthorn (http://www.pmgeiser.ch/switzerland/index.php? id=VSLeukerbadTorrenthorn) To go to Leukerbad, change from train to bus at Leuk (http://www.pmgeiser.ch/switzerland/index.php?id=VSLeuk). On Saturdays and Sundays there is a convenient direct bus connection from Goppenstein (http://www.pmgeiser.ch/switzerland/i...=VSGoppenstein). Local aside: Around the end of the 20th century, Leukerbad almost went bankrupt owing to mismanagement and megolomanic tendencies by its communal government, an extremely rare occurrence in Switzerland. At present, the atmosphere feels quiet and rather subdued. Similar to other places, the fun and glory of the Eighties and Nineties has not (yet) returned. Version with photographs: http://www.pmgeiser.ch/switzerland/i...id=VSLeukerbad _________________________________________________ Sibylle Dussy Peter M. Geiser's Internet Travel Guide China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Macau, Hong Kong, Switzerland, etc. http://www.pmgeiser.ch Mineral Waters of the World http://www.mineralwaters.org |
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