Leukerbad
Every single day, a million gallons of 123°F water flows into the thermal baths of Leukerbad. Combine these spa and wellness treatments with a wide range of summer or winter sports, and you are in for an unforgettable holiday at the heart of the Valais.
The ancient Romans highly appreciated the hot springs of Leukerbad, taking the waters to forget the stress of their hectic lives and to replenish their energy. The Torrent and Gemmi Pass both offer an excellent range of sports opportunities, as well as numerous hiking trails.
In stormy weather, you can always opt for the indoor sports arena or dip into one of 30 thermal pools full of hot spring water available all year round. And what could be more pleasurable than sitting in a jacuzzi or a steam bath, admiring the impressive views surrounding Leukerbad?
Scuol
In and around Scuol, there are more than twenty mineral springs, with ten currently in use, supplying both drinking cures and mineral baths. Engadine Bad Scuol, Switzerland’s first Roman-Irish bath, combines these two distinct bathing traditions. While the Romans adored the healing properties of steam baths of varying temperatures, the ancient Irish placed their faith in hot, dry air.
At this Roman-Irish bath, you can immerse yourself in a large indoor pool, unwind in a jacuzzi, or float in the salty waters of the saline bath. The outdoor pool boasts superb views of the Lower Engadine Dolomites and Piz Pisoc, the highest mountain in the Swiss National Park.
Later on, enjoy a soap and brush massage to cleanse your skin and stimulate circulation, and recline in the dimly lit relaxation room, where you can spend hours wrapped in a warm blanket, basking in the beauty of the mountains of the Lower Engadine.
Charmey
Let yourself be charmed by Charmey, offering holidaymakers a unique setting blending nature and tradition. The idyllic landscape is characterized by ten valleys filled with rivers, lakes, alpine meadows, and mountain peaks, where hikers and mountain-bikers can follow signposted trails of varying levels of difficulty.
There are plenty of attractions for the whole family, too – an adventure rope park, mini-golf, and the Rapido Sky gondola. At the summit of Vounetz (5400 ft), there are panoramic cabins accommodating eight guests, while at the Bains de la Gruyère spa, the traditional Alpine setting serves as a background to wellness and relaxation in their purest form.
Baden
The city of Baden carries the Wellness Destination seal of quality awarded by the Swiss Tourism Federation in recognition of its long tradition as a spa town and its wide range of high-quality wellness treatments.
To this day, 220,000 gallons of water known for the highest mineral concentration in Switzerland still bubble out of 18 sulfur springs at a temperature of 116°F. This spa town hits the spot with loads of style and pure wellness, just a short train ride away from Zurich’s train station.
Baden has many thermal baths, some free of charge, so that everyone can enjoy Switzerland’s most mineral-rich thermal waters. Atrium-Hotel Blume offers historical thermal baths, while the Limmathof Baden Hotel & Spa offers Novum Spa and private spa suites, all within view of the Limmat.
Bad Zurzach
The story of Bad Zurzach as a spa town started in 1914 when hot spring water was discovered by chance. Today, this is Switzerland’s largest open-air thermal spa, with thermal water gushing to the surface at 103°F.
Sal Aqua Natura is a new wellness complex that opened in 2013, where you can relax in a natural swimming pool, enjoy the non-nude saunas, or swim in an intensive saltwater pool. More pleasure awaits at four large outdoor pools featuring massage nozzles, a crystal steam bath, a waterfall, and neck jets. Kids can splash about in the Papa Moll children’s pool.
Bad Zurzach’s spa hotels boast professional infrastructure, premium personal service, and direct underground access to the wellness complex. On offer is a range of health and wellbeing facilities, with classic massages, as well as medical and beauty treatments.
Bad Ragaz
In 1535, the alchemist, doctor, and philosopher Paracelsus became the first doctor in Bad Pfäfers, vouching for the healing powers of the thermal springs. This was the beginning of spa tourism in the area, and in 1716, the first baroque bathhouse in Switzerland was built below the Benedictine Monastery in Pfäfers.
Since 1840, thermal water was piped down to the more accessible village of Ragaz, some 2.5 miles away, and the town soon became a renowned health resort. Luxury hotels like the richly traditional Grand Hotel in Bad Ragaz were built to accommodate wealthy holidaymakers, including Russian nobility, and some of them still attract guests from around the world. Today Bad Ragaz, especially Tamina Thermal Spa, offers a broad range of medicinal and wellness packages.
Ascona-Locarno
Visitors to Lake Maggiore look to recharge body and soul – but find a feast for the eyes as well: breathtaking views from the thermal pools mirrored in the calm waters of the lake. The renovated Termali Salini & Spa Lido Locarno is a new addition to the thermal baths and fitness facilities of other well-established hotels. Together, they make this an ideal spot for a healthy holiday against a gorgeous backdrop.
To complete the experience, you can visit one of the mystical places known for their natural power: choose between the path of yoga near the Sass da Grum in Vairano or Il Monte Verità – the mountain of truth – a spiritual oasis in the foothills of Ascona.
Interlaken
Interlaken lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, hence the name. This awe-inspiring destination is well known for its untouched natural surroundings, crystal-clear waters, and snow-covered peaks, as well as some romantic hideaways promising unparalleled relaxation.
The offerings here are truly enchanting, among them, a luxurious boathouse turned into a spa facility with views of the snowy mountains and hotpots on the pier. For a particularly romantic experience, look no further than Brienz, where cheese fondue is served under the canopy of the sky.
The power of water is evident wherever you look, in the deep blue waters of Lake Thun, in the magical turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, and in the deafening roar of Giessbach Falls, just as impressive in winter, too.
