Guide to Switzerland’s Natural Thermal Springs
In Switzerland, hot springs are called ‘mineralbad’ and ‘leukerbad.’ These sites for mineral bathing are all over the landlocked country, mostly attached to spas.
Bathing in the springs reached its height with the Swiss during the 15th century. However, the current heatwave has bolstered attendance and interest in the natural hot springs throughout the small but innovative nation.
Hot Springs in Eastern Switzerland
In southeastern Switzerland, in the town of Brigerbad, is Thermalquellen Brigerbad, a spa with indoor and outdoor pools. A cafeteria/restaurant is attached to the spa, and guests have shared that they’re required to buy one-time-use towels to dry off after a dip in the thermal water.
Just a few miles to the west of Thermalquellen Brigerbad is Walliser Alpentherme & Spa Leukerbad, an outdoor facility built around the naturally occurring hot spring. Here you can bathe in steaming water while enjoying a view of snowcapped mountains. Nudity is allowed, and it’s not unusual to see people soak in the hot spring until warm and then lie in the snow on the grounds.
At the uttermost northeast of the country is Sole Uno – Wellness World, a large therapeutic center with indoor, outdoor, and even underground pools. In addition to the spring water, the center offers saunas and rain showers. Most of this area of the country speaks German, and menus at the restaurant are in that language.
Other Eastern Hot Springs:
- Solbad & Spa Schönbühl
- Thermal Centre at Yverdon-les-Bains
- The Gruyère Baths
- Solbad BEATUS
- Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad
- Zurich Thermal Baths & Spa
Hot Springs in Western Switzerland
At Mineralbad & Spa Rigi Kaltbad you can book a massage, bathe in the mineral water, and then take a gondola to the top of the Rigi. The spa has both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a marked adults-only area where nudity is allowed. You can book packages that allow for bathing in the spring water and staying overnight.
In z you’ll find 36.5° Wellbeing & Thermal Spa, a spa with a smaller, more intimate feel than those that cater to large groups. Here you can bathe inside under soaring Grecian arches or outside where water cascades off of rock sculptures. Like many of the spas listed above, this spa has breathtaking mountain views.
Near the Swiss border with Italy lies Termali Salini & Spa Locarno, a spot for mineral bathing with a Mediterranean theme. Unlike the circular, often naturally shaped pools that collect spring water, here the water is pumped into long, thin pools kept in the shade. Most of the pools feature small grottos that allow bathers privacy while in the spa.
Other Western Hot Springs:
- Les Bains de Lavey
- Bogn Engiadina Scuol / Engadin Bad Scuol
- 7132 Therme | Therme Vals
Visit Switzerland
No matter where you go while in Switzerland, you’re likely to find two things nearby; a hot spring spa and otherwise unfathomable views of the mountains. Be aware that Switzerland is considered an ‘expensive’ country, both for locals and travelers.
On average, the Swiss make a higher annual income than people from other Western nations, which largely accounts for this. Keep this in mind when booking spa services.
Learn more about visiting Switzerland on our sister site, La Vida Nomad.
