This week we treated ourselves to a sterotypically Swiss experience. We caught three trains and a bus (all perfectly synchronised of course) to the very top of a stunning valley in the Wallis region in southwestern Switzerland. We ended up in the cute little alpine village of Leukerbad, a town surrounded by breathtakingly steep cliffs.

The view was incredible – and the people-watching was almost as much fun! Like in all alpine resorts, there was no shortage of wealth on display. There were some ‘interesting’ alpine-themed fashions about and plenty of very posh women doing their best to negotiate the icy streets in their high heels.

As well as the amazing outlook, Leukerbad is also blessed with natural thermal springs. Apparently the town’s first baths were built in 1510 and tourists from all over Europe have been visiting ever since.  It was quite surreal sitting in the outdoor hot pools while the snow fell, taking in the view and listening to the crashes of not so distant avalanches echoing around the valley.

We didn’t quite manage to work up the courage to try out the sauna this time. We just can’t get used to the idea of mixed nude saunas, even though everyone else finds it completely normal. Hmm……maybe next time….

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