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Avalanche Barriers Experience RoutePhoto: Leukerbad Marketing AG, Leukerbad
This educational themed route above Leukerbad leads to one of the most important protective structures in Switzerland: the Werimauer. It was built between 1829 and 1831 and is considered the country's first avalanche barrier. The path combines fascinating views with deep historical insight into life with avalanche danger in a typical Valais mountain village.
Avalanches shaped life in Leukerbad over centuries. They repeatedly destroyed barns, fields, and buildings – and cost lives. The village was especially hard hit in the years 1719 and 1758, when avalanches buried entire settlement areas. These disasters led to the construction of the Werimauer – a visionary project of its time. Between 1829 and 1831, brave men from Leukerbad and Albinen built this massive dry stone wall with pickaxes and shovels to protect the village. The construction was supervised by Engineer Venetz from Brig.
With a length of 160 meters and a height of up to 7 meters, it was considered revolutionary. It was not only a protective wall but also a symbol of the mountain population's determination to fight nature together. The Werimauer diverted avalanche flows purposefully into safer zones – and saved the village from further disasters over generations.
Today, the themed path with panels and experience points informs about the origin, function, and significance of the Werimauer, as well as about life with avalanche danger past and present. The hike is very suitable for families, school classes, and historically interested guests.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Bistro Eau là là RestaurantRestaurant la Malvoisie
Safety information
The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. To ensure all users benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their recreational activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules.
Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Use of the various routes is always at your own responsibility.
Tips and suggestions
The tourist office in Leukerbad provides you with informational material and brochures for hiking in the destination and can provide detailed information about the route.
Galerie St. Laurent
Leukerbad
Bistro Eau là là Restaurant
Restaurant la Malvoisie
Walliser Alpentherme & Spa Leukerbad
Walliser Alpentherme
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Leuk is accessible by train (SBB), after which the bus (LLB – Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) takes you to the starting point in Leukerbad.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
From Basel and Zurich: Highway A1 to Bern; A6 to Spiez; towards Kandersteg; car shuttle Kandersteg – Goppenstein; towards Gampel; Leuk – Leukerbad
From Geneva: Highway A1 to Lausanne; towards Sion/Sierre; Leuk – Leukerbad
From Milan: Highway A8/A26 towards Simplon; car shuttle Iselle-Brig; towards Leuk – Leukerbad
Parking
Various parking options are available in the village of Leukerbad. Follow the local parking guidance system.
Parking in Leukerbad: Sportarena parking garage, Town Hall parking garage, Torrent parking garage, Leukerbad Therme parking garage, Alpentherme parking garage.
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Use of the hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions may result in route changes. We accept no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.
For all hikes:
- Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking "Print" at the top right of the page.
- Only use marked hiking trails and follow all signposts and instructions - for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and not to disturb wildlife.
- Close gates after passing through.
- Be respectful towards other trail users, plants, and animals.
For mountain hikes:
- Bring additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan your hike carefully: consider the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal conditions.
- Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, turn back early.
For high alpine hikes:
- Inform your family about the hiking route. Avoid going alone if possible.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Observe warning signs indicating dangers along riverbanks, waterways below dams, and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions