Geography
[edit]
Aerial view of Leukerbad
Leukerbad has an area, as of 2009[update], of 67.2 square kilometers (25.9 mi2). Of this area, 9.52 km2 (3.68 mi2) or 14.2% is used for agricultural purposes, while 5.99 km2 (2.31 mi2) or 8.9% is forested. Of the rest of the land, 0.91 km2 (0.35 mi2) or 1.4% is settled (buildings or roads), 1.32 km2 (0.51 mi2) or 2.0% is either rivers or lakes and 49.47 km2 (19.10 mi2) or 73.6% is unproductive land.
Of the built up area, housing and buildings made up 0.8% and transportation infrastructure made up 0.3%. Out of the forested land, 6.2% of the total land area is heavily forested and 1.7% is covered with orchards or small clusters of trees. Of the agricultural land, 0.0% is used for growing crops and 2.6% is pastures and 11.6% is used for alpine pastures. Of the water in the municipality, 1.1% is in lakes and 0.9% is in rivers and streams. Of the unproductive areas, 9.0% is unproductive vegetation, 53.8% is too rocky for vegetation and 10.8% of the land is covered by glaciers.
Leukerbad is situated in the canton of Valais in the south of Switzerland at 1,411 m (4,629 ft) above sea level. The location is very impressive because of the cliffs which surround Leukerbad: to the east, the Daubenhorn at 2,942 m (9,652 ft) above sea level; to the north the Gemmi Pass (2,322 m [7,618 ft]) and the Balmhorn (3,698 m [12,133 ft]); to the west the Torrenthorn (2,998 m [9,836 ft]).
The road which leads to Leukerbad comes into the secluded valley from the south and the town of Leuk in the Rhone valley.
Climate[edit]
Leukerbad has an average of 121.9 days of rain or snow per year, and on average receives 1,188 mm (46.8 in) of precipitation. he wettest month is December during which time Leukerbad receives an average of 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain or snow. During this month there is precipitation for an average of 10.2 days. The month with the most days of precipitation is August, with an average of 11.4, but with only 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain or snow. The driest month of the year is April with an average of 72 mm (2.8 in) of precipitation over 9.9 days.
Gemmi[edit]
Rinderhorn mountains
The Gemmi Pass is famous in the history of the Valais because it had for a long time been a very busy route between Valais and Bern.[citation needed]
The Gemmi is accessible with the cable-car which connects Leukerbad to the highest point on the pass (2,322 m [7,618 ft]).
From the pass, there are extensive views of the Alps. The region is well known in summer for its hiking trails to Kandersteg, Adelboden or the Wildstrubel. It is visited by the families because of the small lake called "Daubensee" which is surrounded by easy walks and is a popular place for picnics.[citation needed]
In winter, this lake is ideal for cross-country skiers but visitors also go there for a snow-shoe trail, a run downhill with a sledge or just a walk on prepared, signposted hikes.
Torrent[edit]
The cable-car to Torrent Alp brings to the Rinderhütte at 2,313 m (7,589 ft) above sea level. In winter it is the paradise of skiers who then have 50 km (31 mi) of runs at their disposal.
In summer it offers a huge network of hiking and mountain bike trails.
The panoramic views from the Rinderhütte of the 4,000 m (13,000 ft) peaks of the Valais, French and Italian Alps are breath taking.
