Leuk: History, Architecture and Nature

Leuk is the main town of the Leuk district in the German-speaking part of the Swiss canton of Valais. Leuk-Stadt lies in the Swiss Rhone Valley on the north bank of the Rotten, east of the Dala’s confluence with the Rotten. Leuk is also located in the heart of the Pfyn-Finges Regional Nature Park. The following topics give you an idea of the historical, cultural and sporting highlights that could shape your stay before you choose a hotel for your trip.

Leuk Between the Valley and History

Since the time of Roman Raetia, Leuk controlled access to the Gemmi Pass, giving it a certain historical significance. The town was already inhabited in pre-Roman times. The Reformation is also part of Leuk’s history: the town was a centre of the Reformation in Valais. These different connections range from early settlement and the historical control of the pass to religious and political developments.

The Castle and Political History

Leuk Castle was first mentioned in a document in 1254. In 1507, the Bishop of Sion, later Cardinal Matthäus Schiner, and the Duke of Savoy signed the peace treaty between Valais and Savoy at the castle. In 1541, the Burgschaft of Leuk acquired the masonry and had Ulrich Ruffiner convert it into a town hall. The castle was later restored by architect Mario Botta. These stages are quite distinct: the castle is associated both with a peace treaty and with its later conversion into a town hall.

Ossuary, Chapel and Literature

The ossuary is located beside the Church of St. Stephan. About 22,000 skulls are piled along its 24-metre-long wall. In 1982, the mummy of an unnamed woman who died in the 17th century was rediscovered in the ossuary. The present-day Ringacker Chapel was built between 1690 and 1694 to replace a small pilgrimage chapel. The earlier chapel was associated with a plague cemetery established during the plague years of 1629 to 1630.

Literature is also part of Leuk’s cultural life: since 2001, the Schloss Leuk Foundation has awarded the Spycher: Leuk Literature Prize annually. In Leuk, architectural and religious history thus sit alongside a recurring literary award.

Discover Leuk-Stadt

A guided tour through the lanes of Leuk-Stadt reveals traces of its medieval history. Check when the tour is offered before your trip. Another way to explore the town uses augmented reality: visitors can discover Leuk-Stadt together with figures from the past. The two formats offer different experiences: the walking tour focuses on the lanes and their medieval traces, while the digital experience brings in historical figures.

The Detective Trail in Leuk is a treasure hunt for children and adults, with puzzles, a treasure chest and a prize. Booking and operating details may change, so check the latest information if you plan to include the trail in your stay.

Golf as Another Highlight

Golf Leuk has an 18-hole golf course whose layout, particularly the greens, was modelled on a classic Scottish links course. This offers a clearly defined sporting focus alongside the town’s history. If you plan to play golf, check the latest operating information in advance. This lets you weigh up different priorities when planning your trip: historical sites and guided exploration on the one hand, and golf on the other.

Discover more destinations: Susten, Pletschen, Salgesch, Albinen, Gampel, Guttet-Feschel, Oberems, Erschmatt.

Return to the main travel overview: Leuk.