Thermal, alpine baths

The great thing about living in an alpine environment is that there are numerous hot springs hidden in the mountains that have been turned into baths and spas for public enjoyment.  These thermal baths range in type and style, from the kid-friendly thermal baths in Leukerbad to the luxurious alpentherme in Leukerbad with its multiple treatment rooms to our favorite thermal bath, Lavey-les-Bains, which has multiple pools, saunas, steam rooms, waterfalls, pools with underwater music, and many other features.

Most of the thermal baths not only derive their heat from the hot springs, but also use the mineral-laden elements from the hot springs in the water for health benefits. As a result, people with ailments can actually receive "prescriptions" from their doctors to soak in the baths due to the water's healing powers.

This past rainy, Sunday we checked out another thermal bath in the mountains, Thermes Parc, using coupons from Switzerland's equivalent to Groupon.  Hanging out in a mineral thermal bath is a great way to pass a lazy, rainy Sunday in Switzerland.  Although a bit smaller than previous ones we have visited, this thermal bath had a lazy river and was super clean and modern.  When you purchase your ticket at the registration desk, you get a waterproof, electronic wrist band that is used to enter the baths and open/close your lockers. Here are some pictures (not my own) of some of the baths we have visited over the past year:

Lazy river at the Thermes Parc

Baths in Charmey, Gruyere

The "spa village" at the alpentherme

The Roman/Irish treatment area at the alpentherme

Our favorite baths, Lavey-les-bains

The alpentherme baths in Leukerbad