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.
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
