Nestled in the top of the Swiss alps, Leysin sits as a romantic sleepy village perfect for experiencing true Swiss culture and picturesque views.
Originally created as a sanatorium for those suffering from tuberculosis around the turn of the 20th century, Leysin has transformed into a charming symbol of Swiss hospitality.
During its sanatorium days, several medical companies and investors built large and spacious chalet style hotels that would house the sick patients. They decided to transform Leysin into a sanatorium because they found that fresh air and sunlight had healing effects for those suffering from this disease. These giant chalets came equipped with several balconies where the patients could lye about in the sunlight for hours to get their recommended vitamin D. Leysin became such a famous place for those suffering with this disease that people from all over the world would come in hopes of being healed while relaxing in such a beautiful spot of the world. It was so famous that the Swiss endedLeysin's glory days and give a sense of identity to the village itself.up building a cogwheel train that took patrons straight up the mountain instead of a winding dirt road of switchbacks through the alps. Knowing that they would have celebrities coming to this town, the Swiss also built a more secluded set of tracks that could take celebrities to the chalets without making their identity known. Today these architectural marvels stand as a reminder of
After the days of the sanatorium had past, what was this village going to do to stay afloat? Why not Leysin is known by it citizens as a beautiful place to ski in the winter and mountain bike in the summer. The local ski resort is open year round and caters to skiers looking for a thrill in the alpine scenery as well as provides steep dirt biking trails for those who want to explore more off the beaten path. The town also rents motorbikes and scooters for getting around the narrow cobble streets.
become a ski resort and adventure sport town. Today
The town itself is characterized by cobblestone switchback streets, trickling springs, green pastures filled with herds of iconic Swiss cows and several small hotels and mountain inns, most of which were built around the turn of the century. We stayed at a hotel called Au Bel Air which was located right next to the ski lift in the upper part of town. The hotel was simple, cozy and offered everything we needed at an affordable price. The proprietor is very amiable and prides himself on knowing that your needs are met. This hotel was perfect. It was nestled in middle of the alps with the typical Swiss chalet design. In the morning you could wake up to amazing views of the alps and the clinging sound Swiss cow bells as the beasts munched on the dew laden grass.
If mountain skiing or mountain biking aren't your thing, Leysin hosts many hiking trails that let you explore the surrounding area. My favorite is the Profandaz lookout trail. Its about a two mile steep hike that leads you high above the village to one of the most beautiful lookouts in the world. The trail leads you past the cobblestone and into the forests, glens, and pastures that characterize the beauty of the alps. Once you get to the lookout, you are able to see the sunset over Lake Geneva. This hike is definitely worth looking into. I took at least a hundred pictures while up there. If you go early enough in the spring, you can walk through the fields of wild flowers in bloom.After exploring almost of all of Switzerland, there is nowhere else I would have stayed than Leysin. Though it is a sleepy little village, there is still plenty to do and explore while relaxing with the amazing views the the Swiss alps have to offer. So if you want to experience true beauty, take a trip to Leysin and breath in Switzerland.
