Gemmipass hike to Kandersteg

Leukerbad
-1/6°
ClosedOn a leisurely hike between the Gemmi and Sunnbüel, you cross the cantonal border. You will find a varied hiking trail with a unique panorama.
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
8.52 kmDuration
3:00 hDescription
The historic pass crossing from Leukerbad over the Gemmi Pass to the Bernese Oberland is considered an absolute classic. Once the ascent from Leukerbad through the imposing rock towers of the Gemmi region is accomplished, a mostly descending, leisurely hiking trail awaits you to Kandersteg. Those looking for a more athletic challenge start in Kandersteg and switch from the Bernese Oberland to Valais.
From Gemmi Pass, the path leads along the Dauben lake via Schwarenbach to Sunnbüel. From there you reach Kandersteg on foot or by gondola. While the landscape on the Gemmi appears rough and barren, colorful flower meadows line the path further down at Spittelmatte.
Turn-by-turn directions
On a secured path, you can reach the pass height within two hours. The ascent on foot through the Gemmi wall offers unique insights into the steep rock faces surrounding Leukerbad. This path has existed since the 15th century.
As an alternative, the Gemmi cable car takes you to the pass height in 6 minutes. Here you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Valais Alps. The hiking trail follows the right shore of the Dauben lake to Schwarenbach and continues over the Alpe Spittelmatte to Sunnbüel/Stock. In the last section, it goes down the winding path to Eggenschwand/Kandersteg. From Eggenschwand, a hiking trail leads on the left bank of the Kander river to Kandersteg. Alternatively, you can walk along the road or take the bus to the village center.
Start
Gemmipass (2340m)
Destination
Sunnbüel (1933m)
Author's recommendation
Stop at the mountain restaurant Schwarenbach and treat yourself to a refreshing or warming drink. The homemade cakes are especially recommended.
Those who are not free from dizziness or want to avoid the steep ascent to the Gemmi can reach the pass height in just six minutes with the Gemmi cable car. Information about possible round-trip tickets is available at the Gemmi valley station or in Kandersteg.
Technical information
Altitude
2340m
1871m
Ascent
+69m
Descent
-475m
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Public transport
Approach
From Basel and Zurich: Motorway A1 to Bern; A6 to Spiez; direction Kandersteg; car shuttle Kandersteg – Goppenstein; direction Gampel; Leuk – Leukerbad
From Geneva: Motorway A1 to Lausanne; direction Sion/Sierre; Leuk – Leukerbad
From Milan: Motorway A8/A26 towards Simplon; car shuttle Iselle-Brig; direction Leuk – Leukerbad
Parking
Various parking options in the village of Leukerbad. Follow the local parking guidance system.
Parkings in Leukerbad: Gemmi parking lot, Sportarena parking garage, Town hall parking garage, Torrent parking garage, Leukerbad Therme parking garage, Alpentherme parking garage.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Leukerbad . Valais/Wallis Promotion is not responsible for the content provided.





