Hikes

Glacier trail and Lämmeren mountain refuge

Leukerbad

14/26°

Hike along the glacier trail across the Lämmerenboden plateau, from the Gemmi Pass to the Lämmeren hut. Located at the foot of the Wildstrubel massif, the refuge offers fine views of the Valais Alps.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Length

9.34 km

Duration

3:15 h

Ausblick auf dem Lämmerengletscher und dem Schwarzhorn

Ausblick auf dem Schneehorn und Wildstrubel

Description

Discover the dramatic rocky Alpine terrain around the Wildstrubel massif on this hike to the Lämmeren mountain refuge and back. The route crosses the Lämmerenboden plateau, with its fissured calcareous rock and mounds of schist. The warden of the Lämmeren hut has created a glacier trail here in collaboration with the University of Bern. Along the trail, information stations provide fascinating information on the geology, landscape features and biology of this unique environment. A brochure on the theme trail is available.

At the far end of Lämmerenboden, a climb of about 200 vertical metres leads to the Lämmeren refuge. Difficult passages are secured with chains. With a little luck, you may spot some of the ibex that regularly gather in the vicinity of the hut. Assorted trails offer the chance to explore the surrounding landscapes; climbing enthusiasts can choose from a number of routes of varying difficulty.

For the return leg of the hike, follow the same route back as far as Lämmerenboden, and then walk eastwards to the Lämmerensee lake. When you reach the left bank of the Lämmerendalu river, you rejoin the glacier trail. A little before the Daubensee lake, the trail branches to the right to return to the Gemmi Pass.

Turn-by-turn directions

The hike begins at the Gemmi Pass, which you can reach by cable car or on foot from Leukerbad. The trail climbs very gently along the Lämmerendalu river across the Lämmerenboden plateau. Before the final climb to the Swiss Alpine Club hut, about 200 vertical metres higher, you cross the river and then follow a well-made trail up to the mountain refuge. Afterwards, return to Lämmerenboden via the same route. Once you reach the plateau, take the left turning in the direction of the Lämmerensee lake, and then follow the left bank of the Lämmerendalu back towards the Gemmi Pass.

Start

Gemmi Pass (2337m)

Destination

Gemmi Pass (2337m)

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Author's recommendation

Pause for a break at the Lämmeren refuge and enjoy the fruit tart, freshly baked every day.

You can extend the hike by about an hour and a half by following a different route back from the cabin: not across Lämmerenboden but via Rote Totz Lücke, Rote Chumme and the Daubensee.

The shores of the Daubensee offer a refreshing spot to relax for a while. The water of the Lämmerendalu river flows out of the lake via an underground route and only resurfaces more than 1,200 vertical metres lower down, below the village of Varen.

Technical information

Altitude

2502m

2256m

Ascent

+321m

Descent

-321m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Leuk can be reached by train (SBB), then by bus (LLB - Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) to the starting point in Leukerbad and up to the Gemmi Pass on the Gemmi cable car.

Approach

From Basel and Zurich: A1 motorway to Bern; A6 to Spiez; direction Kandersteg; Kandersteg - Goppenstein car transport; direction Gampel; Leuk - Leukerbad.

From Geneva: Motorway A1 to Lausanne; direction Sion/Sierre; Leuk - Leukerbad.

From Milan: Motorway A8/A26 direction Simplon; car transport Iselle-Brig; direction Leuk - Leukerbad.

Parking

Various parking options in the village of Leukerbad. Follow the local parking guidance system.

Car parks in Leukerbad: Gemmi parking, Sportarena parking, Rathaus parking, Torrent parking, Leukerbad Therme parking, Alpentherme parking.

Equipment

Use of the trails and the information on this website is at hikers’ own risk. Local conditions may entail changes to routes. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

For all hikes:

Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on «Print» icon, top right of this page.
Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
Do not leave any waste in nature.

For mountain hikes:

Take extra care protecting yourself from the sun at altitude. UV radiation can be exceptionally strong, even in cloudy weather.
Plan hike carefully: take into consideration fitness level of each participant, weather forecast and season.
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, without warning. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.

For high-altitude hikes:

Inform others of the route you plan to take. Whenever possible, avoid going alone.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Take note of the warning signs that point out the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels may rise rapidly without warning.

Safety information

The mountains are a place of pleasure to be shared and respected, offering space in which to meet up and share unforgettable moments, whether by bike or on foot. For all outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy them properly, it is essential that mountains are shared in a way that respects both Nature and agriculture. Respectful behaviour enables everyone to enjoy their hobby in the best possible conditions. Find out about the recommendations and rules in place.

When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.

Additional information

The tourist office in Leukerbad has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region and will give you detailled information about this hike.

Preparing your hike

Status of the facilities