Hikes

Glacier Trail and Lämmerenhütte

Leukerbad

1/9°

Closed

Hike along the Lämmeren glacier path over the rocky and idyllic high plateau from the Gemmi Pass via the Lämmerrenboden to the Lämmerenhütte. The SAC hut at the foot of the Wildstrubel massif offers beautiful 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 rocky, high alpine area around the Wildstrubel massif on this hike to the Lämmerenhütte and back. The hike leads through limestone crevices and slate slopes over the Lämmerrenboden. Here the hut warden of the Lämmerenhütte, together with the University of Bern, has created a glacier trail. Along the glacier trail, you receive information at various stations about the geology, landscape forms and biology of the surroundings. A brochure is available for the glacier path.

At the back of Lämmerrenboden awaits the ascent to the Lämmerenhütte, located about 200 meters higher. The ascent is secured with chains at the more difficult points. With a bit of luck, you will meet ibex near the hut, which regularly stay close to the hut. Around the hut, there are various hiking trails to explore the nearby surroundings. Several climbing gardens also provide climbing adventures of all difficulty levels.

For the return journey, descend from the hut on the same path back to the Lämmerrenboden. From here, go east towards the Lämmensee. On the left bank of the Lämmerendalu, you reach the glacier trail again. Shortly before reaching the Daubensee, the path branches off right towards the Gemmi.

Turn-by-turn directions

The route starts at the Gemmi Pass, which you can reach by cable car or on foot from Leukerbad. The path leads with a slight ascent along the Lämmerendalu over the high plateau (Lämmerrenboden). Before the final ascent to the hut located about 200 m higher, you cross the mountain stream before the well-developed path branches off up to the SAC hut. Return via the same descent to the Lämmerrenboden. Once on the high plateau, turn left towards the Lämmensee and hike back on the left side of the Lämmerendalu towards the Gemmi Pass.

Start

Gemmipass (2337m)

Destination

Gemmipass (2337m)

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Author's recommendation

Take a break at the Lämmerenhütte and enjoy the freshly prepared fruitcake daily.

Extend the route by about 1.5 hours by returning to the Gemmi via Rote Totz Pass, Rote Chumme and Daubensee instead of via Lämmerrenboden. Those who want to take more time can stay overnight in the Lämmerenhütte and immerse themselves even more intensely in the silence of nature.

The Daubensee also invites you to linger. The water of the Lämmerendalu leaves the lake through an underground outlet and reappears more than 1200 meters lower below the village of Varen. Although the glacier path can be explored alone thanks to the comprehensive brochure, we recommend joining a guided tour. Small experiments convey the characteristics of the high alpine landscape in a playful way. Register at the Leukerbad tourist office. info@leukerbad.ch

Technical information

Altitude

2502m

2256m

Ascent

+321m

Descent

-321m

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Best time of the year

Public transport

Leuk is accessible by train (SBB), then the bus (LLB – Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) takes you to the starting point in Leukerbad, and with the Gemmi Railway up to the Gemmi Pass.

Approach

From Basel and Zurich: Motorway A1 to Bern; A6 to Spiez; towards Kandersteg; car shuttle Kandersteg – Goppenstein; towards Gampel; Leuk – Leukerbad

From Geneva: Motorway A1 to Lausanne; towards Sion/Sierre; Leuk – Leukerbad

From Milan: Motorway A8/A26 towards Simplon; car shuttle Iselle-Brig; towards 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, Rathaus parking garage, Torrent parking garage, Leukerbad Therme parking garage, Alpentherme parking garage.

Equipment

Use of the hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Conditions on site may possibly cause changes to the route. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

For all hikes:

Carry a map with you. Download the complete description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking on "Print" at the top right of the page.
Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signposts and instructions - for your own safety, to protect grazing animals and not to disturb wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants and animals.

For mountain hikes:

Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
Plan your hike carefully: take into account the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts and seasonal dependencies.
Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In unstable weather, it's better to turn back early.

For high alpine hikes:

Inform your family about the hiking route. Avoid going alone if possible.
Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
Observe warning signs indicating dangers at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.

Safety information

The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. So that all users can benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules.

Assess your own abilities and condition well. The use of the various routes is fundamentally at your own responsibility.

Additional information

The Leukerbad tourist office provides you with information material and brochures about hiking in the destination and can give detailed information about the route.

Preparation for a hike

Status of facilities