Mountain trail · SAC T2–T3
Valais

Sunnbüel - Gemmipass

Duration

2 h 45 min

Distance

8.6 km

Ascent

549 hm

Descent

87 hm

From the Canton of Bern over the legendary Gemmipass into the Valais

The hike starts at the Sunnbüel mountain station above Kandersteg and leads first across the expansive Spittelmatte. Already here, the unique landscape of the historic Gemmiweg becomes apparent: wide alpine pastures, imposing rock faces, and an impressive high-alpine panorama. Following this, the path gradually climbs towards Schwarenbach. The Berghotel Schwarenbach is located about halfway along the route and looks back on a long history as accommodation at the historic alpine crossing. It is an ideal spot for a break before continuing towards Gemmipass. After this, the landscape becomes increasingly barren and alpine. The path leads past Daubensee, one of the largest natural mountain lakes in the Alps. Situated at around 2,200 m a.s.l., the lake is a special eye-catcher nestled in the wide high-mountain landscape of the Gemmi. Finally, the route continues up to Gemmipass at 2,339 m a.s.l. either on foot or by the short Daubenseebahn cable car. For centuries, this historic pass has connected the Valais with the Bernese Oberland and offers an impressive view of the surrounding peaks. Afterwards, take the Gemmibahn cable car down to Leukerbad, where one of the many thermal baths invites you to take a dip.

Automatically translated from German

Impressions

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Location

Official national map and hiking trail network by swisstopo.

  • Start
  • Finish
  • Route

Elevation profile

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Highest point
2'342 m a.s.l.
Lowest point
1'872 m a.s.l.
Ascent
525 m
Descent
83 m
Distance
8.6 km
  • flat (< 5%)
  • moderate (5–12%)
  • steep (12–20%)
  • very steep (> 20%)

Refreshments & mountain lifts

Restaurants, mountain huts, kiosks and lift stations within 100 m of the route.

Looking for places to eat – this takes a moment on the first visit.

Data: OpenStreetMap

Ratings

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MÄ
Mäxu

23 August 2026

5.0
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AR
Arby

15 August 2026

5.0
1 helpful
ST
Stefan

10 August 2026

5.0
Author
Hiked

Super Käseschnitte im Schwarenbach *yammi*

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