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Hike'n'Rail Sunnbüel–Gemmi
Discover the joy of hiking at up to 50% off
The historic Gemmi Pass connects the Bernese Oberland with Valais: on the route from Sunnbüel via Lake Daubensee to the pass summit at 2,350 metres above sea level, you can expect impressive views, family-friendly trails and a piece of living Alpine history.
You should allow around 3.5 hours for this nine-kilometre hike. The starting point is either Kandersteg or Leukerbad. The mountain hike is impressive in both directions. The towns of Kandersteg and Leukerbad are easily accessible by public transport.
Savings offer
You can benefit from the discount with any ticket, for example an ordinary public transport ticket, Day Pass, supersaver ticket, as well as a Regional Travelcard, Half Fare Travelcard Card or GA Travelcard.
Offer valid from 1 October 2025 to 28 February 2026
- Option 1: 30% reduction on the Kandersteg–Sunnbüel return journey
- Option 2: 30% reduction on single journeys between Kandersteg and Sunnbüel, and between the Gemmi Passa and Leukerbad
Offer valid from 1 to 31 March 2026
- Option 1: 30% reduction on the Kandersteg–Sunnbüel return journey
- Option 2: 30% reduction on single journeys between Kandersteg and Sunnbüel, and between the Gemmi Passa and Leukerbad
- Up to 50% discount on the journey to Kandersteg, Talstation Sunnbüel and back*.
Offer valid from 1 April to 31 May 2026
- Option 1: 30% reduction on the Kandersteg–Sunnbüel return journey
- Option 2: 30% reduction on single journeys between Kandersteg and Sunnbüel, and between the Gemmi Passa and Leukerbad
* Please note: The number of discounted tickets for public transport is limited each month. Once 50% of the tickets have been used up, the discount is reduced to 30%. If 30% of the tickets have been used up, the price reduction is cancelled. The discounted public transport tickets are only available when booking online.
Gemmipass hike
Gemmipass hike from Sunnbüel to Leukerbad (classic route)
This hike with a unique panorama starts at Sunnbüel, which can be easily reached by bus from Kandersteg. The historically significant Gemmipass hike leads across Spittelmatte to Schwarenbach, then continues to Daubensee, and finally reaches the Gemmipass summit. You can comfortably descend into the valley to Leukerbad with the Gemmi cable car. From there, a post bus will take you to Leuk, and you can then return to Bern or Brig by train. The route can also be walked in the opposite direction.
| Walking route | Sunnbüel–Gemmipass |
| Distance | 9 km |
| Walking time | 3 hours |
| Elevation difference | +412 m / - 89 m |
| Difficulty level | medium |
| Catering options | Bergrestaurant Sunnbüel Berghotel Schwarenbach Panoramarestaurant Gemmi |
Gemmi Pass hike Sunnbüel-Leukerbad (alternative route)
If you prefer a more challenging hike, we recommend the alternative route from Sunnbüel to Gemmi. On the alternative Gemmipass route, follow the path above the Spittelmatte through the Arvelwald forest. Shortly after Schwarenbach, the path leads up to the right in the direction of Rote Chumme. Soon after, the hiking trail is located above the valley. Now follows the descent down to Lake Dauben. The path along the lake is beautiful and makes you feel like you're in the south of France. At the end of the lake, you pass the valley station of the Daubensee cable car and then climb up to the Gemmipass. The route can also be travelled in the opposite direction.
| Walking route | Sunnbüel–Gemmipass |
| Distance | 10.2 km |
| Walking time | 4 hours 20 minutes |
| Elevation difference | +559 m / -169 m |
| Difficulty level | medium |
- Alternative route Hiking map and elevation profile
- Classic route Hiking map and elevation profile
Further winter and snowshoe hike around Sunnbüel
Sunnbüel–Spittelmatte–Sunnbüel
The trail starts at Sunnbüel mountain station and heads south along the foot of the Üschinen ridge. When the weather is nice, there is a wonderful view of the Altels and the Rinderhorn, the neighbouring 3,000-metre peaks. Around Spittelmatte, a short descent leads down to a charming Alpine hut, which is the perfect place to take a break and get your breath back.
On the way back via the plateau, you will go over the cross-country skiing trail and the winter hiking trail, which will take you via Schwarenbach to the Gemmi Pass. Not only does this route offer great views, but it also provides the opportunity to enjoy the wintery mountain landscape to the full.
Visit the GiantHeart, which can be found at Sunnbüel mountain station.
Key data
| Hiking route | Sunnbüel Bergstation–Spittelmatte–Sunnbüel Bergstation |
| Distance | 5 km |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Elevation difference | + 140 m / - 140 m |
| Level of difficulty | medium |
| Catering options |
Bergrestaurant Sunnbüel |
Sunnbüel–Stock–Sunnbüel
In just one hour and in the space of two kilometres, you can experience numerous winter highlights: the short trail, which starts and ends at Sunnbüel mountain station, leads down to the “Stock” viewpoint at 1,832 metres above sea level. From here, you can enjoy a breath-taking valley view across the Gasterntal and the picturesque village of Kandersteg. A short detour onto the idyllic “Wintertäli” is particularly worthwhile. The route alternates between areas with bushes and open passages through the forest, which makes the walk particularly delightful and varied.
Key data
| Hiking route | Sunnbüel Bergstation–Stock–Sunnbüel Bergstation |
| Distance | 2 km |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Elevation difference | + 140 m / - 140 m |
| Level of difficulty | easy |
| Catering options |
Bergrestaurant Sunnbüel |
Altelsblick winter hiking trail
This walk of around an hour is ideal for pleasure-seekers. Starting at Sunnbüel mountain station, the path heads in the direction of Spittelmatte, and you never lose sight of the warm sun. A wonderful opportunity to experience nature and enjoy the outlook.
Key data
| Hiking route | Sunnbüel Bergstation–Spittelmatte–Sunnbüel Bergstation |
| Distance | 4.1 km |
| Duration | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Elevation difference | + 100 m / - 100 m |
| Level of difficulty | easy |
| Catering options |
Bergrestaurant Sunnbüel |
“Godi & Kari” children’s winter hiking trail
The circular trail is suitable for children from the age of four and leads through a splendidly snowy mountain landscape with a magnificent view. During the walk, children can look for dwarves, romp around in the snow and travel by sledge or toboggan down a few of the sections.
If they complete the dwarf hunt successfully, all children get a reward in the Sunnbüel mountain restaurant if they show their puzzle sheet.
Key data
| Hiking route | Bergstation Sunnbüel–Bergstation Sunnbüel |
| Distance | approx. 2 km |
| Duration | approx. 1 hour |
| Level of difficulty | easy (suitable for children from the age of four; smaller children can be pulled on a sledge) |
| Catering options |
Bergrestaurant Sunnbüel |
Availability Today (Sunday) open
Kandersteg–Sunnbüel aerial cableway
20. December 2025 bis 12. April 2026, 09.00–16.30 hours
Gemmibahn aerial cableway
20. December 2025 bis 19. April 2026, 09.00–17.00 hours
BLS-Tipp
Children's hiking trail "Godi & Kari": A fun hike on the dwarf circular path from Sunnbüel to the Arvenseeli, suitable for children from 4 years old.
Restaurants
Sunnbüel mountain restaurant
Cosy mountain restaurant at 1,936 metres above sea level, right next to the Sunnbüelbahn Kandersteg mountain station. From simple snacks to home-style cooking, there is something to suit every taste.
Schwarenbach Mountain Hotel
This historic mountain hotel was built in 1742 as a guesthouse and customs house in Schwarenbach and has hosted many famous personalities over the centuries. Enjoy a simple and tasty meal on the sun terrace where Mark Twain once drank his beer.
Panoramarestaurant Gemmi Lodge
The panoramic restaurant serves hot meals from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. There is a delicious daily special every day. After 3.30 p.m., soup and rösti are still available.
