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.
June hit valid from: 1 to 30 June 2025
- Option 1: 50% reduction on the Kandersteg–Sunnbüel return journey
- Option 2: 50% reduction on single journeys between Kandersteg and Sunnbüel, and between the Gemmi Passa and Leukerbad
Offer valid from: 1 July to 31 August 2025
- Option 1: 20% reduction on the Kandersteg–Sunnbüel return journey
- Option 2: 20% reduction on single journeys between Kandersteg and Sunnbüel, and between the Gemmi Passa and Leukerbad
Offer valid from 1 to 30 September 2025 and 1 to 30 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 October 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
- 29.11.-14.12.2025 Operation only at weekends
* 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.
Please note the operating times of the cable cars.
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
“Passage – Art on the Gemmi Pass” 6.7.2025–12.10.2025
6 July to 12 October 2025
The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) presents the exhibition “Passage” along the Gemmi Pass. On the hiking trail from the Lämmerenhütte SAC to the Sunnbüel mountain station, visitors encounter 13 site-specific artworks embedded in the stunning Alpine landscape.
The exhibition bridges alpine history, nature, and contemporary art, addressing the human–nature relationship in the context of the climate crisis. Curated by Beate Engel and Peter Erismann.
The roughly three-hour hike leads past artworks that inspire wonder, reflection, and a multi-sensory experience. A detour to the Lämmerenhütte SAC enhances the cultural journey.
Availability Today (Friday) open
Winter operation
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Kandersteg-Sunnbüel aerial cableway
21 December 2024 to 13 April 2025, 09.00-17.00 hours -
Gemmibahn aerial cableway
21 December 2024 to 13 April 2025, 09.00-17.00 hours
Summer operation
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Kandersteg-Sunnbüel aerial cableway
29 May to 27 June 2025, 09.00-17.00 hours
28 June to 10 August 2025, 08.00-18.00 hours
11 August to 14 September 2025, 08.30-17.30 hours
15 September to 26 October 2025, 09.00-17.00 hours -
Gemmibahn cable car
29 May to 27 June 2025, 08.30-17.00 hours
28 June to 07 September 2025, 08.00-18.00 hours
08 September to 05 October 2025, 08.30-17.00 hours
06 October to 09 November 2025, 09.00-17.00 hours
Kandersteg Sunnbüel cable car closed: 28.04.-28.05.2025
Subject to change without notice
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
Bergrestaurant Sunnbüel
Gemütliches Bergrestaurant 1936 m.ü.M, direkt bei der Bergstation der Sunnbüelbahn Kandersteg. Von einfachen Snacks bis zur gutbürgerlichen Küche ist für jeden Gaumen das passende Menü dabei.
Berghotel Schwarenbach
Das historische Berghotel wurde 1742 als Gast- und Zollhaus im Schwarenbach errichtet und beherbergte im Verlauf der Jahrhunderte viele berühmten Persönlichkeiten. Geniessen Sie eine einfache und schmackhafte Mahlzeit auf der Sonnenterrasse wo wohl einst auch Mark Twain sein Bier trank.
Panoramarestaurant Gemmi Lodge
Im Panoramarestaurant wird von 11.30 Uhr bis 15.30 Uhr eine warme Küche angeboten. Jeden Tag gibt es ein feines Tagesmenü. Nach 15:30 Uhr gibt es noch Suppe und Rösti.