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Classic hike Sunnbüel–Gemmipass
Hike from Sunnbüel to the Gemmi Pass with a view of Lake Dauben
Along Historic Trails Through the Mountains
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.
Winter hiking trail
The walk through the wintery landscape with a unique panoramic view starts on Sunnbüel, which you can easily reach by bus from Kandersteg. This historically significant path to the Gemmi Pass takes you via Spittelmatte to the Schwarenbach mountain hotel, on to Daubensee lake and finally up to the Gemmi Pass.
After your walk, you can travel in comfort on the Gemmi cable car back down to Leukerbad in the valley. From there, the post bus will take you to Leuk, and you can then travel back to Bern or Brig by train. All in all, a great opportunity to experience the beauty of the wintery mountain landscape and discover historic paths.
| Hiking route | Sunnbüel Bergstation – Spittelmatte – Schwarenbach – Gemmipass – Leukerbad |
| Distance | 8.9 km |
| Walking time | 3 hours |
| Elevation difference | +475 m / -69 m |
| Difficulty level | medium |
| Condition | broad, perfectly marked route; it is prepared using the piste basher and can be walked on without snowshoes |
| Catering options | Bergrestaurant Sunnbüel Berghotel Schwarenbach Panoramarestaurant Gemmi |
- Schwarenbach–Gemmipass Hiking map and elevation profile
- Sunnbüel–Schwarenbach Hiking map and elevation profile
- Condition of winter hiking trails and facilities Check here if the winter hiking trails are open
Cable car Kandersteg–Sunnbüel
30 May to 26 June 2026:
09.00–17.00 hours, every 30 minutes
27 June to 13 September 2026:
08.00–18.00 hours, every 30 minutes
14 September to 1 November 2026:
09.00–17.00 hours, every 30 minutes
Cable car Gemmibahn
23 May to 26 June 2026:
08.30–17.00 hours, every 30 minutes
27 June to 6 September 2026:
08.00–18.00 hours, every 30 minutes
7 September to 4 October 2026:
08.30–17.00 hours, every 30 minutes
5 October to 8 November 2026:
09.00–17.00 hours, every 30 minutes
- CHF 31.50 Adults one-way
- CHF 42.00 Adults return
- CHF 15.75 GA / Half-Fare one-way
- CHF 21.00 GA / Half-Fare return
- CHF 15.75 Children aged 6–15.99 one-way
- CHF 21.00 Children aged 6–15.99 return
- CHF 30.00 Adults one-way
- CHF 42.00 Adults return
- CHF 15.00 GA / Half-Fare one-way
- CHF 21.00 GA / Half-Fare return
- CHF 15.00 Children aged 6–15.99 one-way
- CHF 21.00 Children aged 6–15.99 return
Prices in CHF, including VAT / Prices and products are subject to change
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.
Gemmi Spa 2350
After a strenuous hike, enjoy the unique view of eighteen 4,000-meter peaks in the Valais Alps while you relax in the sauna.
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.
The hike can be started in Kandersteg or Leukerbad. Both starting points can be easily reached by train and bus.
- Timetable & tickets Kandersteg, Talstation Sunnbüel
- Timetable & tickets Leukerbad
