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Sunnbüel – the panoramic high plateau with guaranteed snow
At 1,936 metres above sea level, Sunnbüel offers a snow-sure winter paradise with sweeping views of the surrounding three-thousand-metre peaks. Winter hiking trails, snowshoe routes and cross-country ski trails provide plenty of options for an active day in the snow.
Winter variety on the high plateau
From leisurely circular walks to the classic Gemmi Pass winter hike, Sunnbüel offers routes for different levels and preferences. Snowshoeing fans can choose from several marked trails, while the cross-country ski trail stands out for its reliable snow conditions and comfortable infrastructure.
The RegioExpress takes you to Kandersteg in less than an hour and without changing trains. The cable car then transports you to the high plateau at 1936 metres above sea level.
Altelsblick - circular hike at the foot of the Altel
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 view.
Key data
| Walking route | Sunnbüel mountain station–Spittelmatte–Sunnbüel mountain station |
| Distance | 4.1 km |
| Duration | 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Elevation difference | + 100 m / - 100 m |
| Level of difficulty | easy |
| Catering options |
Sunnbüel mountain restaurant |
Gemmipass winter hike - the classic
The walk through the wintry landscape with a unique panoramic view starts on Sunnbüel, which you can easily reach by bus from Kandersteg. This historically significant route to GemmipPass takes you via the Spittelmatte to the Berghotel Schwarenbach, on to the Daubensee and finally to the Gemmipass summit.
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 wintry mountain landscape and discover historic paths.
Key data
| Walking route | Sunnbüel mountain station–Spittelmatte–Schwarenbach–Gemmipass–Leukerbad |
| Distance | 8.9 km |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Elevation difference | + 475 m / - 69 m |
| Level of difficulty | medium |
| Condition | perfectly marked, wide route; it is maintained with a snow groomer and can also be walked without snowshoes |
| Catering options |
Sunnbüel mountain restaurant |
Sunnbüel–Stock - Wonderful clear views
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
| Walking route | Sunnbüel mountain station–Stock–Sunnbüel mountain station |
| Distance | 2 km |
| Duration | 1 hour |
| Elevation difference | + 140 m / - 140 m |
| Level of difficulty | easy |
| Catering options |
Sunnbüel mountain restaurant |
Sunnbüel–Spittelmatte - For the athletes
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 wintry mountain landscape to the full.
Visit the GiantHeart, which can be found at Sunnbüel mountain station.
Key data
| Walking route | Sunnbüel mountain station–Spittelmatte–Sunnbüel mountain station |
| Distance | 5 km |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Elevation difference | + 140 m / - 140 m |
| Level of difficulty | medium |
| Catering options |
Sunnbüel mountain restaurant |
Rent snowshoes
You can obtain the items at the Sunnbüel mountain station; please approach the railway staff for this.
1 day: CHF 20.00
1/2 day: CHF 15.00
Sunnbüel may not offer the largest cross-country skiing area in the region, but it does have the most reliable snow conditions. And with a dressing room, storage boxes and showers available for cross-country skiers at the mountain station, it’s certainly the most luxurious!
Winter season
- 29.11.2025–14.12.2025: weekend operation, 09.00–16.00 hours, every 30 minutes
- 20.12.2025–12.04.2026: daily, 09.00–17.00 hours, every 30 minutes
Mid-season winter
- 13.–26.04.2026: 08.00, 13.00, 17.00 hours
Subject to change without prior notice
