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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.
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
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
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
Winter operation
-
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
-
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.
