Hike'n'Rail Sunnbüel–Gemmi
Up to 50% cheaper traveling on aerial cableways
This mountain walk between the Bernese Oberland and Valais offers spectacular views. The starting point is either Kandersteg or Leukerbad. This mountain walk is impressive in either direction, and also suitable for families. From Kandersteg, the Kandersteg-Sunnbüel aerial cableway will take you to Sunnbüel. Via Spittelmatte, the route leads towards the Berghotel Schwarenbach, through the landscape of rôche moutonnées and down to the Daubensee (lake). The rocky slope then takes you up to the Gemmipass plateau, where you can enjoy the views out onto Valais’ giant mountains.
You should plan about 3.5 hours for this 9-kilometre hike. On the way you will find refreshment facilities at the starting and finishing points and halfway along the trail at the Berghotel Schwarenbach.
You can easily reach Kandersteg and Leukerbad 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: until 13 April 2025, and 1 September 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
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
*Season interruption between 14.04.-28.05.2025 and 13.04.-29.05.2026
29.11.-14.12.2025 Operation only at weekends
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 |
| 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 hiking options
From the top station of the Sunnbüel cable car you can go on various hikes and walks.
Some suggestions:
-
Arvenseeli:
Walk to the three deep blue lakes of meltwater. The lakes owe their name to the surrounding Swiss stone pine trees. Depending on the amount of snow, they carry water for a shorter or longer period in spring and early summer. In midsummer, the Arvenseeli are dry. There are benches and a well-equipped fire pit with firewood at the far end of the lake. Duration of circular hike: approx. 2 hours
Hiking map and elevation profile
-
Sunnbüel-Üschenengrat circular tour:
Exceptionally beautiful high-altitude hike with breathtaking views of the Üschenetal valley, over the Spittelmatte and across the Daubensee lake towards Valais. This trail is a real insider tip for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. The route starts at the mountain station of the Kandersteg-Sunnbüel cable car. Duration: 4 hours. 30 min
Hiking map and elevation profile
-
Gurnigel:
Descent past the Schwarzbach gorge into the wild and romantic Gasterntal valley and past the falls of the Kander-Klus to the valley station of the Sunnbüel aerial cableway. Duration: approx. 2 hours
Hiking map and elevation profile
Availability Available on 29.05.2025
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
