Classic walk: Gemmipass Sunnbüel
30% 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 from 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025*
- 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
* Season interruption between 28.04.2025 and 28.05.2025.
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 Today (Sunday) open
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
