Sunnbüel – the panoramic high plateau above Kandersteg with guaranteed snow
30% discount for the cable car to the winter sports area
In addition to the classic Gemmipass hike, the high plateau above Kandersteg has a lot to offer. A breathtaking view of the 3000-metre peaks around Lake Dauben, easy hiking trails, well-marked snowshoe hikes and perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails await you.
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. Thanks to the savings offer, you benefit from a 30% discount on the cable car journey in the BLS webshop if you travel there/back by public transport.
Benefit
Benefit from the following when you purchase an outbound and return ticket by public transport at the same time:
- 30% discount on the Kandersteg–Sunnbüel cableway ride
Winter walks
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 |
Snowshoe hikes
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
Cross-country ski trail
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!
Cable car operating times
Pre-season winter operating times
4 November to 17 December 2023
Half-hourly rides, only in very good weather, regardless of snow conditions
Winter operating times
23 December 2023 to 26 January 2024
09.00–16.00 hours, every 30 minutes (at xx.00 and xx.30)
Important note: Last ascent at 15.30 hours each day
27 January to 14 April 2024
09.00–17.00 hours, every 30 minutes (at xx.00 and xx.30)
Important note: Last ascent at 16.30 hours each day
Upon request and with reservation, the Kandersteg–Sunnbüel cable car offers early morning rides on weekends at no additional cost. Departures at 08.00 and 08.30 hours.
Interim season winter operating times
15 April to 28 April 2024
Ascents: 08.00, 13.00, 17.00 hours
Descents: 08.10, 13.10, 17.10 hours
Subject to change without prior notice
