Blumenwiese auf dem Wanderklassiker Gemmipass Sunnbüel

Hiking & nature

Classic hike Sunnbüel–Gemmipass

Hike from Sunnbüel to the Gemmi Pass with a view of Lake Dauben

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.

Highlights

Panoramic views: from Säntis to Mont Blanc
Historic mountain pass: a route over 1,000 years old
Daubensee: idyllic mountain lake and popular resting place
For every level: numerous hiking and themed trails
Leukerbad: relaxing in the thermal baths

Kandersteg Sunnbüel Arvenseeli Wanderung

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 / - 89 m
Difficulty level	medium

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: 1.5 hours

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