Winter hiking at the Gemmi Pass
Gemmi winter experience
Amid a magical snow-covered Alpine landscape, this historic pass takes you from Sunnbüel in the Bernese Oberland (at 1,936 m above sea level), past cosy inns and the Daubensee Lake to the Gemmi Pass (2,350 m above sea level) in the canton of Valais. The specially prepared track, which is safe to hike, offers a range of options for discovering and enjoying this unique winter landscape.
Thanks to the ski lifts, you arrive comfortably at 2000 m of altitude and can enjoy the alpine landscape. For the hike from Sunnbüel to the Gemmip pass, there is a special ticket that combines the cable car rides from Kandersteg to Sunnbüel and from the Gemmi pass to Leukerbad. The special ticket can be purchased in the BLS online shop with a 30% discount.
Special offer 30% discount
- Variante 1: Kandersteg–Sunnbüel cableway (30%) and Gemmipass–Leukerbad cableway (30%)
The hike
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.
Key data
| Hiking route | Sunnbüel Bergstation – Spittelmatte – Schwarenbach – Gemmipass – Leukerbad |
| Distance | 8.9 km |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Elevation difference | + 475 m / - 69 m |
| Level of difficulty | medium |
| Condition | broad, perfectly marked route; it is prepared using the piste basher and can be walked on without snowshoes. |
| Catering options | Bergrestaurant Sunnbüel Restaurant Schwarenbach Panorama restaurant Gemmi |
- 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 |
Operating times of the Sunnbüel and Gemmi cable cars
Kandersteg–Sunnbüel cable car
Pre-season winter operating times
4 November to 19 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
Gemmi cable car
Winter operation
21 December 2023 to 14 April 2024
09.00–17.00 hours, every 30 minutes.
2 March to 14 April 2024: on weekends already from 08.00 hours.
Last ascent at 16.30 hours
Subject to changes
BLS suggestion
- Visit the GiantHeart, which is located at the Sunnbüel mountain station.
- After the hike, treat yourself to a break in the Leukerbad thermal baths
Food & drink
How to get there
The Gemmi Pass can be accessed from two sides:
Route 1:
From the Bernese side via the Kandersteg-Sunnbüel cable car.
Route 2:
From Leukerbad on the Valais side with the Gemmibahn cable car.
