Hiking on the Gemmi: two people on rock slabs above Lake Daubensee, with alpine flowers in the foreground

Pure hiking
A view at every turn

On the Gemmi Plateau, hikers are greeted by a breathtaking world of open spaces, tranquility, and panoramic views. Well-maintained trails lead through a fascinating landscape of rock and high mountains, past clear mountain lakes and alpine flora and fauna. Here you can enjoy a leisurely loop hike or an extended tour.

Hiker leaping across shallow water on the Lämmerenboden, out and about on the Gemmi plateau

Out and about on the plateau

After taking the Gemmi Cable Car, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of the hiking area. The Gemmi plateau connects the Valais with the Bernese Oberland. From here, trails lead to Kandersteg and Sunnbüel, to Adelboden, into the Lötschental, or toward Crans-Montana. This is also the starting or ending point of the historic Gemmi Trail, which winds its way up the steep Gemmiwand from Leukerbad.

Around Lake Dauben and on the plateau, easy trails invite you to take peaceful walks. If you continue further, you’ll reach passes, ridges, and alpine peaks. The terrain becomes more alpine, the trails narrower, and the landscape more expansive.

The Gemmi is not just a viewpoint. It’s a starting point for many hiking adventures.

Hiking vacations with Gemmi as a base camp

From the Gemmi Plateau, you have direct access to everything from easy loops around Lake Dauben to challenging alpine hikes to striking peaks. You start right at the hotel, which is located in the heart of the hiking area and serves as a starting point for hikers, ambitious mountaineers, and guided tours. Guests staying here begin their day in the high mountains, not in the valley.

After a day of intense hiking, you can look forward to:

Regional cuisine at the Panorama Restaurant
Rejuvenation at the Panorama Spa
Wide views across the plateau
Quiet rooms at an elevation of 2,350 meters
Hiking at Lake Daubensee: two hikers with raised arms on a rock above the lake

Gemmi – Daubensee

open
Level T1 (rear lakeshore T3)
Distance 6.4 km
Time 2 hours
Details

Gemmi – Daubensee

open
Level T1 (rear lakeshore T3)
Distance 6.4 km
Time 2 hours
Ascent 175 m
Descent 175 m

A peaceful hike across the plateau through open countryside. The trail leads from the Gemmi Pass around Lake Dauben. Minimal elevation gain, vast open spaces.

Details
Hiking at Lake Daubensee: two hikers with raised arms on a rock above the lake
Hiking couple crossing a stream hand in hand near Lake Daubensee on the Gemmi plateau, rocky peaks behind

Gemmi – Sunnbüel

open
Level T1 to Sunnbüel, descent to Kandersteg T3
Distance 8.5 km
Time 3 h
Details

Gemmi – Sunnbüel

open
Level T1 to Sunnbüel, descent to Kandersteg T3
Distance 8.5 km
Time 3 h
Elevation gain 69 m
Elevation loss 475 m (if hiking to Kandersteg)

The classic route connecting Valais and the Bernese Oberland. The trail follows the historic Gemmi Pass trail to Sunnbüel, above Kandersteg. Vast plateaus, striking rock formations, and clean lines in the landscape.

You can go as far as Sunnbüel and then take the cable car to Kandersteg, or continue on foot down into the valley for a more challenging hike. The route can also be taken in the opposite direction.

Details
Hiking couple crossing a stream hand in hand near Lake Daubensee on the Gemmi plateau, rocky peaks behind
Hiker on the stone steps of the historic Gemmi trail in the cliff, with the Leukerbad valley below

Gemmiweg (Leukerbad – Gemmi)

open
Level T3
Distance 4.6 km
Time approx. 2 hrs
Details

Gemmiweg (Leukerbad – Gemmi)

open
Level T3
Distance 4.6 km
Time approx. 2 hrs
Ascent 970 m
Descent 39 m

This historic mule track has connected the Valais with the Bernese Oberland for centuries. The ascent from Leukerbad leads through steep rocky slopes with impressive views down into the valley. The trail to the Gemmi Pass is well-maintained. Nevertheless, this steep and occasionally exposed mountain hike should not be underestimated. Sure-footedness is required.

Details
Hiker on the stone steps of the historic Gemmi trail in the cliff, with the Leukerbad valley below
Lämmeren Hut (SAC) with red shutters, cairns and hikers in front of rocky mountains

Gemmi – Lämmerenhütte SAC

closed
Level T3
Distance 9.3 km
Time 3:15 h
Details

Gemmi – Lämmerenhütte SAC

closed
Level T3
Distance 9.3 km
Time 3:15 h
Ascent 321 m
Descent 321 m

From the Gemmi Pass across the Lämmerenboden to the Lämmeren Hut near the rocky Wildstrubel massif. The trail leads across wide plateaus and becomes steeper in the upper section. For hikers with sure footing and a head for heights; the final ascent to the Lämmeren Hut is secured with chains.

Details
Lämmeren Hut (SAC) with red shutters, cairns and hikers in front of rocky mountains
Rocky summit ridge overlooking a mountain lake and snow-capped peaks

Gemmi - Schwarzhorn – Crans-Montana

closed
Level T3 via Rothornlücke, T4 including the Schwarzhorn summit
Distance approx. 20 km
Duration Two-day tour
Details

Gemmi - Schwarzhorn – Crans-Montana

closed
Level T3 via Rothornlücke, T4 including the Schwarzhorn summit
Distance approx. 20 km
Duration Two-day tour
Ascent 1000 m
Descent 1750 m

A long and varied traverse from the Gemmi to Crans-Montana. The route leads over the Rothornlücke through barren high-altitude landscapes and wide open areas. Includes the Schwarzhorn summit (3,105 m); rated T4. For hikers with sure footing and a head for heights.

Available as a guided two-day tour upon request.

Details
Rocky summit ridge overlooking a mountain lake and snow-capped peaks
Hiker leaping across shallow water on the Lämmerenboden, out and about on the Gemmi plateau

Gemmi - Steghorn

Level Challenging T4
Distance 14 km
Time 8.5 hours
Details

Gemmi - Steghorn

Level Challenging T4
Distance 14 km
Time 8.5 hours
Ascent 881 m
Descent 720 m

Alpine day hike to the home of the bearded vulture. From the high plateau, the trail leads across the vast Lämmerenboden toward the Lämmeren Hut. After that, the route becomes challenging. Via the so-called "Leiterli," you’ll reach the vicinity of the Steghorn Glacier. From the summit of the Steghorn, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Bernese High Alps and the Valais mountains.

For sure-footed hikers with no fear of heights and alpine experience.

Available as a guided one- or two-day tour.

Hiker leaping across shallow water on the Lämmerenboden, out and about on the Gemmi plateau

Kurse & Touren Our guided classes and tours combine alpine nature, expert knowledge and special encounters.

Instructor explaining global air circulation on a screen during the mountain weather and tour planning course
15–17 June 2027 | In German

Mountain weather | Tour planning (in German)

Course taught exclusively in German.
Learn to assess mountain weather in the field and plan your hikes using the 3×3 method.

to the offer
Bearded vulture in flight, close-up of head and wing – a shot from the photo workshop in the bearded vulture's habitat
24–26 October 2027

Wildlife and bird photography on the Gemmi (Autumn)

Bearded vultures, ibex and alpine autumn light: three days of wildlife photography with Hansruedi Weyrich in a small group. Gemmi Guide Reini joins you on two days.

to the offer
Hiker on the stone steps of the historic Gemmi trail in the cliff, with the Leukerbad valley below

More hiking trails and inspiration

You can find more routes and inspiration on the Leukerbad website or at swisstopo.

Alpine Know-how Interesting Facts

Signage

The hiking trails on the Gemmi are marked according to the Swiss Hiking Trails system:

  • Yellow – Hiking trail
  • Red and white – Mountain hiking trail
  • Blue and white – Alpine hiking trail
Learn more

SAC Hiking Scale

The difficulty of the hikes is based on the SAC hiking scale. The scale provides information on the requirements for sure-footedness, a head for heights, and alpine experience.

Learn more

Safety and Planning

Alpine hiking requires thorough preparation. Weather, conditions, and your own judgment are crucial.
You can find more information on route planning and safety here:

 

Safe Hiking in the Mountains

Have a safe journey Getting here

By public transport

Leukerbad
You can reach the ‘Gemmi-Bahnen’ bus stop, located right next to the valley station, by public transport.

Kandersteg
The bus stop ‘Kandersteg, Sunnbüel Valley Station’ is located right next to the Sunnbüel cable car.

Timetable

By car

Leukerbad
Parking is available at the Gemmibahn valley station and within walking distance.

Kandersteg
Parking is available right next to the Sunnbüel cable car valley station.

Calculate route

By cable car

Leukerbad
The Gemmi Cable Car takes you from Leukerbad to the Gemmi in just a few minutes.

Kandersteg
Take the cable car from Kandersteg to Sunnbüel. It’s about a 2.5-hour walk from Sunnbüel to the Gemmi.

Details & Prices

Discover now Highlights on the Gemmi

Snowshoers with backpacks on the way to the Lämmerenhütte
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Classes and Tours

Book Classes and Tours

Viewing platform and lit glass building of the Gemmi top station at 2,350 m under a starry sky, a rocky peak behind

Hotel & Events

Our hotel for solo travelers, families, and groups.

Woman with a cup of coffee at the large window of the Gemmi panoramic restaurant, looking at snowy peaks

Panoramic Restaurant

Our restaurant with a unique view.

Two people in helmets crossing the rope bridge of the Gemmiwand adventure via ferrata, high above the valley

Climbing

Discover vertical adventures against a spectacular mountain backdrop

Bearded vulture flying straight towards the camera against a deep blue sky over the Gemmi

Watch bearded vultures

On the Gemmi, you're closer to them than anywhere else

High-alpine trail running: runners on the path along Lake Daubensee on the Gemmi plateau

Trailrunning

Feel the freedom of the mountains on scenic trails

Mountain biker jumping on a bike trail through the forest

Biking

Discover 225 km Alpine Biketrails

Edelweiss above Lake Lämmerensee and the Lämmerenboden plain – waters for alpine fishing on the Gemmi

Fishing

Unspoiled nature, clear waters – Fishing at Lake Lämmeren

Busy terrace at the top station, a meeting point for group outings, with the Gemmi cable car cabin behind

Group experiences

Discover the Gemmi together