Gemmi

8 highlights on the Gemmi

• From the Gemmi Pass you have an incomparable view of some of the highest peaks in the Swiss Alps, including the Matterhorn and the Weisshorn.
• The Gemmi Pass is the heart of the region and offers a spectacular backdrop for hikers.
• The Gemmi is rich in historic trails that have been used since the Middle Ages. These paths link the cantons of Bern and Valais and are popular hiking routes today.
• The Gemmi cable car provides a comfortable and picturesque ride up the Gemmi. The cable car from Leukerbad is ideal for those who want to enjoy the view without having to walk the entire route.
• For climbing enthusiasts, the Daubenhorn adventure trail offers a challenging and exciting route.
• The historic Hotel Schwarenbach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy traditional hospitality in the midst of the picturesque landscape.
• Popular excursions take visitors to the mountain lakes Daubensee and Lämmerensee or to nearby glaciers.
• The Hotel Gemmi Lodge is run by the third generation of the family and offers overnight accommodation in the midst of a beautiful mountain landscape.

The history of the Gemmi

The Gemmi has a long history as an important transport link between the cantons of Bern and Valais. Even in the early Middle Ages, muleteers used this route to transport goods. Over the centuries, they were followed by famous personalities such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Mark Twain, who were enchanted by the beauty and charm of the Gemmi. Today, the region enjoys great popularity among hikers and nature lovers thanks to its eventful past and well-maintained hiking trails.

What awaits you on the Gemmi

The Gemmi is a year-round excursion destination in the Alps. Numerous activities, culinary offerings and impressive views of the Swiss mountains await you here. These include the four-thousand-metre peaks of the Mischabel group, the Weisshorn range and the Monte Rosa group.

Viewing platform

The viewing platform, which adjoins the terrace of the Wildstrubel mountain restaurant, is an impressive trapezoidal steel structure that protrudes around ten meters above the rock face. This 20 square meter platform can accommodate over a dozen visitors. The path on it is marked by a grating that allows a view into the 250-metre-deep gorge, which might be a bit of a test of courage for some. Visitors who dare are rewarded with a spectacular view that extends as far as Leukerbad, some 900 meters below.

Daubensee and Lämmerensee

Daubensee and Lämmerensee are two picturesque mountain lakes in the Gemmi region. They are popular destinations for hikes from the Gemmi Pass mountain station and offer a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.

Lake Dauben, located directly on the Gemmi Pass, is known for its peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, which attracts hikers and nature lovers. The lake can also be reached by the Daubensee aerial tramway, which departs from the Gemmi Pass station.

Nearby is also Lake Lämmeren, another jewel of the region, which is prized for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding alpine landscape.

Hikes and mountain tours

The Gemmi offers a variety of hiking and mountain tours for all levels of difficulty. From easy walks along the panoramic trails to challenging via ferratas and summit explorations, everything is included.

• Leukerbad - Gemmi Pass: An easy but steep mountain tour that takes about 2:00 hours uphill and 1:00 hour downhill.
• Gemmipass - Daubensee - Schwarenbach - Sunnbühl: A classic, very easy route that takes around 2:30 hours. From Sunnbühl you can reach Kandersteg by train in 5 minutes or on foot in an hour.
• Gemmi Pass - Rinderhorn: A 5:00 hour tour to the 3453 m high Rinderhorn, which is only recommended with a mountain guide. An easier 3:00 hour option is the tour over the old Gemmi to Furggetähli.
• Gemmi Pass - Daubensee - Gemmi Pass: An easy, 2:00 hour circular route.
• Gemmi Pass - Daubensee - Rote Chumme - Chindbettipass - Engstligenalp: An easy to medium mountain tour lasting around 4:30 hours. From Engstligenalp you can reach Adelboden either by train in 7 minutes or on foot in 1:30 hours.
• Gemmi Pass - Lämmerensee - Lämmerenhütte SAC: An easy 1:30 hour mountain tour. Another option is the 3:00 hour tour via the Lämmerengrad to the Roter Totz.
• Gemmi Pass - Steghorn: A 4:00 hour medium-difficulty mountain tour to the 3147 m high Steghorn.
• Gemmi Pass - Wildstrubel: A 4:30 hour tour that is only suitable with a mountain guide or for experienced mountaineers. A rope is required for the glacier crossing.

Gemmiwand and Daubenhorn adventure trail

For adrenaline junkies and climbing enthusiasts, the Gemmi offers the Daubenhorn adventure trail and the imposing Gemmiwand. These via ferratas challenge your skills while offering incomparable views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Please note that these tours are only suitable for experienced mountaineers and require appropriate equipment. Allow 7:00 hours for the large via ferrata and 4:00 hours for the smaller one.

Winter activities

In winter, the area around the Gemmi is perfect for sledging, winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

• Sledging: The Gemmiwind sledge run is 1.5 km long and the Gemmiblitz sledge run is 1 km long.
• Winter hiking: The winter hiking trail from the Gemmi Pass to Sunnbühl is open from the end of December until the end of the winter season. There is also a daily pedestrian path along the cross-country ski trail.
• Cross-country skiing: The perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails at Daubensee (7 km) and Lämmerenboden (10 km) are groomed every day using the latest snow grooming machines.
• Snowshoeing: Bring your own snowshoes or hire a pair at the mountain station. The trails are signposted with marker posts. The Jägerboden (No. 72) hike is 5 km long and takes 2:30 hours. The Panorama (No. 71) hike is 8.5 km long and takes 4:30 hours. The Lämmerhütte (No. 73) hike is 3.5 km long and takes 2:10 hours.

Hotels and restaurants on the Gemmi

The culinary side is not neglected on the Gemmi and the surrounding area.

Wildstrubel mountain restaurant

The new panorama restaurant has room for 200 guests and offers a self-service restaurant where you can choose your food and drinks and have them served hot. There is a large playroom for children so that the whole family can relax. The restaurant is also suitable for special occasions, with customized menu suggestions. Enjoy the sun on the terrace with a unique view of Leukerbad and marvel at the mountain landscape with a glass of Valais wine. And when it gets chilly, try one of the delicious house coffees.

Berghotel Schwarenbach

The historic Berghotel Schwarenbach is a popular stopover for hikers on the Gemmi Pass. Here you can fortify yourself with a delicious meal and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the traditional mountain hotel. Don't miss the opportunity to relax on the terrace and take in the view of the surrounding peaks.

Gemmi Lodge

The Gemmi Lodge, a family business that has existed since 1971 and is now run by the third generation of the Loretan family, offers an authentic Valais experience. For guests, arrival and departure on the Gemmi cable car is included in their stay. The lodge has comfort rooms with views of the Valais and Bernese Alps as well as standard rooms with limited views.

The lodge is ideal for groups, organizations, schools and seminars and serves as a starting point for hikes and tours. Regional dishes such as röstis and fondue are served in the panoramic restaurant, and guests can relax in the breathtaking mountain scenery.

Getting to the Gemmi

There are various ways to reach the Gemmi. One of the most popular options is to take the Gemmi cable car from Leukerbad. The cable car takes you comfortably to the top of the pass in just six minutes, while you can enjoy the impressive view on the way.

• Ticket Gemmibahn from Leukerbad

Alternatively, you can also start a hike from Kandersteg and explore the Gemmi Pass on your own. This route is more challenging, but offers an unforgettable adventure for experienced hikers.