Journeys of Grace

Gemmi Pass Traverse

A Gentle Alpine Crossing from Sunnbüel to Leukerbad

Day Overview

6 August 2026 · Sunnbüel → Schwarenbach → Daubensee → Gemmipass → Leukerbad

12.1 kmDistance
3 h 11 minRecorded hiking time
06:32–09:18
Zürich HB → Sunnbüel
09:30
Start hike at Sunnbüel
~10:30
Coffee break at Berghotel Schwarenbach
Midday
Lunch stop at Daubensee
13:03
Arrive at Gemmipass
13:03–14:30
Enjoy Gemmipass, the panoramic views and Berghotel Wildstrubel
14:30
Cable car down to Leukerbad
Before bus
Enough time to walk through Leukerbad village and toward the thermal baths before heading to the bus terminal
15:43–19:50
Leukerbad → home

A beautiful high-alpine crossing with a gradual ascent, broad mountain views, a relaxing walk above Daubensee and one of the finest panoramic restaurant views I have encountered.

The Journey

My hike began after taking the cable car to Sunnbüel. At the trailhead there are two signposts; either route can be taken because the paths merge again shortly afterward. The walking was easy, with a gradual ascent through a broad alpine landscape.

After about an hour I reached Berghotel Schwarenbach, where I stopped for coffee before continuing toward Gemmipass.

Coffee break at Berghotel Schwarenbach on the historic Gemmi route.

As I continued, the valley opened out around me. Gradually Daubensee came into view. Like many other walkers, I stopped beside the lake for lunch before continuing.

Daubensee gradually comes into view along the high-alpine route.

Leaving the lake caused a moment of confusion. With my back to the lake I saw a Gemmipass sign pointing left, while most hikers were taking the easier-looking path with the lake on their right. I asked other hikers and confirmed that the latter was indeed the route I wanted. The walk above the lake was wonderfully relaxing, even with its gentle incline; another trail runs closer to the shoreline.

Approaching Gemmipass, I spotted the cross on the hill and, nearby, the restaurant and heart-shaped love-lock installation.

The cross above Gemmipass near the end of the high-alpine crossing.
The heart-shaped love-lock installation at the Gemmi viewing area.

At Berghotel Wildstrubel, the wall-to-wall glass and the outdoor viewing deck reveal an exceptional panorama of 4,000-metre peaks. From the identification board on the viewing deck I could pick out the Matterhorn near the centre and Mont Blanc far to the right. The exceptionally clear day made the panorama even more memorable.

After taking the cable car down to Leukerbad, I had about 45 minutes before the bus. I walked through the village toward the thermal-bath area before returning to the bus terminal. A useful detail: the bus terminal is tucked across from the Gemeinde building.

Practical Tip

Cable-car ticket: CHF 27.50 for the combination I used from Sunnbüel/Gemmi to Leukerbad. This particular ticket was not available online when I travelled and had to be purchased in person.

Photo Gallery

Daubensee surrounded by the dramatic limestone landscape of the Gemmi Pass.
A short walk through Leukerbad before the return bus.

Hike at a Glance

Gemmi Pass hike collage
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