"Hiking to the Gemmipass" Top 5 Page for this destination Kandersteg Things to Do Tip by travelfrosch

Probably the most popular hike in the Kandersteg area is the trek to the Gemmi Pass. While many tourists find the hike very strenuous, locals call it the "Grandmothers' Walk," and you will indeed see many senior citizens making the journey.

The most efficient way to get there is to either take the "Sunnbuel-bus" or walk a scenic 20 minutes to the Sunnbuel-Bahn cable car. From Sunnbuel, follow the trail and the signs to the Gemmipass. The hike should take 1 1/2 to 3 hours, depending on your level of fitness. At about the midpoint of the hike is the Berghotel Schwarenbach, a longtime mountain hotel (indeed, Mark Twain once stayed here). If the weather is clear and you manage to make it to the Gemmipass, you will be rewarded by a magnificent view of the Rhone Valley. There's even a cafeteria with view terrace where you can have a lunch break and/or beverage of your choice before making the return trip to Sunnbuel. For those who don't wish to make the return walk, there is a gondola from Gemmipass down to the town of Leukerbad. From Leukerbad, you can take a bus to Leuk, then a train back to Kandersteg via Brig. Of course, you can take the train/bus from Kandersteg to Leukerbad, the gondola to Gemmipass, and then walk to Sunnbuel... but then you have to read this tip backwards.

NOTE: This trail is open year round, but parts of the trail can be snow-covered even into July. Be sure to wear good hiking boots, preferably with Goretex.

Address: Luftseilbahn Kandersteg-Sunnbüel
Directions: From the Kandersteg train station, turn right and follow signs to "Eggenschwand" or take the Sunnbuel Bus (Fare CHF 2). Take the Sunnbuel lift and take the well-marked trail to the Gemmipass.
othercontact: http://www.sunnbuel.ch/
Phone: +41 (0)33 675 81 41
Website: http://www.kandersteg.ch/en/bahnenBusse/bahnsunnbuel