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803901

Sunnbuel - Uschenegrat - Schwarenbach - Sunnbuel
Walk 8039

Canton - Bern / Berne - Kandertal

Canton - Valais / Wallis - Leukerbad & Gemmipass

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 11.0 km / 6.9 miles

Ascent - 630 metres / 2079 feet

Descent - 630 metres / 2079 feet

Time - 5.00 hours

Grade - moderate

Photo from the walk - Sunnbuel - Uschenegrat - Schwarenbach - Sunnbuel
Click image to visit gallery of 12 images.

This walk follows the Üschenegrat ridge from where superb views are obtained of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The first part of the walk along the ridge is relatively quiet before you drop down to the Berghotel Schwarenbach from where a much busier path leads through the valley back to the start.

Start & End the upper station of the Luftseilbahn Kandersteg-Sunnbüel. See Transport Map for the Kandertal Region.

Exit the upper station of the Luftseilbahn Kandersteg-Sunnbüel and bear right to reach a path junction at Winteregg. Go straight across and start to climb across the eastern flank of the Gällihorn. As you climb higher the path zigzags across steeper ground to reach a viewpoint (2165m). The view from here is excellent with the Kander Valley laid out at your feet. The view also includes a wide panorama of mountain peaks from the Bunderspitz to the Attels.

To continue ignore the paths down into the valley and to the summit of the Gällihorn and continue along the Üschenegrat ridge. The views once more are superb especially into the Inner Üschene valley on your right. Continue along the ridge for over 4 kilometres towards the head of the valley. After crossing the flank of the Wyssi Flue the path descends to a col and a junction of paths. Turn left here to Schwarenbach.

The route crosses alpine meadows before descending in a series of loops and zigzags to join the main path near the Berghotel Schwarenbach. Turn left here and the Berghotel is a few minutes walk. However if you have time and the energy it is worth turning right and continuing as far as the shores of the Daubensee.

From Schwarenbach follow the main path through a narrow rocky valley before descending into a wider valley. The main path, now a track, continues without any further navigational difficulties all the way back to the start of the walk.

Suggested Maps

Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW 5004 - Berner Oberland

Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW5009 - Gstaad - Adelboden

Kandersteg Wanderkarte - 1:25000

Recommended Books

100 Hut Walks in the Alps

100 Hut Walks in the AlpsThis guidebook has route descriptions for 100 day walks to suit alpine walkers of all abilities, with suggestions for some hut-to-hut tours. These routes take you through breathtaking scenery in the Maritime Alps, Julian Alps, Gran Paradiso, the Turnitzer Alps, Bernese Oberland, the Kitzbuheler Alps and the Dolomites of South Tirol.

More information

Walking in the Valais

Walking in the ValaisComprehensive guidebook to the Valais region, describing 111 day walks and 10 multi-day tours. Home to the Matterhorn and Dent Blanche, the routes are in the Fieschertal and the Aletsch glacier region, the Lötschental, Saastal, Mattertal, Turtmanntal, Val d'Anniviers, Val d'Herens, Val de Bagnes, Val Ferret and Vallée du Trient.

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Stay Safe

Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.

Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.

Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.

Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.

Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.

Do check the weather forecast before leaving.

Do do not exceed your capabilities.

Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Sitzerland is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps at the most detailed scale where possible. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed, and corrective action taken if necessary.