Gemmipass - Daubensee - GemmipassWalk 8041
Canton - Valais / Wallis - Leukerbad & Gemmipass
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 6.0 km / 3.8 miles
Ascent - 120 metres / 396 feet
Descent - 120 metres / 396 feet
Time - 2.50 hours
Grade - easy/moderate
Click thumbnails for larger images.
This route makes a complete circuit of the Daubensee using the cable car from Leukerbad to gain height above the Rhone Valley to the Gemmi Pass.
Start & End the upper station of the Gemmibahn from Leukerbad to the Gemmi Pass. See Transport Map for the Kandertal Region.
Exit the upper station of the Gemmibahn and make your way to the pass. The view over the Rhone Valley and the Alps beyond is a one of the great panoramas in Europe with dozens of well known peaks included in the picture. From here descend to the shores of the Daubensee following the path to the Berghotel Schwarenbach.
Continue along the shore to reach its northern end where you leave the main path and continue along the western shores of the lake. This side of the Daubensee is much quieter and there are a number of points where you can rest and enjoy the view spoilt somewhat by the electricity power lines strung across the mountainside. With a complete circuit of the lake nearly complete continue up to the pass and enjoy the view again before descending back to Leukerbad.
If you require refreshments then you can stay on the main path at the northern end of the lake and continue the short distance to the Berghotel Schwarenbach. To complete the route return to the lake and bear right and continue the walk as described above.
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
Tour of the Jungfrau Region
A guidebook to the Tour of the Jungfrau Region, a 111km trek from Schynige Platte to Wilderswil in 9-12 days through the Bernese Oberland under the Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau, exploring both well-known and hidden valleys, surrounded by soaring peaks, glaciers, lakes and ridges. A good first Alpine trek with plenty of bad-weather alternatives.
Alpine Flowers
A pocket field guidebook for identifying 230 of the most commonly found alpine flowers of the Alps. Categorised by colour for quick identification, each alpine flower has a photograph and description of its key features. Flower names are given in English, French, German, Italian and Latin, with notes on curious facts and origins of names.