Walking SwitzerlandGemmipass - 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
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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
The Swiss Alps
A comprehensive guidebook to every mountain area in the Swiss Alps. This handy resource includes information for walking, hiking, trekking, climbing and ski mountaineering. Access, accommodation and facilities in the valley bases and full information about Swiss mountain huts is included to help you make the most out of a trip there.
Tour of Mont Blanc
An essential guidebook for walking the Tour of Mont Blanc. The 170km route typically takes 11 days to trek around the Mont Blanc massif. The TMB is recognised as one of the world's classic treks. The book describes both anti-clockwise and clockwise directions, with variants and information about huts, refuges and facilities en route.
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.