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 Monte Rosa
A guidebook to walking the The Tour of Monte Rosa, a 9-10 day, 134km trek circling Monte Rosa anti-clockwise from Zermatt. The high route hugs glaciers and has views of over ten 4000ers. All essential information is provided, including outline maps, route profiles, advice on glacier crossing and accommodation.
Across the Eastern Alps: E5
From Lake Constance in Germany, this guidebook describes walking the E5 trek that runs 600km through a remarkable kaleidoscope of landscapes and culture in Switzerland, Austria and Italy, to its destination at Verona. It traverses the Allgauer, Lechtaler and Ötztaler Alps. There is a good network of alpine refuges and guesthouses on the route.