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 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.
Walking in the Alps
An outstanding and comprehensive book exploring the walking and trekking possibilities in every Alpine region. Many thousands of possible routes are suggested, from the Maritime Alps of southern France throughout the range to the Julian Alps of Slovenia. Walks vary from undemanding to long and tough, and everything in between.