The Gemmi route belongs to Leukerbad like the thermal water. After the steep ascent, you are rewarded with the unique panorama over the Valais Alps.
"The boldest structures in the world do not give a greater idea of human courage and human strength than this suspended path in the air, which easily spans immeasurable, indestructible masses". This description of the Gemmi pass by Wolfgang Menzel, German writer (1798-1873), likely best captures the attraction of the Gemmi route. Many others, like Goethe, Mark Twain, Lenin, or Picasso, walked before and after him on the impressive mountain path, where you overcome about 900 meters of altitude in about two hours.
The path to the Gemmi pass is very well developed. Nevertheless, the steep and partly exposed mountain hike should not be underestimated.
Author’s recommendation
"The longest running adventure in the world lasts 150 days": Anyone who manages the ascent from the Leukerbad valley station to the Gemmi mountain station in under 60 minutes (men) or 65 minutes (women) between July and October, will receive a free descent ticket with the Gemmi cable car as well as free entry to the Leukerbad thermal baths on the same day.
Information can be found at www.gemmi.ch
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Restaurant SportarenaRestaurant Wildstrubel
Berghotel Wildstrubel
Panoramarestaurant Gemmi
Safety information
The mountains, a place of joy to share and respect. The mountain world is a place to meet and experience unforgettable moments together – whether by bike or on foot. So that all users can benefit, it is essential to share this space with respect towards nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior allows everyone to enjoy their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules.
Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Using the different routes is fundamentally at your own responsibility.
Tips and suggestions
The tourist office in Leukerbad provides you with information material and brochures about hiking in the destination and can give detailed information about the route.
Roadbook
On a secure path, you can reach the pass height within two hours. The ascent on foot through the Gemmi cliff offers unique insights into the steep rock walls surrounding Leukerbad. This path has existed since the 13th century. Alternatively, the Gemmi cable car takes 6 minutes to reach the pass height.
Leukerbad Village Center
Leukerbad thermal spa
Galerie St. Laurent
Thermal resort at Leukerbad
Dala Gorge – Thermal Springs Bridge
Restaurant Sportarena
Leukerbad (Talstation Gemmi)
Barbecue area Allmei
Daubensee
Restaurant Wildstrubel
Berghotel Wildstrubel
Panoramarestaurant Gemmi
Bearded vulture
Gemmi
The Hot Spot Gemmi
Erlebnisklettersteig Gemmiwand
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Leuk is accessible by train (SBB), then the bus (LLB – Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) goes to the starting point in Leukerbad.Get Timetable to destination
Directions
From Basel and Zurich: Motorway A1 to Bern; A6 to Spiez; direction Kandersteg; car shuttle Kandersteg – Goppenstein; direction Gampel; Leuk – Leukerbad
From Geneva: Motorway A1 to Lausanne; direction Sion/Sierre; Leuk – Leukerbad
From Milan: Motorway A8/A26 towards Simplon; car shuttle Iselle-Brig; direction Leuk – Leukerbad
Parking
Various parking options in the village of Leukerbad. Follow the local parking guidance system.
Parkings in Leukerbad: Gemmi parking lot, Sportarena parking garage, Town hall parking garage, Torrent parking garage, Leukerbad Therme parking garage, Alpentherme parking garage.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Use of the hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Local conditions may potentially cause changes to the route. We assume no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.
For all hikes:
- Carry a map with you. Download the full description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking on «Print» at the top right of the page.
- Use exclusively marked hiking trails and consider all signposts and instructions - for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Close gates again after passing through.
- Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants, and animals.
For mountain hikes:
- Carry additional sun protection. UV rays can be very strong at high altitudes, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan your hike carefully: consider the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal dependencies.
- Weather conditions can change very quickly and without warning in the mountains. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In case of unstable weather, it's better to turn back early.
For high alpine hikes:
- Inform your family about your hiking route. Avoid hiking alone if possible.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Observe warning signals indicating dangers at riverbanks, along watercourses below dams and reservoirs: water levels can rise quickly and without warning.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions