The Gemmi Run is one of the most legendary trail running routes in Leukerbad. Starting at the Gemmi valley station, the route leads over the historic mule track up to the mountain station of the Gemmi cable car. The steep ascent through the imposing Gemmi wall tests your endurance – but those who manage it within the given time are rewarded!
The trail run starts in Leukerbad at the valley station of the Gemmi cable cars. After a short warm-up run through the village, you enter directly into the challenging switchback path of the Gemmi wall. This historic path was once used by pack animals and today offers a spectacular backdrop for trail runners. During the ascent, enjoy breathtaking views of Leukerbad and the Rhone valley.
Once you reach the top of the Gemmi Pass, the finish is only a few meters away at the mountain station of the Gemmi cable car. There you can not only enjoy the satisfaction of having completed one of the most famous mountain running routes in Switzerland – but perhaps also a well-deserved reward!
Author’s recommendation
Register before the run at the valley station of the Gemmi cable cars and complete the trail within the specified time limits:
Men/Boys: 60 minutes or faster
Women/Girls: 65 minutes or faster
Those who succeed receive a free descent with the Gemmi cable car and free admission to the Leukerbad thermal baths – perfect for recovery after this intense climb!
Conditions:
- Challenge fee: CHF 5.–
- Only valid with complete registration at the Gemmi cable car valley station and official time stamp for start, finish, and checkpoint at the Gemmi wall.
- Maximum one reward per runner and day.
- Non-transferable – any abuse will result in forfeiture of all claims to the offered services.
- Reward: free descent with the Gemmi cable car and free entry to the Leukerbad thermal baths.
- Redeemable only on the day of the successfully completed run with the corresponding proof.
- A maximum of three free rides and thermal bath entries per participant and season are possible.
Are you ready to break the magical 1-hour mark? Then lace up your running shoes and take on the challenge of the Gemmi Run!
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Restaurant WildstrubelSafety 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 for nature and agriculture. Respectful behavior enables everyone to pursue their leisure activities under the best conditions. Inform yourself about recommendations and rules.
Assess your own abilities and fitness well. Using the various routes is always at your own risk.
Roadbook
The Gemmi Run starts at the valley station of the Gemmi cable cars. From there you first run through the village towards the Gemmi Pass. The path gradually becomes steeper before it transitions into the legendary mule track.
After the first switchbacks, the challenging ascent through the imposing Gemmi wall begins. The narrow path winds through numerous hairpin bends up the steep rock face. Here you reach the checkpoint where your time is recorded. During the ascent, spectacular views open up of Leukerbad and the Rhone valley – but the focus remains on your own endurance and footwork.
At the top, you leave the narrow rock wall and reach the high plateau of the Gemmi Pass. The trail now becomes flatter, and the last meters lead you past the Wildstrubel mountain hotel to the mountain station of the Gemmi cable car, where the challenge ends.
Here you can catch your breath, enjoy the view, and – if you have broken the time limit – receive your well-deserved reward: a free descent with the Gemmi cable car and free entry to the Leukerbad thermal baths.
Leukerbad Village Center
Leukerbad thermal spa
Galerie St. Laurent
Thermal resort at Leukerbad
RelAction Snow & Bikeshop
Restaurant Wildstrubel
Gemmi
Gemmi Lodge 2350
Bearded vulture
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Leuk is accessible by train (SBB), followed by a bus (LLB – Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) to the starting point at Leukerbad.
Private vehicle.
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.
Parking in Leukerbad: Sportarena parking garage, Town Hall parking garage, Torrent parking garage, Leukerbad Therme parking garage, Alpentherme parking garage.
Coordinates
Equipment
Day hiking backpack (approx. 20 liters) with rain cover, sturdy and comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate and durable clothing in layers, telescopic poles, sun and rain protection, provisions and drinking water, first aid kit, pocket knife, mobile phone, map material.
Use of hiking trails and information on this website is at your own risk. Conditions on site may 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 complete description of the hiking trail with a large-scale map by clicking on "Print" at the top right of the page.
- Use only marked hiking trails and observe all signposts and instructions – for your own safety, to protect grazing animals, and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
- Close gates after passing through.
- Behave considerately towards other trail users, plants, and animals.
For mountain hikes:
- Carry additional sun protection. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, even in cloudy weather.
- Plan your hike carefully: consider the required fitness level of all participants, weather forecasts, and seasonal factors.
- Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Appropriate clothing and sufficient provisions (food and drink) are very important. In case of unstable weather, better turn back early.
For high alpine hikes:
- Inform your family about the hiking route. Avoid going alone if possible.
- Do not venture onto glaciers without a mountain guide.
- Observe warning signs 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