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 Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Gemmi Pass

 Situated on a saddle between the Daubenhorn and the Rinderhorn, Gemmi Pass is a centuries-old crossing between the Cantons of Bern to the north and the Valais to the south.

From the Pass, amazing views encompass the high Pennine Alp in the Valais including Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Weisshorn, Bishorn, and Dent Blanche.

At the height of 2270 meters, the pass was constructed by the Tyroleans around 1739, and its trail is very popular with hikers both in summer and winter.

1. It was used as a Trading Route in the Mediaeval  Ages

During the Middle Ages, the path was used as a regular route for trade and transport. The mountainous pass served chiefly as a traverse for bathing and wellness passengers to and from Leuk and Leukerbad.

Noble gentry permitted themselves to be carried to the famous bathing spots in chair seats, as a welcome alternative to a long and weary foot march. Later, horses also came into the picture with the first legendary “Gemmi-carriage鈥� in 1894.

Traffic over the Gemmi pass introduced early Swiss citizens to other people from other parts of Europe and tourists in general.

2. Gemmi Pass is Hikers Paradise

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The Gemmi pass hiking trail starts to the south of Kandersteg at Sunnbuel and travels through the pretty Spittelmatte Valley. It then ascends to and travels along the lakeshore of the Daubensee before the final climb to Gemmi Pass.

The hike is relatively easy and features fine views of the high peaks soaring about the east side of the valley and the rugged Uschenegrat Ridge rising to the west.

Parties looking for a short hike can ride the Gemmibahn down the Leukerbad and then catch a bus to Leuk where a series of trains return to Kandersteg. The ride back to Kandersteg takes about one hour and 40-minutes.

3.  Lake Oeschinen is a Major attraction near Gemmi Pass

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Lake Oeschinen lies at the foot of the Bl眉emlisalp. Situated 1,578 meters above sea level, it is one of the larger Alpine Lakes. A gondola train leads from Kandersteg to a location near the lake.

A half-hour walks across pastures and through the pine forest takes you to the lake. The water in the lake warms up to 20 degrees Celsius in the summer. Activities enjoyed here include rowing or riding on the summer toboggan run.

The rich mountain flora with orchids, gentian, and edelweiss, the herds of sheep and cows grazing on the Alps, and the wild animals on the mountain slopes attract nature lovers to the lake at the entrance to the Unesco World Heritage Site. In the winter, ice fishing or tobogganing are popular attractions.

4. Walk through Point-to-Point Trail via Leukerbad

Enjoy this 7.4-km point-to-point trail near Leukerbad, Valais. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 44 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, mountain biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day.

The way to the Gemmi Pass starts in Leukerbad and goes via the Gemmipath to the Gemmi Pass. At the Pass, there is a hotel and a mountain restaurant named Wildstrubel as well as the Daubensee-Gemmipass gondola that brings you back to Leukerbad.

5. Watch over Leukerbad from the Gemmi Pass Platform

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Gemmi pass platform is the ultimate destination for all Gimmi Pass visitors. It is directly adjacent to the terrace of Wildstrubel mountain restaurant. From here the filigree trapezoidal steel structure extends around ten meters out over the rock face and has a room of over a dozen people.

The walk to the platform required a little bit of courage, as the footbridge seems like it suspended over the rock face. It consists of a grid through which the visitors can look down to over 250 meters below.

Those who dare the platform will be rewarded with a unique panoramic view. From here you can see Leukerbad lying 900 meters below.

6. Hike from Leukerbad to Kandersteg

This historic, classic Swiss hike over the beautiful Gemmi pass is a great option for families. It is served by cable cars and has a well-maintained trail. This path has been used as far back as Roman times, connecting communities from the Valais and Bern regions.

The scenery is breathtaking and varied, starting with a barren rocky landscape with glaciers at the top, passing along a gorgeous lake speckled with wildflowers, cutting through craggy mountain peaks, and finishing in a wide green valley with forests, rivers, and waterfalls. It鈥檚 one of the best hikes in Switzerland.

7. It is a Perfect Place for Mountain Bikers

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The destination of Leukerbad has an exceptionally wide range of sporting activities to offer 365 days a year. With a bike network of 225km with many single trails, mountain bikers get their money’s worth.

Hikers can also choose from a network of around 200km of trails, many of which lead through beautiful landscapes. Highlights include the hike over the historic Gemmi Pass, the thermal spring footbridge, and the Albinen ladders.

The Gemmi via Ferrata is an adventure in a class of its own.  it is one of the longest and most exposed via Ferrata tours in Switzerland.

8. Gemmi Pass offers a Wide Range of Winter Activities

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Leukerbad also offers a wide range of winter activities visitors can choose from. 40 km of hiking trails, 18 km of snowshoe trails, or 25 km of cross-country ski trails.

Thanks to the thermal baths and the sports arena with its wide range of indoor activities, Leukerbad offers year-round tourism regardless of the weather. Regional specialties, international dishes, or haute cuisine: more than 40 restaurants in and around Leukerbad pamper the palates of their guests.

The sunny wine village of Varen is famous for its wines made from typical Valais grape varieties.

9. The Pass is Accessible by Cable Car

Although the pass cannot be traversed by road, it is still directly accessible by cable car from Leukerbad. Alternatively, the pass can be reached by a two-hour dramatic hike on foot.

From Kandersteg a cable car gives access to the Sunnb眉el area (1,934 m), 10 km north of the pass, allowing hikers to cross the pass on a wide and easy trail.

10. Gemmi Pass is Described by Famous Writers

The pass is mentioned in the Sherlock Holmes story The Final Problem. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson cross the pass on their way to Meiringen, where Sherlock Holmes has his famous meeting with Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls.

The pass is described by Guy de Maupassant in his short-story L’Auberge. The American writer Mark Twain also visited the pass in August 1878 and described it in a letter to his wife.