From Leukerbad to Lenk

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A superb route starting from the spa resort of Leukerbad (canton of Valais) and ending in Lenk (canton of Bern). You will take the historic Gemmi mule track that connects these two cantons. From Schwarenbach, a former customs post that once welcomed famous personalities, you will gradually descend into the canton of Bern. You will also stop at Alpe d'Engstlige, where you can admire the famous Engstlige waterfalls. The last stage, starting from Adelboden, will take you to Lenk along the Via Alpina.

Details

n°86542191
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–
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 23.92 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 9,616 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 10,643 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 8,652 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,501 ft

Photos

Lenk
Lenk
Hahnenmoospass
Hahnenmoospass

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
    Leukerbad - Schwarenbach

    Leukerbad - Schwarenbach

    ↔5.86 mi ↗4,347 ft ↘2,149 ft
    A magnificent ascent along a historic trail linking the cantons of Valais and Bern. From Leukerbad, it is difficult to guess the route that crosses this imposing wall. You will climb the Gemmipass at your own pace (900 m in 3 km) and in complete safety. At the pass and at the Gemmi Lodge, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Valais Dom, Weisshorn, Matterhorn and Dent Blanche, all over 4,000 metres high. In the evening, you will sleep in a mountain hotel that once welcomed famous personalities such as Jules Verne, Guy de Maupassant, Pablo Picasso and even Lenin.
    View the route
  2. 2
    Schwarenbach - Engstligenalp

    Schwarenbach - Engstligenalp

    ↔4.39 mi ↗2,526 ft ↘2,844 ft
    After a night spent in absolute silence, this second stage begins with a pleasant climb to Schwartzgrätli. A fairly exposed section along the Felsenhorn wall will require a little caution, despite the cables and ropes. You will then continue along the Engstlige ridge with the Tschingellochtighorn, with its remarkable relief, in your sights. To conclude the day, you will descend via the Ärtele ridge to Engstligenalp, a superb mountain pasture at the foot of the Wildstrubel.
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  3. 3
    Engstligenalp - Adelboden

    Engstligenalp - Adelboden

    ↔4.98 mi ↗551 ft ↘2,520 ft
    After a night in the wilderness, for this third stage you will leave the Engstlige Alp and descend into the Adelboden valley. This route is enhanced by the famous Engstlige waterfalls. The Engstlige waterfalls plunge 600 metres into the valley, offering an exceptional spectacle. They are a protected site and are the second highest waterfalls in Switzerland. In the evening, you can enjoy the charming resort of Adelboden.
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  4. E
    Adelboden - Lenk

    Adelboden - Lenk

    ↔8.63 mi ↗2,195 ft ↘3,120 ft
    For this fourth stage, you will follow the Via Alpina to Lenk. At the Hahnenmoospass, you can enjoy views of the Wildstrubel and Wildhorn mountains and the Plaine Morte glacier. A long descent will take you to the peaceful village of Lenk in the Simme Valley.
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Notes

Hike undertaken by the author from 10 to 13 October 2025

Getting to Leukerbad by public transport:

  • Leukerbad is accessible by train to Leuk (Geneva–Brig line), then by bus 471 to Leukerbad.

Leaving Lenk by public transport:

  • Lenk is served by the R31 train to Zweisimmen. From Zweisimmen, BLS operates services to several towns in Switzerland

Transport: Timetables
Weather: before you set off, check the Swiss Weather Service or Météo Blue
Hiking equipment, particularly good walking boots.

Before setting off, check the SuisseMobile websitefor any trail closures or diversions.

Worth a visit

  • Leukerbad.
  • The Gemmipass: historic trail connecting the cantons of Bern and Valais. From the early Middle Ages onwards, mule drivers used this route to transport goods.
  • The Daubensee.
  • The Schwarenbach Hotel: built in 1742, the inn was originally a customs post at an altitude of 2,061 metres. With the emergence of tourism, this hotel welcomed famous personalities such as the writers Jules Verne and Guy de Maupassant, the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso and even Lenin.
  • The Wilstrubel and Grosstrubel.
  • The Wyssi Flue
  • The Felsenhorn
  • The Tschingellochtighorn.
  • The Tallisee
  • The Engstligenalp.
  • The Engstlige waterfalls.
  • Adelboden, a famous winter sports resort in the canton of Bern.
  • The Wildhorn
  • Lenk and the Simmental

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

Other walks in the area

Walking Leukerbad - Schwarenbach

Visorando Member
Leukerbad - Schwarenbach
↔5.86 mi ↗+4,347 ft ↘-2,149 ft ◔6h 30 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Leukerbad (Valais)
A magnificent ascent along a historic trail linking the cantons of Valais and Bern. From Leukerbad, it is difficult to guess the route that crosses this imposing wall. You will climb the Gemmipass at your own pace (900 m in 3 km) and in complete safety. At the pass and at the Gemmi Lodge, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Valais Dom, Weisshorn, Matterhorn and Dent Blanche, all over 4,000 metres high. In the evening, you will sleep in a mountain hotel that once welcomed famous personalities such as Jules Verne, Guy de Maupassant, Pablo Picasso and even Lenin.

Walking Above Leukerbad via the Heilbadweg and Weidenweg

Visorando Member
Au dessus de Loèche-les-Bains par le Heilbadweg et le Weidenweg
↔2.08 mi ↗+545 ft ↘-558 ft ◔1h 25 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Leukerbad (Valais)
A short walk offering a variety of views of the surroundings of Leukerbad. The vantage point is high enough to provide an exceptional view of the Gemmi cliffs. On this route, you can also admire the peaks of the Vallon de Réchy.

Walking Dala Springs Trail and return via Weidstubli

Visorando Member
Sentier des sources de la Dala et retour par Weidstubli
↔2.40 mi ↗+928 ft ↘-912 ft ◔1h 55 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Leukerbad (Valais)
Climbing up the Dala Gorge, you will discover a bubbling river, learn about the thermal springs, walk overlooking the gorge and climb metal stairs near a waterfall. The return trip involves a slight climb, but this can be avoided.

Walking Loop between flower-filled mountain pastures and woods, passing by Lake Majingsee.

Visorando Member
Boucle entre alpages fleuris, bois, en passant par le Lac Majingsee
↔5.15 mi ↗+1,411 ft ↘-1,404 ft ◔3h 35 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Leukerbad (Valais)
This loop allows you to discover vast mountain pastures covered with flowers in season, admire the larch and other conifers in the woods you pass through, stroll along the shores of Lake Majingsee, and continue on to the rocky outcrop overlooking Leukerbad.

Walking The Flüekapelle and Lake Majingsee, through woods and mountain pastures

Visorando Member
La Flüekapelle et le Lac Majingsee, par bois et alpages
↔7.22 mi ↗+2,280 ft ↘-2,277 ft ◔5h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Leukerbad (Valais)
Alternating between woods with imposing trees, alpine pastures carpeted with alpine flowers in season and rhododendrons in bloom (late June-early July). View of the impressive rock face overlooking Leukerbad and extending eastwards on the opposite slope to the circuit. Passage at Majingsee, ideal for contemplation. In the woods, birdsong will accompany you depending on the time of year.

Walking Daubensee tour from the Gemmipass

Visorando Member
Tour du Daubensee à partir du Gemmipass
↔3.96 mi ↗+669 ft ↘-673 ft ◔2h 25 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Leukerbad (Valais)
This circuit is suitable for almost everyone. Before starting your circuit, you can admire the peaks of the Bernese Alps from a footbridge equipped with an orientation table. You can take a leisurely walk around the lake surrounded by mountains. Several options allow you to adapt the circuit to your level.

Walking Schwarenbach - Engstligenalp

Visorando Member
Schwarenbach - Engstligenalp
↔4.39 mi ↗+2,526 ft ↘-2,844 ft ◔4h 15 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Leukerbad (Valais)
After a night spent in absolute silence, this second stage begins with a pleasant climb to Schwartzgrätli. A fairly exposed section along the Felsenhorn wall will require a little caution, despite the cables and ropes. You will then continue along the Engstlige ridge with the Tschingellochtighorn, with its remarkable relief, in your sights. To conclude the day, you will descend via the Ärtele ridge to Engstligenalp, a superb mountain pasture at the foot of the Wildstrubel.

Walking Engstligenalp - Adelboden

Visorando Member
Engstligenalp - Adelboden
↔4.98 mi ↗+551 ft ↘-2,520 ft ◔2h 45 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Adelboden (Canton of Bern)
After a night in the wilderness, for this third stage you will leave the Engstlige Alp and descend into the Adelboden valley. This route is enhanced by the famous Engstlige waterfalls. The Engstlige waterfalls plunge 600 metres into the valley, offering an exceptional spectacle. They are a protected site and are the second highest waterfalls in Switzerland. In the evening, you can enjoy the charming resort of Adelboden.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.