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
Creation:
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–
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 38.49 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,931 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,244 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,637 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,067 m

Photos

Lenk
Lenk
Hahnenmoospass
Hahnenmoospass

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
    Leukerbad - Schwarenbach

    Leukerbad - Schwarenbach

    ↔9.42 km ↗1,325 m ↘655 m
    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

    ↔7.07 km ↗770 m ↘867 m
    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

    ↔8.02 km ↗168 m ↘768 m
    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.
    View the route
  4. E
    Adelboden - Lenk

    Adelboden - Lenk

    ↔13.89 km ↗669 m ↘951 m
    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 completed by the author from 10 to 13 October 2025

Getting to Leukerbad by public transport:

  • Leukerbad is served by train to Leuk (Geneva - Brig line) and then bus 471 to Leukerbad.

Leaving Lenk by public transport:

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

Transport: Timetables
Weather: before you leave, check the Swiss Weather Service or Météo blue
Hiking equipment, including good footwear.

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
↔9.42 km ↗+1,325 m ↘-655 m ◔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 Dala Springs Trail and return via Weidstubli

Visorando member
Sentier des sources de la Dala et retour par Weidstubli
↔3.86 km ↗+283 m ↘-278 m ◔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
↔8.29 km ↗+430 m ↘-428 m ◔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
↔11.62 km ↗+695 m ↘-694 m ◔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
↔6.37 km ↗+204 m ↘-205 m ◔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
↔7.07 km ↗+770 m ↘-867 m ◔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
↔8.02 km ↗+168 m ↘-768 m ◔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.

Walking Selde - Lauchernalp

Visorando member
Selde - Lauchernalp
↔11.51 km ↗+1,200 m ↘-705 m ◔6h 45 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Kandersteg (Canton of Bern)
This fourth stage will take you from Selde to Lauchernalp. You will start by crossing the Kander via a suspension bridge. After Gfelalp, you will have a superb view of the Kanderfin glacier, the source of the Kander. The climb to the Lötschenpass crosses a glacier without any difficulty. An equipped passage takes you to the pass, where you can enjoy a break at the hut. You will admire the wide panorama of the 4,000-metre peaks of the Valais Dom, Weisshorn and Matterhorn. At the Lötschen Pass, as at Lauchernalp, you can see the Restipass, which is the planned route for the next day's stage.

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