recommended route
Glacier trail and Lämmeren mountain refuge
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Sonnenuntergang auf dem LämmerenbodenPhoto: My Leukerbad AG
Discover the dramatic rocky Alpine terrain around the Wildstrubel massif on this hike to the Lämmeren mountain refuge and back. The route crosses the Lämmerenboden plateau, with its fissured calcareous rock and mounds of schist. The warden of the Lämmeren hut has created a glacier trail here in collaboration with the University of Bern. Along the trail, information stations provide fascinating information on the geology, landscape features and biology of this unique environment. A brochure on the theme trail is available.
At the far end of Lämmerenboden, a climb of about 200 vertical metres leads to the Lämmeren refuge. Difficult passages are secured with chains. With a little luck, you may spot some of the ibex that regularly gather in the vicinity of the hut. Assorted trails offer the chance to explore the surrounding landscapes; climbing enthusiasts can choose from a number of routes of varying difficulty.
For the return leg of the hike, follow the same route back as far as Lämmerenboden, and then walk eastwards to the Lämmerensee lake. When you reach the left bank of the Lämmerendalu river, you rejoin the glacier trail. A little before the Daubensee lake, the trail branches to the right to return to the Gemmi Pass.
Author’s recommendation
Pause for a break at the Lämmeren refuge and enjoy the fruit tart, freshly baked every day.
You can extend the hike by about an hour and a half by following a different route back from the cabin: not across Lämmerenboden but via Rote Totz Lücke, Rote Chumme and the Daubensee.
The shores of the Daubensee offer a refreshing spot to relax for a while. The water of the Lämmerendalu river flows out of the lake via an underground route and only resurfaces more than 1,200 vertical metres lower down, below the village of Varen.
Track types
Rest stops
SAC Hütte - LämmerenhütteSafety information
Bring a map. Download full description of this route including large-scale map by clicking on "Print" icon, top right of this page.Use marked trails only, and observe all signposting – for your own safety, to safeguard grazing animals and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Close gates after passing through.
Please be considerate to other trail users, and to the plants and animals.
Tips and hints
The tourist office in Leukerbad has got brochures and information material about hiking in the region and will give you detailled information about this hike.Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Leuk can be reached by train (SBB), then by bus (LLB - Leuk Leukerbad Bus Reisen) to the starting point in Leukerbad and up to the Gemmi Pass on the Gemmi cable car.Getting there
From Basel and Zurich: A1 motorway to Bern; A6 to Spiez; direction Kandersteg; Kandersteg - Goppenstein car transport; direction Gampel; Leuk - Leukerbad.From Geneva: Motorway A1 to Lausanne; direction Sion/Sierre; Leuk - Leukerbad.
From Milan: Motorway A8/A26 direction Simplon; car transport Iselle-Brig; direction Leuk - Leukerbad.
Parking
Various parking options in the village of Leukerbad. Follow the local parking guidance system.Car parks in Leukerbad: Gemmi parking, Sportarena parking, Rathaus parking, Torrent parking, Leukerbad Therme parking, Alpentherme parking.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
Day hiking bag (approx. 20 litres) with rain cover, sturdy and comfortable footwear, multi-layered clothing suitable for the weather and hard-wearing, telescopic poles, sun and rain protection, provisions and drinking water, first aid kit, pocket knife, mobile phone, maps.Statistics
- 7 Waypoints
- 7 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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