The Gemmi Pass is a beautiful Swiss mountain pass (not accessible by car) located in the Bernese Alps connecting Leukerbad (on the south) in the canton of Valais with Kandersteg (on the north) in the canton of Bern.
Why to go: Fantastic hike with breathtaking views! Plus, if you start in Kandersteg (Sunnbuel cable car up to the pass) and end in Leukerbad, you can hit up the thermal baths after your hike! The Pass hike is a medium difficulty level and takes about 2 hours (add 2 hours if you don’t take the cable cars to/from the Pass).
When to go: July to October.
When NOT to go: Winter hiking would require snowshoes, etc. and you would need to double-check to make sure the conditions would allow for hiking.
Where to go: Access towns are well connected by public transportation. If you arrive in Kandersteg, follow signs to the Sunnbuel cable car which takes you up to the pass. Hike the pass (very well marked) and then take the cable car down (or hike down) to Leukerbad. Once in Leukerbad, you can follow signs to the thermal baths. From Leukerbad, you can take a bus to the town of Leuk where there’s a train station.
What to eat and/or drink: Local specialties include Rösti, toasted cheese slices, pan-fried dishes and of course, Fondue.
What to see/do: Don’t forget your camera! You’ll be hiking in the Bernese Oberland (Bernese Alps) and the views are amazing! Among the mountains visible are: the Dom, Matterhorn, Weisshorn and Dent Blanche.