Lämmerenhütte SAC – High-Alpine Hut & Gemmi Pass Stage

The Lämmerenhütte SAC is a strategically located alpine hut in the Gemmi Pass area, forming an important link between Leukerbad and the Bernese Alps. Set in stark limestone terrain, it functions primarily as a stage hut for classic crossings and as a base for moderate alpine objectives. Its setting is open, windswept, and distinctly high-mountain in character.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Gemmi Pass / Lämmeren valley, Bernese Alps, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,507 m

  • Type: Serviced SAC alpine hut (with winter room)

  • Capacity: Approx. 85–90 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually June to October

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Access reflects the hut’s role as a crossing point rather than a summit base.

  • Main approaches:

    • From Leukerbad via the Gemmi Pass

    • From Kandersteg (longer alpine route)

  • Hiking time: ~3–4.5 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~700–1,100 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, scree slopes, limestone slabs

  • Difficulty: T3

  Early-season snowfields are common on north-facing sections.

• Facilities & Comfort

  The hut offers solid, modern SAC comfort suitable for multi-day itineraries.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during guarded season

  • Drinking water available

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The winter room is functional and intended for autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is practical and international.

  • Hearty alpine meals

  • Mix of trekkers, pass-crossers, and ski tourers

  • Evenings focused on planning the next stage

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Standard SAC hut prices

  • Discounts: SAC member discounts apply

  • Booking: Recommended in summer and autumn

  • Payment: Cash preferred

• Best Routes From the Hut

  The Lämmerenhütte sits on classic alpine itineraries:

  • Gemmi Pass crossing (Leukerbad ↔ Kandersteg)

  • Long-distance trekking routes in the Bernese Alps

  • Winter ski touring traverses (conditions permitting)

  • Alpine hikes in the Lämmeren valley

  Routes are mostly non-technical but can be exposed in bad weather.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Wind exposure and rapid weather changes

  • Main risks: Fog, snowfields, storms

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced hikers

  • Long-distance alpine trekkers

  • Ski tourers (winter/spring)

  • Not intended as a primary technical climbing base

Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,507 m, the Lämmerenhütte SAC is defined by connectivity. Its position at the Gemmi Pass makes it a dependable and well-equipped stage for crossing between valleys and regions, offering a classic high-alpine experience without the commitment of glacier travel.