Daubensee Loop

It's a 5km trail at Gemmi Pass in the Valais Alps that circles the turquoise glacial lake of Daubensee with minimal elevation gain once you're up top. You can hike all the way up from Leukerbad, which adds significant time and elevation, or take the cable car from Leukerbad to Gemmi Pass and then a second gondola up to Daubensee and start the loop from there. We did the second option and have no regrets.

Getting There

Take the gondola from Leukerbald to Gemmi Pass, then take the 2nd gondola from Gemmi pass to Daubensee. If you're driving, parking is available around the gondola station.

What is the trail like?

Overall it's quite mild. The views over the lake are the main draw and they don't disappoint. That said, around the midpoint some sections get narrow and the path becomes a little unclear. We may have just been bad at reading the trail, but it's worth paying attention.

Parts of the trail are shared with mountain bikers, so keep an eye out. Near the cable car you'll pass some goats and sheep, but they don't follow you onto the trail itself.

Abby had a great time going in and out of the water along the way and was still happy at the end of the 5km, which is usually a good sign.

Abby's highlight

She's not built for heatwaves and going up the mountain gave her a proper break from the July heat. She perked up immediately.

Practical Info

• Water/Toilets: None on the trail.
• Leash Rules: In Valais, dogs do not need to be on a constant leash outside of villages but must remain under the owner's control at all times.
• Trashcans: None, you will have to carry the poop with you unfortunately.

Would we go back? Yes, we would visit again.