Save this place and discover nearby attractions with NextOnTrip
In the app you can add it to your favorites, see what else is worth visiting nearby on the map, and earn a badge for your visit.
The app is available for iPhone and Android.
About this place
Lämmerensee is a high-alpine lake above Leukerbad in the Swiss canton of Valais. It sits at 2,296 m on the Lämmerenalp plateau (Lämmerenboden), just beneath the Lämmerengrat ridge, and covers roughly 6.7 hectares.
Where is Lämmerensee?
The lake belongs to the municipality of Leukerbad and lies close to the Gemmi Pass, the historic crossing between the Rhône valley and the Bernese Oberland. Its coordinates are about 46.40° N, 7.59° E. The setting is an open, stony plateau well above the tree line, framed by rock walls and ridges.
How do you get there?
Start at the Gemmi Pass. From Leukerbad you can ride the cable car up or walk. From the pass, the trail rises gently along the Lämmerendalu valley onto the Lämmerenboden plateau, where the lake lies. Along the way you also pass the neighbouring Daubensee.
The path then climbs on to the Lämmerenhütte (Swiss Alpine Club) at 2,507 m. The SAC grades the route T2 mountain hiking, with about 250 m of ascent and roughly 1.5 hours of climbing. The last stretch to the hut is steep, and the harder sections are protected with chains. Valais Tourism lists the full round trip from the Gemmi at around 9 km and over 3 hours.
What is there to see?
A glacier trail runs along the route towards the hut. The hut warden laid it out together with the University of Bern, and its panels explain how glaciers shaped the area. Ibex are sometimes spotted near the hut. For a longer day, return via the Rote Totz Lücke, the Rote Chumme and the Daubensee, which adds about 1.5 hours.
When should you go?
This is a summer hike, once the snow has melted. The winter route does not follow the summer path, so check current conditions with Leukerbad tourism before setting out. Weather above 2,000 m changes quickly: bring layers, sun protection and water.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Lämmerensee? It lies at 2,296 m above sea level, below the Lämmerengrat ridge.
How big is the lake? Its surface area is about 6.7 hectares.
Is the walk difficult? The stretch from the Gemmi Pass onto the plateau is gentle. Only the final climb to the Lämmerenhütte is harder (T2, with chains).
Where does the hike start? At the Gemmi Pass, reached from Leukerbad by cable car or on foot.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.