Daubensee

This natural lake lies at an altitude of 2207m north of the Gemmi Pass, in the Valais part of the Bernese Alps. Its circumference of just over 4km is lined by a beautiful hiking trail.

It is easily accessible all year round from Leukerbad by the Gemmi cable car, which is extended by a small cable car that descends a few hundred metres from the southern shore.

This shallow, fishless lake gradually dries up during the summer and is dry again in November before filling up when the snow melts.

Thanks to its good wind conditions, the lake is a popular spot for kite surfing in summer and snowkiting in winter.

Until a few years ago, on the last Sunday in July, a shepherds' festival was held on the eastern shore of the lake, bringing together around 800 sheep. This tradition has unfortunately been lost, but the Daubensee continues to be a paradise for hikers during the summer months.

The walk around the lake takes around 2 hours. For a longer hike (over 3 hours), continue north to the top station of the Sunnbüel cable car, which takes you down to Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland (north portal of the Lötschberg tunnel).