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Kandersteg
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Bernese
Oberland Switzerland |
The area
Kandersteg ( 3920
ft) lies in the beautiful Kander valley in the Central Bernese Oberland.
Its lofty mountains with side glens and upper shelves of meadowland have
much to offer the mountain walker
including an amazing diversity of alpine flowers. More than 190 miles of trails
can be followed in the immediate area many reached by a variety of
cableways commencing near the village. Just across from the Kandertal
Mountains is the Lochen valley which has a different weather pattern
from Kandersteg and is easily
reached by the Lochtsberg railway tunnel in 15 minutes.
The centre
K andersteg itself
is a popular summer and winter resort with some attractive old
peasants’ houses and a small 16th century church. It
spreads itself out along the meadows of the valley enclosed by towering
and majestic mountains. It has a long established tradition of catering
for British visitors well illustrated by the existence of the English
named ‘Victoria’ hotel and has carefully preserved its unique
typical Swiss character. Whilst in winter it is a base for the Swiss
Nordic Ski Centre, in summer it becomes a walker’s paradise. Well
served by rail services, this charming and scenic walking centre has a
variety of shops and banks, hotels and restaurants. Additionally it
offers a swimming pool and various sports facilities including curling
and tennis.
The walking
Well marked walking
routes surround Kandersteg ranging from short valley strolls; visits to
lonely alps, waterfalls and lakes; more strenuous routes up to lofty
remote mountain huts and treks across high passes and ice fields.
For a leisurely
stroll visit the crystal clear waters of the Blausee lake located nearby
in 50 acres of natural parkland – an area renowned for its trout and
the breeding of St Bernard dogs.
The Oeschinensee
lake, a natural wonder of the Alps which appears on almost every poster
extolling the splendours of the Kandertal, can easily be reached by
alternative routes. Lying below the massive Bluemlisalp (12213 ft) it
mirrors the mountain’s rugged slopes in its waters in a setting of
stunning beauty.
Hiking trails offer
a range of walks of differing grades and difficulty with walking time
varying from 2-7 hours. Some can easily be shortened using nearby
cableways.
The more
adventurous can obtain the service of a guide, locally arranged, to be
taken up to 13000 feet to that special world of ice and snow.
We are also
offering the opportunity to try Nordic walking (not skiing!) a sport which is growing in popularity in Switzerland and for
which Kandersteg is developing into a world centre.
Indeed, there is
much for everyone whatever the interest or desired challenge in this
friendly and well established walking centre. You will not be
disappointed whether you are a first time visitor to Switzerland or a
regular who has knowledge and experience of other beautiful cantons.
The hotels We feature two hotels in Kandersteg, the 3* Hotel
Victoria and the 4* Hotel Doldenhorn
How to get there Zurich Airport is the closest at 2 hours
40 minutes with one change in Bern.
Basle is just under 3 hours and Geneva Airport just over 3 hours
away each with a change of train in Bern.
When to go Walking
is possible from April through to October, with a risk of snow in the
first and last months.
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