With an “off the beaten track” feel, if you’re looking for unspoilt, traditional Swiss village charm, outstanding Alpine walking and the wow factor, then head to Kandersteg. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, don’t let the peaceful village atmosphere deceive you because there’s a ton of things to do here - over 550 kilometres of walking paths, picturesque mountain lakes and passes and lots for the adrenaline junkies.
Alpine passes and trails
Follow in the footsteps of Picasso and Sherlock Holmes as you explore the Gemmi Pass under the watchful eyes of Mount Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. The views are amazing! Or tick off a bucket-list walk and complete a section of the famous Via Alpina.
Get off the tourist trail and discover traditional villages and the vast undeveloped landscape of the Lötschen Valley. But you don’t have to go far to go big, and in Kandersteg you can also enjoy gentle walking along the River Kander or a visit to the Gasterntal - a glacier valley with vast waterfalls, wildlife and forests.
Exploring the area
Grab a morning coffee in one the cafés before exploring. Kandersteg is everything you expect from a pretty Swiss village with traditional wooden chalets, brightly coloured flower boxes and a 16th century church. Look out for the stunning engraved façade of Landgasthof Ruedihus, a hotel and restaurant that is 250 years old and the Ricola Herb garden, one of only five of their show gardens. Then head out of the village to Blausee nature park and museum and experience the clear water lake in a glass-bottom boat.
Lake Oeschinensee
Prepare for jaw dropping beauty! With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and the mountains in the background, Lake Oeschinensee is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps and makes for some amazing photos! Hire a rowing boat and drift lazily from the shore, linger lakeside for something to eat in one the restaurants or huts, or try the 750 metre toboggan run with a drop of 150 metres!
Crank up the action
For the bold, the Allmenalp Via Ferrata is a grade K4 climb to the east of Kandersteg, which crosses a river and waterfalls, rewarding your hard work and courage with stunning views. Or take your bike up to the Gemmi Pass by cable car from where you can choose how to ride down … the easy or the hard way? And don’t forget to have a go at mountain tubing (yes, that’s flying down a ski jumping hill in a tube at up to 90 kilometres an hour) or paragliding over the mountains. It doesn’t get much more wow factor than that!
Why book a summer holiday in Kandersteg with Inghams?
At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Kandersteg’s best walking routes and activities at your own pace.
With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Kandersteg include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team overseas can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.
