With an “off the beaten track” feel, if you’re looking for unspoiled, traditional Swiss village charm, outstanding Alpine walking, and the wow factor, then book a summer holiday to Kandersteg. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, don’t let the peaceful village atmosphere deceive you because there are a ton of things to do here - over 550 kilometers of walking paths, picturesque mountain lakes and passes, and lots for the adrenaline junkies.
A summer holiday in Kandersteg: exploring the area
Kandersteg is everything you expect from a pretty Swiss village with traditional wooden chalets, brightly coloured flower boxes, and a 16th Century church. Grab a morning coffee in one of the cafés before wandering the streets - look out for the stunning engraved façade of Landgasthof Ruedihus, a hotel and restaurant that is 250 years old, and the Ricola Herb garden. Then head out of the village to Blausee Nature Park and museum and experience the clear lake waters in a glass-bottom boat.
Visit Lake Oeschinensee - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
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 of the restaurants or huts, or try the 750 metre toboggan run with a drop of 150 metres! There's some beautiful walking up here too - take one of the higher trails towards Unterbergli or Oberbergli mountain huts to enjoy spectacular views of the lake from above.
Walking in Kandersteg: alpine passes and trails
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.
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 long-distance walking trail.
Active holidays in Kandersteg
For the bold, the Allmenalp Via Ferrata is a grade K4 climb on the outskirts of Kandersteg, which crosses a river and waterfalls, rewarding your hard work and courage with stunning views. Or take your bike up to the Sunnbüel by cable car - there's an exhilarating downhill trail that will get the adrenaline pumping. And don’t forget to have a go on the summer mountain toboggan 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 at 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.
Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Kandersteg. Join a professional walking guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).
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.
