Kandersteg[1] is a village in the Bernese Highlands in Switzerland. Located in the heart of the Alps, Kandersteg is the perfect location to explore the mountains and observe the traditional Swiss alpine lifestyle.
A small farming village with a population of 1,200 Kandersteg today relies heavily on tourism for economic support. The village is also home to Kandersteg International Scout Centre, which is open 365 days and welcomes over 12,000 Scouts and Guides from around the World each year.
In Summer, Kandersteg acts as a mecca for hikers from all corners of Europe offering hundreds of kilometres of marked hiking paths. Well maintained and secure via-ferrata and multi-pitch rock climbing areas also attract many guests.
Winter offers a wide range of pisted hiking paths and is one of the biggest cross-country areas in Switzerland. The village also has snowshoe trails, sled runs and skiing areas suitable for beginner-intermediate skiers.
Public Transit
Kandersteg is well served by regular train and bus connections coordinated nationally by the Swiss Federal Railways SBB Trains to Kandersteg run from Thun in the north and Brig in the south. The public transport system is punctual, multi-lingual and easy to use.
Road
Most European motorways will bring you to Spiez - 30 minutes north of the village. Travellers from the South use the Goppenstein car-train through to Kandersteg.
Air
The main international airports are located in Geneva, Zurich, Basel and Milan. Zurich and Geneva have their own train stations.
In high season there is a local bus which runs from the train station to Sunnbuel Cable Car and the Oeschinen Gondola. The bus is free with a Guest Card which is available from your accommodation in Kandersteg. This service is operated by AFA Busbetrieb who have up to date timetable information.
The Village Museum located underneath the Tourist Office. Open the same hours as the Tourist Office
The spectacular Blausee[2]is nestled among pristine forest below the village. The crystal clear lake is home to ancient fossilised trees and delicious local trout. The downhill walk takes approximately 1.5 hours from the village and it is possible to get the bus back uphill to Kandersteg.
The viewpoint at the Hoh and admire the breathtaking views over the village and surrounding mountains. 35 minutes walk one way from the centre of town.
The Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage[3] information point located outside the Tourist Office.
Ride the local cable cars and see what each one has the offer:
Oeschinen Gondola[4] takes you a short walk from Lake Oeschinensee one of the most spectacular scenes in the Alps. During summer it is also possible to ride the Rodlebahn.
Sunnbuel[5] is the highest cable car in the village and offers spectacular views toward the southern section of the Alps.
Allmenalp[6] operates in summer only and has a small traditional alpine cheesery at the top as well as great views over the village.
Visit the peaceful Gasterntal Valley and see the third largest glacier in Europe perched above you. Spring, summer and autumn only.
Speed down the local Sled Run on a traditional wooden sled during the winter.
Fall serenely from the sky Paragliding with your instructor.
Kandersteg has a vibrant array of night life, especially during high season.
Hotel Des Alpes (Inviting local bar with good, cheap beer and carpet on the walls. Absolute must visit), Hauptstrasse, CH-3718, Kandersteg, ☎ 033 675 1112. 10:30 - 00:30. edit
Hotel Victoria Ritter (Ski Bar - popular winter hangout. Summer terrace also available for an afternoon drink), Hauptstrasse, CH-3718, Kandersteg, ☎ 033 675 8000. edit
Hotel Alfa Soleil (High Moon Pub - only nightclub in town. Selected nights only, watch for posters), Hauptstrasse, CH-3718, Kandersteg, ☎ 033 675 8484. edit
There are over 20 hotels in Kandersteg plus countless more Bed and Breakfasts, Holiday Apartments and the mammoth International Scout Centre who in itself has places for 1,800 people. There is an exhaustive list available from Kandersteg Tourismus[8]
Chalet, Kandersteg International Scout Centre
Some of the most popular include:
Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC), Wagetiweg, CH-3718, Kandersteg, ☎ +41-33-675-8282 (reception@kisc.ch), [9]. edit
Cards are rarely used at point of sale in Switzerland, especially in small villages. As there are only 2 ATMs in the town, have cash handy.
Remember that Switzerland takes Swiss Francs, not Euros.
During low-season, March-May and October-December almost all of the village is closed - most hotels, tourist information, local shops etc. If you visit during this time it is good to remember that the International Scout Centre is open 365 days and the office provides tourist information, maps, catering as well as accommodation.
This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!
