Kandersteg

Kandersteg is a village in the upper Simmental valley, in the Bernese Oberland, set at the foot of the Bernese Alps at around 1,200 metres above sea level. It serves as the starting point for the BLS car-carrying train that runs through the Lötschberg tunnel to the Valais, a historic rail link connecting both sides of the Alps. The village is best known as the gateway to Lake Oeschinen (Oeschinensee), reachable on foot or by cable car and surrounded by rock faces and glaciers. The surrounding area offers an extensive network of hiking trails, including the route to the Gemmi Pass via Sunnbühl, along with summer activities such as climbing, mountain biking and alpine mountaineering. In winter, Kandersteg offers cross-country skiing, sledging runs and skating on the nearby frozen Blausee. The village is also home to the Kandersteg International Scout Centre, which welcomes groups from around the world. The overall atmosphere remains that of a traditional alpine village, with timber chalets and unspoilt natural surroundings, popular with families and experienced hikers alike.