Classic Swiss Alps Walk

Experience Overview

The pretty village of Kandersteg sits in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, where the great arc of the Alps culminates in some of its highest and most spectacular peaks. Awe-inspiring and dramatic, the area epitomises the 'chocolate-box' Alps: lush green pastures and lowland slopes carpeted bright with wildflowers against a backdrop of rugged mountains - all topped off with sun-glistening glaciers. A stay here uncovers the very best of the region: the stunning Oeschinensee mountain lake enclosed by towering cliffs; the hidden Gasterntal Valley with its glacial meltwaters thundering down a narrow gorge, and an Alpine pass that has been used since Celtic times. Did we mention the spectacular views? One moment you will be spellbound by the glacial legacy, whilst in another it will be the cobalt blue of the Oeschinensee that will take your breath away. Woodlands, pine forest and open meadows are decorated with lady slippers, fire lilies and more than 25 varieties of scented orchid, where you walk to the the tuneful ringing of cowbells. With the company of the occasional swooping eagle, it is easy to feel on top of the world. Amazingly, all this is accessible on well-defined paths directly from the hotel or after a short bus or cable car ride. On arrival at the 3 star Seiler's Vintage Hotel (formerly known as the Hotel Alfa Soleil), your hosts, the charming Seiler family, will provide you with the Kandersteg Regional Travel Pass giving you unlimited use of cable cars and the local bus service. They'll also ensure you receive a full introduction to the area, including insider tips on where to spot the best alpine flowers! When you feel like a rest from walking, there's an elegant lounge, swimming pool, sauna, solarium and gym to keep you entertained. In the evening you can relax and enjoy regional dishes and fine wines in Nico's restaurant. NB: Some gondolas/cable cars do not operate in early/late season when alternative walks will be proposed.
Profile
— 7 nights at Seiler's Vintage Hotel
At a Glance
— 7 nights at Seiler's Vintage Hotel
Trip For You
Activity Level: 3 (Moderate) Average daily distance: 13km (9.3 miles) No. of days walking: 6 Terrain and route: good (though sometimes narrow) paths with occasional steep climbs This is a self-guided tour, as such there will be no group or tour leader and you are free to complete the walks at your own pace and in whichever order you choose. Please bear in mind that although this is a self-guided holiday, the atmosphere in the hotel tends to be quite social. We have suggested that 8yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. A week's stay here uncovers the very best of the region: a huge turquoise lake enclosed by towering cliffs, a hidden valley headed by a glacier, a sheer gorge carved out by glacial meltwaters, an Alpine pass that has been used since Celtic times and an abundance of wildflowers. Did we mention the spectacular views? The impressive white peaks of the 3970m Eiger, Monch, Jungfrau and Matterhorn dominate the skyline with a plethora of other summits and glaciers close at hand. Amazingly, all of this is accessible on well-defined paths directly from the hotel (with excellent signposting) or after a short bus or gondola ride. The walking is of moderate difficulty and includes mountain walking on good (though sometimes narrow) paths with occasional steep climbs. NB: Some gondolas/cable cars do not operate in early/late season when alternative walks will be proposed.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. The hotelier is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Route notes and maps are provided. The route notes contain an emergency telephone number. In an emergency, the hotelier is sometimes able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
All meals are included throughout the trip, including picnic lunches. For dinner enjoy regional dishes and fine wines in Nico's restaurant. At the beginning of each set of notes we advise on the lunch situation and suggest good picnic spots. You can obtain supplies daily from the hotel's picnic buffet or you can return to the hotel for a light lunch. We suggest you to carry 1-5 litres water per person, there are often benches for resting and admiring the views. There are also mountain restaurants with sun-trap terraces. With such a mixture of language and tradition co-existing in such a small country, it is no wonder that there are so many regional dishes. In the Bernese Oberland, Austrian and German influences predominate; gastronomic local delicacies include geschnetzeltes Kalbsfleisch (veal in a rich cream sauce), Kandersteger Bratwurst au Mad re-Jus (roast sausage with a Madeira sauce), Lammbraten gefüllt mit Kraütern (herb roasted lamb) and smoked pork with sauerkraut, and a selection of colourful salads. Typical desserts include Caramel-Birne mit Rum-Sabayon (caramelised pear with a rum sabayon) and Aprikosen-Symphonie (apricot gateau).
Transportation
Buses, trains and gondolas Public transport in this area is frequent and reliable and the route notes advise on times and costs. It’s a good idea to obtain the Kandersteg Summer information booklet from the hotel or the tourist office. This gives the timetables of the cable cars and gondolas, the village bus and the bus to the Gasterntal valley. Your regional travel pass will be supplied by the hotel on arrival and you should carry it with you as it entitles you to free travel on most of the regions cable cars, funiculars, gondolas and local buses. NB In Switzerland 'Sfr’ and 'CHF’ are both used as abbreviations for the Swiss franc. You may need to walk to the station to catch a train for the Südrampe walk or to catch the bus to the Gasterntal valley or to go to INTERLAKEN. There are two routes to the station. If you want to buy any additional picnic supplies, turn right out of the hotel and walk up the main road. You pass a baker’s shop and a mini-supermarket. The Primo supermarket, which is open 7 days a week, is on the other side of the road after 500m. Shortly after the Primo turn right down Bahnhofstrasse to arrive at the station. For the alternative route turn left out of the hotel, walk to the first corner, turn left signed 'Blausee’ and continue to the river. Cross the bridge, turn left and continue to the station.
Joining Instructions
For flight inclusive bookings transfers are included from Kandersteg train station at 16:41 on your arrival day, and back to Kandersteg train station at 10:00 on your departure day. For land only bookings a transfer can be arranged for a supplement. The air-rail prices for this holiday include our standard travel arrangements: British Airways Heathrow to Zurich 09:25/12:20, then rail from Zurich airport to Kandersteg (via Bern) 14:13/16:41 (transfer to hotel, 5 mins, provided). Return: Kandersteg to Zurich airport (via Bern) 10:13/12:50, then air Zurich to Heathrow 15:45/16:40. In addition, alternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports. We can also offer the opportunity to upgrade to a superior service (business/club/first class) with most of our featured airlines. If you would like to use one of the many 'low cost' airlines, we can book these on your behalf (£30 admin fee per person applies).
Weather Information
June through to August have the nicest weather, pleasant for walking. On average July is the warmest month. The rainy season falls between May and September, so rain is expected, remember to take your waterproofs. A word of caution - Switzerland can be hot in high season and so serious walking should be started early - remember your sun hat and suncream and take plenty of water with you. Our minimum recommendation is 1.5 litres per person per day. Please refer to the 'All you need to know guide’.
Spending Money
— All meals including picnic lunches and dinners are included, however you will need extra if you intend to buy wine at the table each evening or eat out for lunch on any of the walking days.

Highlights