At a Glance
Embark on a sensational expedition into the spellbinding sceneries exploring the very best of the Bernese Oberland and Kandersteg in Switzerland, where captivating peaks and geological marvels reign supreme. Across 8 days, unearth elegant blue lakes, snow-capped mountains, gorgeous meadows, spectacular landscapes flanked by colourful alpine flowers on this self-guided walk in the Swiss Alps.
Your self guided walking adventure begins in Kandersteg where you are warmed by a welcome dinner at your cosy family-run hotel. The trek hits the gas the following day with a cable car ride on the Allmenalp to behold lovely meadows. Ascend the Alpbach gorge to meet pastures of cattle rearers and descend to stroll through the serene River Kander back to the hotel. Explore the scenic UNESCO-recognized Gasterntal and Klus Gorge, where waters of the ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 nights accommodation on a twin share basis
- All breakfasts, picnic or light restaurant lunches and 4 course evening meals
- Briefing at the start of your holiday
- Route notes and maps provided and navigation app
- Kandersteg guest card (for discounts at local sites and attractions)
- Regional travel pass for local buses and cable cars
- Reduced entry to the Blausee (Blue Lake) Nature Park
Itinerary
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Your journey begins in charming Kandersteg, nestled in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, exuding classic Swiss elegance and encapsulated in a valley surrounded by magical alpine glory. This perfect setting is where your immersion into the captivating allure of the Swiss Alps starts as you are welcomed by a friendly and family-run 3-star hotel, the Alfa Soleil. The hotel is a unique destination, highly rated within the region for its delicious and remarkable cuisine, which you shall enjoy as dinner, after a welcome drink. While at the hotel, enjoy all ensuite amenities intended for your uncompromised comfort and relaxation in any of its 35 rooms on three floors. Plunge into its indoor pool for refreshing laps, enjoy a sauna bath, and after dinner, hang out at the lounge bar listening to music. When idle, stroll to the hotel's rear to behold idyllic views of the mountains and fields. The hotel will host you for 7 nights and shares proximity with our expedition region. Dinner tonight is a showcase of craftsmanship from the hotel’s Nico’s restaurant, serving culinary delights with fine ingredients from the region and nature around Kandersteg. Dive into the à la carte menu that serves meat, fish, and veggies main courses. |
Seiler's Vintage Hotel & Spa, Kandersteg
Dinner |
Approx. 11 km (6.8 miles), 5.5 hours walking Breathe in crisp alpine air as the morning light graces your window and enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hotel, fueling you for the adventure ahead. Today’s journey kicks off the walk on a high note with a cable car ride or trek to Allenalp, one of the adorable meadows marked by the elegance of a rural mountain. Highlights of this trek include stunning views of the valley and imposing cliffs, glaciers, and peaks drenched in snow. Grab your cameras as you would like to capture some of these once-in-a-lifetime sceneries to cherish for years to come. The trek advances further into the Alpbach, a hub of striking natural beauty sheltered by a colossal mountain where you will marvel at how marmots live peacefully with humans and their cattle. Descending from the gorge, you move to the valley bed for leisure walks around River Kander. Follow the serene river, home to unique fish species like grayling and trout; keep an eye out for them. Bask in the diversity of the flora and fauna on its banks as it winds you back to the hotel through the lush meadows and forested area while reflecting the beauty of the surrounding mountains in its crystal-clear essence. |
Seiler's Vintage Hotel & Spa, KanderstegBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 13 km (8.1 miles), 6 hours walking Today, you begin with a hearty breakfast before venturing out for a slightly intense and adventure-filled day that will engage all your senses. The walk begins with a refreshing 20-minute bus ride through a secluded road carved from a rock. The ride brings you to the iconic and UNESCO-renowned Gasterntal, the remote valley of Kandersteg. Here, you enjoy charming views of waterfalls that are by-products of snow as they flush down steep and sharp cliffs, roaring lightly. There's an option for a loop extension further into the valley. Afterward, the Waldhaus Nature Reserve is the next stop which involves manoeuvring your way through the River Kander, snaking through meadows and woodlands. Be mindful of fire lilies and the wide diversity of orchids that inhabits this region. The last wondrous sights for the day are the towering Atels, monumental rock walls of the Balmhorn, and Tatlishore that flanks the fascinating Klaus gorge, where dissolved glacial waters form a roaring waterfall. Make your way back to the hotel and perhaps take a relaxing swim or go for a deep detoxification session in the Finnish sauna before enjoying another spectacular dinner at the restaurant and call it a day. |
Seiler's Vintage Hotel & Spa, KanderstegBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 5 hours walking Today’s adventure highlights one of the most wondrous attractions in this region. Savour a delicious breakfast and fully prepare for a magical endeavour; witnessing Lake Oeschinensee. Oeschinensee is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Switzerland and is revered as the jewel of Bernese Oberland. Experience aerial views of the lake with a short gondola ride up and then follow a spectacular mountain path up to Heuberg Viewpoint and a picnic spot. The lake's blue waters are walled by the snowcapped, steep peaks of Doldenhorn 3,638 m (11,936 ft), and Bluemlisalphorn 3,663 m (12,017 ft), rising so high at 2,000 m above you and imposing their phenomenal frames on the lake; a sight that will forever be ingrained in your memory. The mountain chalets at Obberbargli and Underbargli, will host you for lunch as you absorb mesmerising views of the scenery and watch as the waterfalls cascade down the Fruden Glacier. |
Seiler's Vintage Hotel & Spa, KanderstegBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 17 km (10.6 miles), 5 hours walking Your adventure begins with a leisure hour stroll to the Blue Lake (Blausee) Nature Park and enjoy a short boat ride before exploring (included in the trip price). The striking blue colour of the lake, being the centrepiece of the park, entrances you at every turn. The park spans approximately 49 acres (20 hectares) of pure nature filled with lush meadows, forests, and an array of stunning flora and fauna. While here, gallivant around the lake, which is fenced by prosperous woodlands, visit an organic trout farm, and enjoy a drink on the lake terrace. Next, cross the valley at Kandergrund and head to Nordrampe Bahnwanderweg, a spectacular walking trail via the Kandergrund Valley. The Nordrampe is unique as it partly follows a railway trail through twists and turns, including a tunnel, all beside the mountain. The reward of your walk comes at a panoramic picnic spot where bewitching scenic views hold your eyes to ransom as you move up and down the valley, strolling past leftovers of the ruins of Felsenburg Tower. Feeling satisfied by nature and refreshed, you head back to the hotel coursing through hilly pastures and a canopy of forests. |
Seiler's Vintage Hotel & Spa, KanderstegBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 15 km (9.3 miles), 6 hours walking The Sunnbuel cable car (included in price) whisks you up to nearly 2,000m to embark on the day's walk. You enjoy mouthwatering refreshments at the reputable Schwarenbach Hotel, renowned to have hosted famed names like Picasso and Lenin. Afterward, you face the main business of the day, walking along the Daubensee, a picturesque lake displaying clear waters supplied by numerous small streams and glaciers in the surrounding area; the sources of its clean property. You will also traverse the Gemmi pass, a popular transalpine route first used by the Celts, and it connects the canton of Valais with the canton of Bern. The walk is graced by charming views of the Valais Alps to the south, which includes the Weisshorn (4,506m) and the Matterhorn (4,478m). |
Seiler's Vintage Hotel & Spa, KanderstegBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Approx. 10 km (6.2 miles), 5.5 hours walking The penultimate day of your exhilarating Swiss Alps Walk begins with a 25-minute train ride through the 14 km-long Lotschberg mountain rail tunnel that brings you to Hohtenn. Your journey begins in earnest ascending above a vibrant River Rhone. All through the ascent, you are greeted by small isolated valleys filled with vines and gorges, including remote hillside hamlets that flaunt their local wood chalets on the upper end of the lush valley. You also follow a part of the Lotschberger-Sudrampe railway trail, featuring impressive railway engineering, tunnels, via ducts, and bridges, that will stun anyone, train lover or not. |
Seiler's Vintage Hotel & Spa, KanderstegBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today marks your last day in this adventure heaven. Sadly, the fun must end but not before a marvelous breakfast that will fill your belly for your journey back. Bid farewell and make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfastDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Kandersteg
- The nearest major airport is to Kandersteg is Sion Airport (SIR). However, there are better options for getting to Kandersteg with Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) operates a train from Zürich to Kandersteg train station.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts at your hotel in Kandersteg. Transfers are from Kandersteg Train Station only and can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
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.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 3 Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
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 and they will sometimes seat guests together at breakfast and dinner. 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. 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.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement of 1 is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
