Kandersteg

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.

• Village Museum (underneath the Tourist Office). Open the same hours as the Tourist Office. 
• 🌍 Blausee. The spectacular lake 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 1½ hours from the village and it is possible to get the bus back uphill to Kandersteg. (updated Oct 2018)
• The viewpoint at the Hoh. Admire the breathtaking views over the village and surrounding mountains. 35 minutes walk one way from the centre of town. (updated Oct 2018)

• Gasterntal Valley. Visit this peaceful valley and see the third largest glacier in Europe perched above you. Spring, summer and autumn only. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 Oeschinensee. Lake at an elevation of 1,578 m. It's possible to hike there, It's 3.5 km walk with 450 m ascent. Or take a gondola lift. (updated Oct 2018)

• Ride the cable cars and see what each one has the offer:

• 🌍 Oeschinen Gondola Lift Station. May 10 to October 21: 09:00-17:00, June 16 to September 9: 08:00-18:00. A gondola lift from Kandersteg leads to Oeschinen, 25 minutes by foot from the lake Oeschinensee, one of the most spectacular scenes in the Alps. During summer it is also possible to ride the Rodlebahn. Fr. 28 return ticket and Fr. 20 one-way. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 Sunnbuel Gondola Lift Station. The highest cable car in the village and offers spectacular views toward the southern section of the Alps. Single Fr. 26, return Fr. 36. (updated Oct 2018)
• 🌍 Allmenalp Gondola Lift Station. Operates in summer only and has a small traditional alpine cheesery at the top as well as great views over the village. Single Fr. 12, return Fr. 18. (updated Oct 2018)

• Hiking. The most famous routes lead to the canton of Valais, across the Gemmi Pass straight to Leukerbad (with cable cars operating at each end) or through the wild Gastern valley across the higher Lötschen Pass to the Lötschental. There are plenty of other trails, most of them can be checked on this map provided by Kandersteg Tourist Organisation.
• Via ferrata Kandersteg-Allmenalp. (updated Oct 2018)
• Speed down the local Sled Run on a traditional wooden sled during the winter.
• Fall serenely from the sky Paragliding with your instructor.

The cost of food in Switzerland is very high, and this reflects in the price of eating out in local restaurants. Some favourites include:

• 🌍 Hotel Des Alpes, Hauptstrasse, ☏ +41 33 675 1112. Great pizza and service. 
• 🌍 Hotel Ermitage, Gondelbahn Oeschinen, ☏ +41 33 675 8020. Cosy, local restaurant. 
• 🌍 Hotel Victoria Ritter, Hauptstrasse, ☏ +41 33 675 8000. Upmarket restaurant with delicious, local specialities. 
• 🌍 Tea Room Marmotte, Hauptstrasse, ☏ +41 33 675 1070. Breakfast, cakes, snacks. 

Kandersteg has a vibrant array of night life, especially during high season.

• 🌍 Hotel Des Alpes, Hauptstrasse, ☏ +41 33 675 1112. 10:30–00:30. Inviting local bar with good, cheap beer and carpet on the walls. Absolute must visit 
• 🌍 Hotel Victoria Ritter, Hauptstrasse, ☏ +41 33 675 8000. Ski Bar - popular winter hangout. Summer terrace also available for an afternoon drink 
• 🌍 Hotel Alfa Soleil, Hauptstrasse, ☏ +41 33 675 8484. High Moon Pub - only nightclub in town. Selected nights only, watch for posters 

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

Some of the most popular include:

• 🌍 Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC), Wagetiweg, ☏ +41 33 675 8282, reception@kisc.ch. 
• 🌍 Bernerhof Kandersteg Hotel, Hauptstrasse, ☏ +41 33 675 8875, fax: +41 33 675 8877, hotel@bernerhof.ch. 
• 🌍 Hotel Victoria Ritter, Hauptstrasse, ☏ +41 33 675 8000, fax: +41 33 675 8100, info@hotel-victoria.ch. 
• 🌍 Hotel Des Alpes, Hauptstrasse, ☏ +41 33 675 1112, fax: +41 33 675 8100, info@desalpes-kandersteg.ch. 
• There are several Mountain Huts in Kandesteg surroundings.

The village also has Post Office, Doctors Surgery as well as two banks.

• 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.

Kandersteg and its approach road from Spiez have 4G from all Swiss carriers. As of Dec 2022, 5G has not reached the village.

Walk, cable car, or ski out to Leukerbaud, Lötschental, Adelboden or Frutigen.