Kandersteg Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Kandersteg

Kandersteg is a charmingly unspoilt, tranquil village, despite being the last stop on the line prior to the busy 9-ml-long, car-carrying Lotschberg rail tunnel (built 1913), which links north Switzerland with Italy.

The ribbon-like resort stretches 2½ mls N to S with the small hub centred close to the railway station. Life is run at a slow, quiet pace and Kandersteg's main season is summer, when it is well known for its walking opportunities, with 50 mls of hiking trails; Oeschinen Lake above the resort is also a popular summer fishing and boating venue.

This resort is suitable for peace-loving families and mature visitors who enjoy walking in summer, or want a quiet base in winter for learning the rudiments of skiing on unintimidating slopes; also popular with cross-country skiers. More experienced skiers, shoppers and night owls will be disappointed.

The accommodation here is generally small- to medium-sized family-run hotels and pensions with one genuine 5-star establishment. The majority stand beside main road that runs the length of valley to the Sunnbuel cable car and Lotschberg Tunnel. Also a large international scout centre.

Locality:

Kandersteg is in the upland Bernese Oberland region (28 mls SW of Interlaken. 17 mls S of Spiez. 43 mls SE of Berne. 105 mls SW of Zurich airport. 130 mls NE of Geneva airport). It is situated at the end of a long, narrow valley, flanked on all sides by wooded slopes and stunning jagged mountains; ends S-wards in the face of steep escarpments and forests.

Ski Information:

Highest lift: 1960m (6430ft), Lowest lift: 1170m (3838ft), Vertical drop: 790m (2592ft), Number of lifts: 7, Uplift capacity: 9400 p/hr, Beginner: 60%, Intermediate: 25%, Expert: 15%, Total piste length: 14km, Cross country: 55km

Population: 7.489.400
Languages: German 64%, French 20%, Italian 7% (all official);
Currency: Swiss franc
Currency code: CHF
Local Times:
Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Bern

Switzerland - Z�rich

Country Dialling Code: +41
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Switzerland, in central Europe, is the land of the Alps. The fusion of German, French and Italian ingredients has formed a robust national culture, and the country's alpine landscapes are certainly vast and varied. With the towering Alps, fairytale castles, forested hills, shimmering lakes, renaissance cathedrals, stylish spas and luxury ski resorts - it's no surprise to see why Switzerland has been one of the world's top tourist destinations for the past 200 years.

Switzerland's peak season starts in November with the launch parties of the various ski resorts with visitors flocking into the resorts throughout the winter and Christmas season before finally hanging up the ski boots with the onset of spring. With the highest pistes in Europe, the ski runs offer reliable snow and breathtaking views. Most of the resorts also have plenty to do for those not so keen on skiing, making Switzerland the perfect destination for a winter fantasy of log fires, fondues and glistening snow.

Despite being most popular as a Ski destination, Switzerland caters to visitors all year round. In spring and summer it offers mountain trails and spa resorts and in the sunny southern region of Ticino, visitors enjoy palm-fringed Riviera-style resorts offering a variety of water sports. Those keen on hiking and mountaineering will find over 30,000 miles of forest and mountain trails throughout the country.

Switzerland's main cities include:

Zurich - Switzerland's biggest city and a major center of banking also has a thriving nightlife.
Geneva - This center of arts and culture, the second-largest city in Switzerland, is by far the international capital-- home to around 200 governmental and non-governmental organizations. Geneva was the home of John Calvin during the Reformation, elevating the city to the rank of "Protestant Rome," the effects of which drive Geneva today.
Berne - The Swiss capital features an amazingly well preserved old-town with arcades along almost every street. Great restaurants abound, as do bars and clubs. Check out the Einstein sites as well.
Basel - Slightly smaller than Geneva, Switzerland's third city is the traveler's gateway to the German Rhineland and Alsace.
Lausanne - While Geneva is busy being the international capital, Lausanne fills the role in most of the rest of French-speaking Switzerland. Scenery, dining, dancing, boating and the Swiss wine-country are the draws.
Lugano - Italian-speaking Switzerland's top destination, with a gorgeous old-town and a pretty lake. The food is simply amazing.
Lucerne - Central Switzerland's main city with direct water links to all of the early Swiss historic sights. It's pretty too, and though it is heavily touristed the views and museums make putting up with the crowds well worthwhile.

Kandersteg Travel Guide

Kandersteg Suitability Profile