1 Via Alpina
1 Via Alpina

Hiking

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Via Alpina

Stage 14, Kandersteg–Adelboden

Route report
49 photos

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Via Alpina

From Kandersteg’s traditional wooden chalets over flower-filled Alpine pastures towards the rock walls of the Lohner, a firm favourite with chamois. Over numerous steep sections to reach the Bunderchrinde, the breathtaking pass into Engstligental, and on to Adelboden.
Kandersteg is located at the foot of the Lötschberg Pass. When the Lötschberg tunnel was built to provide a connection to the Valais, Kandersteg became a tourist destination. Hiking across the Lötschen Pass or taking the route via Lake Oeschinen, Blüemlisalp and Griesalp to Lauterbrunnen – or the one to Adelboden, of course – are other well-known highlights. The latter tour begins at the car loading and train station in Kandersteg. Along the tracks and past a residential neighbourhood you soon reach the Kander. The river meanders down its lovely shores and passes a small forest. Near the boy scout centre the path turns off and continues uphill, across a meadow and into the forest.

A canyon-like passage on the Alpbach follows before you arrive at Grosse Weide outside Usser Üschene. The crags of the striking Lohner Mountain are an awesome sight. Once across the meadow, the first two hours of walking and the first steep section are behind you. The second one follows on the way up to Alpschele. The next 400 altitude meters are challenging, but on Alpschele, the fabulous long-distance views of Lake Oeschinen and the Blüemlisalp Hut next to the Hohtürli are a well-earned reward. The pyramid-shaped peak of the Altels to the south with its huge, smooth north-western mountainside is sure to catch your eye.

You will enjoy this panoramic view until you cross the Bunderchrinde Pass at 2382 m. From the highest point of the tour you look down to Adelboden and the Engstligen Valley. With a bit of luck you might even spot some chamois up in the cliffs. A steep rocky path takes you downhill before you reach the beautiful meadows of Vordere Bunder. After the Bonderalp mountain hut you continue to the edge of a forest. The hiking trail leads through the trees and along Bunderlebächli creek for a short while down to Adelboden. The village on the foot of Wildstrubel Mountain with all its chalets and an extensive network of hiking trails and ski slopes is a popular holiday destination throughout the year.
From Kandersteg’s traditional wooden chalets over flower-filled Alpine pastures towards the rock walls of the Lohner, a firm favourite with chamois. Over numerous steep sections to reach the Bunderchrinde, the breathtaking pass into Engstligental, and on to Adelboden.
Kandersteg is located at the foot of the Lötschberg Pass. When the Lötschberg tunnel was built to provide a connection to the Valais, Kandersteg became a tourist destination. Hiking across the Lötschen Pass or taking the route via Lake Oeschinen, Blüemlisalp and Griesalp to Lauterbrunnen – or the one to Adelboden, of course – are other well-known highlights. The latter tour begins at the car loading and train station in Kandersteg. Along the tracks and past a residential neighbourhood you soon reach the Kander. The river meanders down its lovely shores and passes a small forest. Near the boy scout centre the path turns off and continues uphill, across a meadow and into the forest.

A canyon-like passage on the Alpbach follows before you arrive at Grosse Weide outside Usser Üschene. The crags of the striking Lohner Mountain are an awesome sight. Once across the meadow, the first two hours of walking and the first steep section are behind you. The second one follows on the way up to Alpschele. The next 400 altitude meters are challenging, but on Alpschele, the fabulous long-distance views of Lake Oeschinen and the Blüemlisalp Hut next to the Hohtürli are a well-earned reward. The pyramid-shaped peak of the Altels to the south with its huge, smooth north-western mountainside is sure to catch your eye.

You will enjoy this panoramic view until you cross the Bunderchrinde Pass at 2382 m. From the highest point of the tour you look down to Adelboden and the Engstligen Valley. With a bit of luck you might even spot some chamois up in the cliffs. A steep rocky path takes you downhill before you reach the beautiful meadows of Vordere Bunder. After the Bonderalp mountain hut you continue to the edge of a forest. The hiking trail leads through the trees and along Bunderlebächli creek for a short while down to Adelboden. The village on the foot of Wildstrubel Mountain with all its chalets and an extensive network of hiking trails and ski slopes is a popular holiday destination throughout the year.
16 km
1400 m | 1250 m
6 h 40 min
medium (mountain hiking trail) | difficult

Arrival | return travel

Arrival / return travel Kandersteg
SBB Timetable Show stop and route on map

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Guides
There is a guide available for this route.
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Arrival | return travel

Arrival / return travel Adelboden, Post
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Via Alpina hiking pass
With the Via Alpina hiking passbook, you collect 38 stamps with memories to cherish. The stamp stations are located at each stage start and finish. More information about the hiking passbook.
Overview map of all stamp stations

Contact

Gestione della segnaletica
Signposting is managed by the cantonal hiking trail organisation on behalf of the communities.
Schweizer Wanderwege
Monbijoustrasse 61
3000 Bern 23

Services

Accommodation

Hotel Victoria Ritter AG
Hotel Victoria Ritter AG
Kandersteg
Familienhotel Alpina
Familienhotel Alpina
Adelboden
The Cambrian
The Cambrian
Adelboden
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Bookable offers

1 Via Alpina: Bear Trek Berner Oberland
1 Via Alpina: Bear Trek Berner Oberland
Bärentrek - Hintere Gasse Meiringen-Adelboden oder Lenk
Bärentrek - Hintere Gasse Meiringen-Adelboden oder Lenk
1 Via Alpina: Vaduz - Montreux
1 Via Alpina: Vaduz - Montreux
Round Trip Wildstrubel
Round Trip Wildstrubel
1 Via Alpina: Bear Trek Charme
1 Via Alpina: Bear Trek Charme
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Places

Kandersteg
Kandersteg
Adelboden
Adelboden
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Places of interest

Chluse (Kandersteg–Gasteretal)
Chluse (Kandersteg–Gasteretal)
Freeride trail Sunnbüel-Kandersteg
Freeride trail Sunnbüel-Kandersteg
Skills Area Nevada
Skills Area Nevada
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Signalization

Signalization
For hiking, follow the logo indicated on the yellow signposts. Take a printout of our web map on your hike for safety's sake.
Signalization