Hiking
Lötschberg-Panoramaweg
Stage 2, Kandersteg–Selden
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Lötschberg-Panoramaweg
Stage 2, Kandersteg–Selden
Impressive hike through the Gasteretal, one of the most magnificent high-Alpine valleys. Surrounded by steep cliffs, the waters of the young Kander flow sometimes gently, sometimes untamed and thundering. Wealth of Alpine flora in spring.
The quiet resort of Kandersteg with a population of about 1000 is located at the foot of the Lötschen Pass. Sometimes directly along the Kander River, then at some distance from the water, the path meanders up to Eggeschwand. Near the Sunnbühl base station it dips into the Chluse ravine and then becomes steeper. The thundering of the Kander accompanies you on the climb up through the ravine. In the second half of the 19th century the road construction work opening up the Gasteretal began here and repairs were made at a later time. The section where the pass road was blasted out of the Chluse is particularly spectacular. Masonry parapets, drystone walling, edged stones, arched bridges, tunnels, a semi-gallery – all these structural masterpieces can still be seen today. Therefore, despite the motorised traffic, the experience is far more exciting on the original road than on the relatively unspectacular mule track.
The Chluse is followed by the floodplain of Gastereholz, surrounded by steep cliffs. The Schwarzbach and Geltibach rivers merge with the young Kander here. The latter dominates the high valley and meanders through the landscape joined by many tributaries. The path also continues to snake uphill through beautiful birch forests. The solitude and the gorgeous flowers growing in the Gasteretal are fascinating, especially in the spring. Even rarities, such as clematis or lady’s slippers can be spotted here. While approaching the frequently snow-covered Sackhorn, it is well worth your while to take a look at the mountains behind you, Bunderchrinde Pass, for example, next to Chline Loner. The pass connects Kandersteg with Adelboden.
After the last bridge near Geissalmi the path zigzags to the paved road that later ends in the small settlement of Selden. This is the starting point of the highlight of this tour: the crossing of the Lötschen Pass. As the oldest mountain passage between the Valais and Bern it is very popular with hikers. The Lötschen Pass lost its importance as a mule trail when the easier Gemmi route was developed.
The Chluse is followed by the floodplain of Gastereholz, surrounded by steep cliffs. The Schwarzbach and Geltibach rivers merge with the young Kander here. The latter dominates the high valley and meanders through the landscape joined by many tributaries. The path also continues to snake uphill through beautiful birch forests. The solitude and the gorgeous flowers growing in the Gasteretal are fascinating, especially in the spring. Even rarities, such as clematis or lady’s slippers can be spotted here. While approaching the frequently snow-covered Sackhorn, it is well worth your while to take a look at the mountains behind you, Bunderchrinde Pass, for example, next to Chline Loner. The pass connects Kandersteg with Adelboden.
After the last bridge near Geissalmi the path zigzags to the paved road that later ends in the small settlement of Selden. This is the starting point of the highlight of this tour: the crossing of the Lötschen Pass. As the oldest mountain passage between the Valais and Bern it is very popular with hikers. The Lötschen Pass lost its importance as a mule trail when the easier Gemmi route was developed.
Impressive hike through the Gasteretal, one of the most magnificent high-Alpine valleys. Surrounded by steep cliffs, the waters of the young Kander flow sometimes gently, sometimes untamed and thundering. Wealth of Alpine flora in spring.
The quiet resort of Kandersteg with a population of about 1000 is located at the foot of the Lötschen Pass. Sometimes directly along the Kander River, then at some distance from the water, the path meanders up to Eggeschwand. Near the Sunnbühl base station it dips into the Chluse ravine and then becomes steeper. The thundering of the Kander accompanies you on the climb up through the ravine. In the second half of the 19th century the road construction work opening up the Gasteretal began here and repairs were made at a later time. The section where the pass road was blasted out of the Chluse is particularly spectacular. Masonry parapets, drystone walling, edged stones, arched bridges, tunnels, a semi-gallery – all these structural masterpieces can still be seen today. Therefore, despite the motorised traffic, the experience is far more exciting on the original road than on the relatively unspectacular mule track.
The Chluse is followed by the floodplain of Gastereholz, surrounded by steep cliffs. The Schwarzbach and Geltibach rivers merge with the young Kander here. The latter dominates the high valley and meanders through the landscape joined by many tributaries. The path also continues to snake uphill through beautiful birch forests. The solitude and the gorgeous flowers growing in the Gasteretal are fascinating, especially in the spring. Even rarities, such as clematis or lady’s slippers can be spotted here. While approaching the frequently snow-covered Sackhorn, it is well worth your while to take a look at the mountains behind you, Bunderchrinde Pass, for example, next to Chline Loner. The pass connects Kandersteg with Adelboden.
After the last bridge near Geissalmi the path zigzags to the paved road that later ends in the small settlement of Selden. This is the starting point of the highlight of this tour: the crossing of the Lötschen Pass. As the oldest mountain passage between the Valais and Bern it is very popular with hikers. The Lötschen Pass lost its importance as a mule trail when the easier Gemmi route was developed.
The Chluse is followed by the floodplain of Gastereholz, surrounded by steep cliffs. The Schwarzbach and Geltibach rivers merge with the young Kander here. The latter dominates the high valley and meanders through the landscape joined by many tributaries. The path also continues to snake uphill through beautiful birch forests. The solitude and the gorgeous flowers growing in the Gasteretal are fascinating, especially in the spring. Even rarities, such as clematis or lady’s slippers can be spotted here. While approaching the frequently snow-covered Sackhorn, it is well worth your while to take a look at the mountains behind you, Bunderchrinde Pass, for example, next to Chline Loner. The pass connects Kandersteg with Adelboden.
After the last bridge near Geissalmi the path zigzags to the paved road that later ends in the small settlement of Selden. This is the starting point of the highlight of this tour: the crossing of the Lötschen Pass. As the oldest mountain passage between the Valais and Bern it is very popular with hikers. The Lötschen Pass lost its importance as a mule trail when the easier Gemmi route was developed.
Length
11 km
Ascent | Descent
460 m | 90 m
Hiking time
3 h 00 min
Grade | Fitness level
medium
(mountain hiking trail)
|
medium
Arrival | return travel
More …
Saving metres in altitude
There is a bus between Kandersteg, Bahnhof and Selden, Hotel Gasterntal that saves about 400 metres in altitude.
Arrival | return travel
Contact
Signpost management
Signposting is managed by the cantonal hiking trail organisation on behalf of the canton.
Berner Wanderwege
Nordring 8
1303 Bern
info@bernerwanderwege.ch
www.bernerwanderwege.ch
