Kandersteg Walking Holidays
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Welcome to walking in Kandersteg
- Lake Oeschinen — Switzerland’s UNESCO-listed glacial lake
- Gemmipass trail, Blüemlisalp ridges, and the Gasterntal gorge
- Car-free with direct train access
Hiking holidays in Kandersteg base you at the head of a long, forested valley below the Blüemlisalp peaks, with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lake Oeschinen glowing turquoise above the rooftops and some of the finest mid-alpine terrain in Switzerland spread out in every direction.
Combining extraordinary natural beauty with Swiss trail precision, hikes in Kandersteg range from gentle to demanding. The Oeschinensee gondola takes you up to the lake in minutes - where an easy 25-minute stroll reaches the shoreline for rowing, swimming, and chilling. The panoramic Heuberg loop above the lake gives experienced walkers a spectacular bird’s-eye perspective, while the Gemmipass trail from the Sunnbüel cable car leads across one of the great historic Alpine crossings into the Valais.
Kandersteg walking trips: unhurried, well-marked, and completely stunning.
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How to get around Kandersteg
How our self-guided Kandersteg walking holidays work:
Our self-guided trips let you set your own pace, from the length of your stay, to how far you walk each day. But if you’re used to group or guided holidays, you might be wondering how you’ll get around? Well, it’s easy…
Getting to and around town:
Your airport transfer is included with your trip. Once there, you’ll find Kandersteg a small, walkable village with direct train access from Interlaken and Bern. Local buses run between the train station and the Oeschinensee gondola, making it easy to reach the main trailheads.
Getting to your walks and hikes:
From Interlaken, trains, cable cars, and gondolas whisk you across the region, including the Harder Kulm funicular, First gondola in Grindelwald, and trains to Lauterbrunnen and beyond. The famous Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe at 3,454m - is accessible by scenic railway.
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FAQs about Kandersteg hiking holidays
Your questions answered by our Kandersteg walking holiday expert
Can I still access Kandersteg's lift and gondolas in the summer?
Yes, you can. Kandersteg's lifts and gondolas still operate throughout the summer months, provided conditions are safe and favourable, and many of the mountain huts are still operational, so you can grab a bite to eat while savouring those epic mountain views.
When do Kandersteg's lifts and gondolas run during summer?
Oeschinensee Cable Car (Gondola to Lake Oeschinen)
- Operating times: 08:30 – 18:00
- Opens: May 2026
- Closes: November 2026
- Note: Timed-entry reservations required for ascent 20th June – 20th September 2026.
Sunnbüel Cable Car (Gemmipass access)
- Operating times: 08:30 – 17:00
- Opens: Late May 2026
- Closes: Late October 2026
A quick "Mountain Rule of Thumb": Last ascent is usually 15–30 minutes before the official closing time, and Last descent is the very last cabin down. If you miss it, it’s a long walk back!
Can I hire a mountain guide on my Kandersteg walking holiday?
Yes, you can. Though these are not currently bookable via the Heidi website, you can enquire and book with the local tourist office, or visit their website. We recommend enquiring early to ensure availability.
What does the Kandersteg summer card give me?
The Kandersteg Guest Card (free with selected accommodations) covers unlimited travel on buses and local trains within the designated local transport zone and big discounts on the mountain railways journeys and attractions - including free entry to the Kandersteg Gruebi Swimming Pool.
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