KANDERSTEG
Access Kandersteg from the outside in—through hard trails, local history, and a landscape that doesn’t explain itself.
Incredible nature
5-8 Guests
Access to local culture
Remote alpine accommodation
Access Kandersteg on a demanding three-day trek through striking alpine terrain, remote mountain stays, and hidden layers of local life. Cross old routes, discover stories shaped by risk and resilience, and experience the region from the outside in. More than a hike, this is your way into Kandersteg.
August 21-23, 2026
3 Days
Meeting Point: Leukerbad, 8:30am
End Point: Elsigenalp approx. 4pm
Services Included in the Price:
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Guided hikes led by an experienced hiking guide.
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Transportation throughout the trip.
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Accommodations as outlined in the program (2 nights).
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First Dinner and Breakfast are included, but not alcohol or restaurant meals.
CHF 590.-
Not Included in the Price:
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Travel to and from the trek is not included, including the cable car ride after the tour.
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Accident insurance is the responsibility of the participants.
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Personal snacks (to be purchased in Leukerbad at the latest).
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Meals in restaurants (for example, Waldhaus)
This three-day trek includes stages of 14 km, 13.6 km, and 10.2 km, with 630 m, 780 m, and 910 m of ascent respectively. Surefootedness and solid fitness are required. A positive attitude is the best companion in demanding alpine conditions.
Did You Know?
After about four years of digging from both sides, the Lötschberg tunnel broke through with a deviation of just 25.7 cm. Learn more as we explore the stories, risks, and hidden layers of this region together.
Day 1
Starting in Leukerbad, the trek begins with the ascent to the Gemmi and leads quickly into a stark alpine landscape above the valley. Crossing this historic route, we approach Kandersteg from the outside, with the first wide views opening only gradually over the course of the day. Along the way, themes such as old mountain links, high alpine vegetation, and the first local place names begin to shape our access to the region. By evening, we reach the Innere Üschene, where the first night is spent in an alpine accommodation away from the village.
14 km, 630 m ascent, 1160 m descent.
Day 2
After breakfast, the day begins with a direct insight into local alpine life. If conditions allow, we join the morning cheese making before setting off. The route then climbs southward via Schwarzgrätli toward Wyssi Flue, where the first deep views open over the Spittelmatte and create a natural point to explore the Altels glacier collapse of 1895. Around midday, we reach the Gällihorn, with wide views over the Kandertal and, for the first time, into the Gasterntal. From there, the trail descends via Sunnbüel into the valley itself, where the focus shifts to the Lötschberg tunnel and the 1908 collapse. By evening, we arrive at Berghotel Waldhaus, where the second night is spent in the heart of the Gasterntal.
13.6 km, 780 m ascent, 1270 m descent.
Day 3
Leaving Berghotel Waldhaus behind, we follow the Kander out of the Gasterntal, where the wide valley gradually tightens into a narrow gorge above Kandersteg. Back in the village, the route briefly reconnects with the human traces we have been following throughout the trek: the cemetery recalls the victims of the Lötschberg tunnel collapse, while the church and the new protective dams near the Oeschibach point to the region’s longer story of settlement, risk, and adaptation. From there, we climb steeply to Alp Golitschen, where a final break allows time to revisit the place names and expressions gathered in our language memory. The last stretch leads over the Golitschepass to the Elsigalp, where the trek ends high above the valley and Kandersteg can be seen once more as a whole.
10.2 km, 910 m ascent, 560 m descent.
Requirements
This is a demanding trek and not an entry-level hike. You should have recent hiking experience, including a multi-day hike, and feel comfortable on alpine trails up to T3. Expect 6–8 hours of walking per day, steep climbs and descents, exposed sections, and uneven terrain. Weather may shift quickly between sun, wind, fog, rain, and cold. Surefootedness, solid fitness, and tested gear are required.
Accommodation
We’ll stay a lodge with rooms for three, as well as mountain huts. The mountain huts offer a modest yet authentic experience, with dormitory-style rooms and basic toilets.
Meals
Guests should bring their own packed lunch for Friday and Saturday. Dinner on the first evening is included, and both breakfasts are covered as well. Dinner at Berghotel Waldhaus is ordered à la carte and paid individually, as is Sunday’s lunch at the alpine farm. Please make sure to bring enough cash.
Meeting Point
The meeting point is at 8:30 AM in front of the Gemmi cable car station in Leukerbad.
Risks
Emergency exits are limited, and response times may be delayed. Participants are responsible for their own health and fitness, and a signed waiver is required.