Kandersteg & the Wildstrubel Circuit
8 Days Starting and ending in Kandersteg, Switzerland
Visiting: Kandersteg, Leukerbad, Crans-Montana, Lenk, Adelboden
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JWS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Kandersteg & the Wildstrubel Circuit" for an unforgettable hiking adventure in the Swiss Alps. This hotel-based, circular tour takes you through the quieter, picturesque Alpine regions, offering a blend of German and French-speaking Swiss cantons. Walk along two stages of the famous Alpine Pass Route, crossing the Bundeschrinde and Gemmi Passes, and explore charming alpine villages like Leukerbad, Lenk, and Adelboden. Enjoy three nights in Kandersteg, with a free day to hike up to the stunning Oeschinensee post-glacial lake. With 7 nights in 3-star hotels, daily breakfasts, and luggage transfers, this self-guided tour provides all the essentials for a seamless and scenic journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Kandersteg
Location: Kandersteg
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bernerhof
There are plenty of features of interest in Kandersteg, including a heated swimming pool, saunas in many of the hotels, fishing, a museum, or perhaps you could hire a boat on the Oeschinen lake. In addition, organ concerts, folklore evenings and slideshows/talks on Kandersteg are held regularly.
The friendly and welcoming tourist office will provide you with a summer information booklet with further details.
Kandersteg is situated at the far end of the Kandertal Valley near the border with the French-speaking canton of the Valais. Until the early 20th century, the only way to cross between the Oberland and Valais was via the treacherous Gemmi Pass. However, nowadays the two regions are conveniently linked by the 15km Lotschberg railway tunnel. The upper Kandertal is surrounded by numerous hanging valleys and sheer faces, evidence of previous glacial activity. Towering above are beautiful snow-capped peaks and glaciers, with names like the Bluemlisalphorn, Frundenhorn, Doldenhorn, Balmhorn, Altels, Rinderhorn, Daubenhorn, Steghorn, and of course, Wildstrubel.
Accommodation: Hotel Bernerhof - A 3* hotel centrally located with convenient access to the hiking trails, cable cars and lifts, shops and the railway station (5 minutes on foot).
Day 2 : Kandersteg To Leukerbad 20.4 Km /12.7 Miles, 7 H
Location: Leukerbad
Accommodation Name: Hotel Walliserhof
The walk takes you steeply up to Gemmipass (2314m). You then hike out over the alpine meadows of the Spittelmatte under an impressive peak called Altels, and then up the valley and around the Daubensee post glacial lake and then up to its busy ‘lip’ - the Gemmipass! You are now passing from the Bernese Oberland into the Swiss Valais.
Total Ascent: 1255 m / 4118 ft , Descent: 1061m / 3484 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Walliserhof - A 3* hotel in this pleasant small, Swiss spa town.
*The route over the Gemmipass can be considerably shortened by taking the cable car up from Eggeschwand to Sunnbuel (1920m).
*The steep, though well engineered, path down from the pass to the spa (hot spring centre) of Leukerbad (1411m) can also be avoided by use of a cable car.
Day 3 : Leukerbad To Crans-Montana 23.6 Km/14.7 Miles, 7.5 - 8 H
Location: Crans-Montana
Accommodation Name: Hotel du Lac
A beautiful walk through alpine pastures and woodlands with fine views across the Rhone Valley and the Valais Alps, including the Weisshorn and the Grand Combin.
Total Ascent: 1035m / 3396ft, Descent: 907m / 2979ft
Accommodation: Hotel du Lac - Our 3* hotel is a centrally situated modern building in this purpose built mountain resort. It sits on the edge of Lac Grenon, with views across to the mountains on the other side of the Rhone Valley. The hotel serves an excellent set menu and has a microbrewery attached.
*This day can be shortened to about 6 hours by catching a bus for the final stretch to the ski and golf resort of Crans-Montana (1500m).
Day 4 : Crans-Montana To Lenk 28 Km/19.5 Miles, 10 H (To Iffigenalp 18.5 Km/14.3 Miles, 8 H)
Location: Lenk
Accommodation Name: Hotel Krone
This is a long hard day and in reasonable weather it is a beautiful walk. The first part of the walk there is the option to walk along the Bisse du Rou; a high level irrigation canal with a narrow walkway. The views are fantastic. The trail passes the Tzeusier Dam and climbs over the Rawyl Pass (2429m) under the Mittaghorn (2685m), which is the high point of the week’s trek. Next you make the long steep descent down to Iffigenalp to catch the postbus to Lenk. If you prefer to walk, you drop down through the idyllic Iffigen Valley to the small spa town of Lenk (1086m). The sulphurous waters here attract people from all over.
Total Ascent: 1317m /4323ft, Descent: 1747m / 5731ft total to Lenk
Accommodation: Stay in the 3* Hotel Krone, located in a quiet and central location directly in the village square.
*It is recommended that you reduce the walk to 18.5km/7.5hrs by catching the postbus from Iffigenalp to Lenk.
Day 5 : Lenk To Adelboden 13.6 Km/8.5 Miles, 5 H
Location: Adelboden
Accommodation Name: Adler Adelboden
This is a nice walk up to the grassy Hahenmoospass, which has some amazing colourful wild meadows in June/July. The pass is a popular place for flying model aircraft, perhaps due to the potentially soft landings offered by the surroundings! You will also be able to see the summit of the Wildstrubel today if it is clear.
From the pass it is a casual descent down to Adelboden, a smart Swiss town which prides itself on its shops and tennis competitions. There are also some of the best overall views of the Wildstrubel from the restaurant.
Total Ascent: 901m / 2958ft, Descent: 619 m / 2033ft
Accommodation: Adler Adelboden - A friendly welcome awaits you at this chalet-style 3* hotel. Excellent small pool, whirlpool baths and sauna can be used.
*This day can also be shortened by using the bus service from Lenk up to Buelberg (1661m), from where you ascend to the Hahnenmoospass (1956m). It is an easy descent with cable car options to Adelboden (1356m).
Day 6 : Adelboden To Kandersteg 16Km/10.3 Miles, 7 H
Location: Kandersteg
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bernerhof
A long ascent, with beautiful views, to the Bundeschrinde pass (2380m). This is perhaps the most dramatic of the passes that you go over on this route. This is followed by a steep descent to Kandersteg with fine views of the Blumlisalp Massif and the Oeschinensee Lake. This is a particularly fine pass - a breach through rocky strata – a bit like a mini Breche de Roland (in the Pyrenees) but there is nothing mini about the views: it is a spectacular location and if you are quiet, you might see Chamoix or even Ibex on the crags along here!
Total Ascent: 1135 m / 3724 ft Descent: 1300 m / 4263 ft
Accommodation: Return to Hotel Bernerhof for two nights.
Day 7 : Kandersteg: Free Day With Various Walking Options Or Sightseeing
Location: Kandersteg
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bernerhof
Today could be used as a complete rest day, but there are some great ‘there and back’ walks you could do including up and around the Oeschinensee Lake. This is a fantastic egg-shaped post glacial lake with a blocked exit under the Blumisalp and the Doldenhorn group of mountains. There are lower and upper trails around parts of the lakes, offering varied panoramas.
On the other hand, you could take a paddleboat out onto the water, ice cream in hand.
Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Location: Kandersteg
Meals Included: Breakfast
Make your way to the station for your onward journey.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 3* hotels -
7 breakfasts, 4 dinners
Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners during your stay.
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7 nights accommodation in 3* hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Stay for 7 nights in 3-star hotels with twin share rooms and ensuite facilities.
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Luggage transfer (1 bag per person not weighing anymore than 20kg)
Luggage transfer service for one bag per person, not exceeding 20kg.
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Information pack including route notes & maps (1 pack per room booked)
Receive an information pack with route notes and maps, one per room booked.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance during your trip.
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GPX files of the main walking routes will be sent to you
GPX files of the main walking routes will be provided.
What's Not Included
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3 dinners, all lunches & beverages
Three dinners, all lunches, and beverages are not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not provided and must be arranged separately.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the starting point and from the end point of the trip is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not covered.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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Excess Luggage
Charges for excess luggage are not included.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement fee applies for solo travelers or those booking a single room.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
This is a self-guided holiday; no guide is provided.
Accommodation
7 nights in 3* hotels. All hotels are of 3* standard. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests.
Grading
Moderate on 5 days if you use the postbus/cablecars with 1 challenging (day 6) day OR challenging if you decide choose to walk the full itinerary. For fit walkers who can manage longish days with more than 1000m ascent in a day. All the walks are on established waymarked trails which can be rocky or steep at times. Walkers should also have a reasonable head for heights as some trails are on cliffs sides. The longest day can be shortened (recommended).
Mode of Transport
Transport to the start and from the end point of the trip is not included. Luggage transfer (1 bag per person not weighing anymore than 20kg) is provided. Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in 3-star hotels for 7 nights. The hotels are our usual choice of accommodation, but if these are not available, alternatives will be used, and you will be informed at the time of booking. Many rooms have ensuite/private facilities with showers rather than baths due to limited space.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners. All lunches and beverages are not included.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided. Each person is allowed one bag not weighing more than 20kg.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
You will receive an information pack including route notes and maps, and GPX files of the main walking routes will be sent to you. There is also an emergency hotline available.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday.
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What are the walking conditions like on this tour?
The walks are on established waymarked trails which can be rocky or steep at times. Walkers should have a reasonable head for heights as some trails are on cliff sides. The tour is graded as moderate on 5 days if you use the postbus/cable cars, with 1 challenging day, or challenging if you choose to walk the full itinerary.
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Can the walking routes be shortened?
Yes, several days have options to shorten the walking routes by using cable cars or buses. For example, the route over the Gemmipass can be shortened by taking the cable car up from Eggeschwand to Sunnbuel, and the steep path down to Leukerbad can also be avoided by using a cable car.
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What activities are available on the free day in Kandersteg?
On the free day in Kandersteg, you can choose to rest or do various 'there and back' walks, including up and around the Oeschinensee Lake. You can also take a paddleboat out onto the water.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.