Swiss Trails: Bernese Oberland & The Valais

Easily accessible from the internationally connected Geneva Airport take the train to Kandersteg. Arrive in this small alpine town —a walkers’ paradise—surrounded by high peaks with the Kander river flowing through it’s bustling heart. It’s the perfect place to rest and relax ready for your upcoming walks.

Begin the day with a 10-minute cable car ride from Kandersteg to Oeschinensee.  From here, take the mountain path up to the Hueberg viewpoint for views over this iconic turquoise lake.  Descend over alpine meadows and follow a scenic path along the shores through shady forest to reach the alpine restaurants on the lakeside.  After a relaxed afternoon exploring the shores of Oeschinensee return to Kandersteg for a hearty alpine dinner.

Ascent/Descent: 315m/835m

Follow the River Kander towards it’s source up a dramatic gorge to reach the green pastures of the Gasterntal valley. The Gasterntal enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Site protection, not only for the alpine wildlife and extensive forest, but to preserve the old farming way of life that you can still see evidence of. Follow the untamed alluvial river up the valley towards the little mountain restaurant at Heimritz—you can walk as far as you like here—before retracing your steps to Kandersteg.  

Ascent/Descent: 680m

Walk to the end of the Kander valley and ascend via the alpine meadows of Uschene on a gentle gradient to  Allmenalp.  Traverse the mountainside and admire the surrounding mountains before reaching the bowl above Allmenalp. Enjoy a refreshing drink at the mountain restaurant with views towards Oeschinensee before returning to Kandersteg by cable car. 

Ascent/Descent:  620m/65m 

Take the cable car from the Kander valley up to the high valley at Sunnbuel.  A well-signposted route takes you through alpine meadows and ancient pine forest passing the Berg Hotel Schwartzhorn situated in a sheltered spot where alpine chough soar on thermals.  Pause here for Kaffee and kuchen before continuing through the rugged landscape to reach the blue waters of Daubensee. From Gemmi there are excellent views of the  jagged Plattenhorner peak and the spa town of Leukerbad below.  Descend to Leukerbad on the cable car to avoid the steep descent on the track cut into the cliffs below the cable car station (only for those with a head for heights!).

Ascent/Descent: 545m/154 or 1080m

Ascend the forested lower slopes of the Torrenthorn to the dairy farm at Unter Majing.  You can stop here to try some of the family’s locally produced mountain cheese before continuing to the small mountain restaurant on the meadows of  Fluealp.  Walk to Fluekapelle, a tiny chapel built into a rocky outcrop on the mountainside. Pause here to admire the chapel’s stained glass windows and the snow-covered Balmhorn peak in the distance. Then keep an eye out for marmots as you traverse the alpine meadows below the limestone cliffs to descend to Leukerbad. The final 0.5km of the route into Leukerbad follows the Dala Gorge Walkway—learn more about the thermal waters of the river Dala whilst following a series of platforms and metal bridges secured to the gorge sides. There are other descent options for those who don’t have a head for heights. 

Ascent/Descent: 1040m/1120m

Take the Torrenthorn cable car from Leukerbad to Rinderhutte. Traverse the mountainside with excellent views over the Rhone valley and snowy peaks in the distance. A narrow mountain path leads past a small alpine lake, through meadows where marmots are commonly spotted. On reaching the Restipass (2630m) you are rewarded with wonderful views of the secluded Lotschen valley. Descend from the rugged Restipass and retrace your steps to Rinderhutte—keep a lookout for chamois and ibex on the higher slopes. Return to Leukerbad via the Rinderhutte cable car and enjoy an evening of relaxing in the thermal waters. 

Ascent/Descent: 540m

After breakfast check out of your hotel for your onward travel if you aren’t staying longer in Switzerland. Leukerbad has good public transport links to Geneva Airport (approximately 3 hours). You can also fly from nearby Zurich and Bern airports.