10 Attractions and Activities to Experience in Kandersteg
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My top destination in Switzerland? Definitely the Swiss Alps. It has everything I look for—breathtaking views, exciting adventures, and the kind of peace only nature can provide. But not every place in the Swiss Alps offers all three. One that does is Kandersteg, a lesser-known town that deserves a spot on any bucket list for its incredible sights, experiences, and attractions. Let me tell you why.
Things to Do in Kandersteg
Let’s start exploring Kandersteg with a simple but satisfying activity: a relaxed walk around the village. It’s something you shouldn’t skip because of all the little details that make the experience special. Picture the sound of the river flowing, cowbells ringing, and birds chirping as you admire traditional chalets decorated with flowers, all set against towering 3,000-meter mountains.
It’s almost too picturesque to handle! But if there’s anything you absolutely have to see, it’s the Church of Saint Mary and Gasthof Ruedihus.
Church of Saint Mary
In the heart of Kandersteg, just a short walk from the tourist center, you’ll find the Church of Saint Mary, a small but beautiful Catholic chapel. It’s about five minutes from Bahnhof Kandersteg train station—just head northeast across the bridge and keep going east past the tourist center. Before long, you’ll spot the church.
While it’s not as grand as the ones in Switzerland’s bigger cities, it has a unique character that fits perfectly with the Alpine setting. Its stone walls, pointed spire, and location in the middle of green meadows make it a picture-perfect stop. With towering 3,000-meter peaks in the background, you can snap a great shot of the church framed by snow-capped mountains. Be sure to jump in the photo yourself for a memorable keepsake of your time in Kandersteg!
Landgasthof Ruedihus
Another cultural gem in Kandersteg is Landgasthof Ruedihus, a historic hotel and restaurant recognized as a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
With 250 years of history, it offers an authentic Alpine atmosphere and specializes in traditional Swiss cuisine. Be sure to try their Suure Mocke (marinated pot roast) and Schnifu Büürehamme (special cured farmhouse ham). While the food has a great reputation, I think the dining experience itself is the real highlight.
If you appreciate ambiance as much as the meal, you’ll love the charming architecture and intricate Alpine decor that make this place truly special. Imagine yourself in front of the beautifully preserved facade of Landgasthof Ruedihus, enjoying rich fondues and raclettes—it’s a treat for both the taste buds and the eyes.
Located on the southern edge of town, it’s just a two-minute drive from the Kandersteg tourism office or a relaxed 15-to-20-minute walk. Just head south along the main street from the tourism office, and you’ll get there in no time.
In the eastern part of town, you’ll find the Oeschinensee gondola lift station—the starting point for a variety of exciting activities and scenic views in Kandersteg. One attraction you won’t want to miss is the Kandersteg Mountain Coaster, also known as the Rodelbahn Oeschinensee. This thrilling ride combines adventure, speed, and incredible views. Just sit back, hold on tight, and glide down a half-tube metal track for an unforgettable alpine experience!
The track stretches 750 meters (2,460 feet) with a vertical drop of 150 meters (roughly 950 feet), making for an exciting descent. Feel the rush as you speed through each turn! And don’t forget to take in the scenery—the coaster offers breathtaking views of the mountain cliffs west of Kandersteg. It’s an experience filled with pure excitement that you won’t want to miss! Check out the fun that’s waiting for you:
The Oeschinensee toboggan run is open from mid-spring to mid-autumn, but only on dry days—safety first! In the summer, you can ride from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., while in other seasons, it closes an hour earlier. For more details, including ticket prices and online booking, check out the official website.
Oeschinensee’s toboggan run is a great choice for all ages and is especially popular with families visiting Kandersteg. But if you’re traveling solo like me, you might find the nearby Lake Oeschinensee even more appealing. Known as one of the most scenic high-altitude lakes in the Swiss Alps—alongside Riffelsee and Schwarzsee near Zermatt and Bachalpsee near Interlaken—this lake is truly a sight to see.
Located about 4 kilometers east of Kandersteg, the lake is easily accessible by gondola, which brings visitors closer to both the toboggan run and the lake itself. From the Oeschinen gondola lift station, it’s another 1.5 kilometers to the lake. While minibusses sometimes run between the station and the lake, many people prefer the scenic 20-minute hike. Sitting at around 1,500 meters above sea level, Oeschinensee freezes over in winter and offers a variety of activities throughout the year.
Oeschinensee During Winter
Oeschinensee usually freezes over in December and stays that way until May, offering five months of winter fun. The lake turns into a massive ice-skating rink where visitors can glide smoothly without having to turn too often. It’s a great spot for families and friends looking to skate together or enjoy other outdoor activities.
If you’re traveling alone, you might want to try ice fishing, which is popular from January to mid-March. The lake is home to Arctic char, lake trout, and rainbow trout, so there’s a good chance of making a catch.
However, ice skating and ice fishing aren’t always available, even in the middle of winter. Local authorities assess conditions based on ice thickness and avalanche risks before allowing visitors on the lake. Before heading to Oeschinensee from Kandersteg, check the official website for the latest updates.
Oeschinensee During Summer
If you’re traveling from far away, the best time to visit Oeschinensee is after the ice has melted. This usually happens from spring to autumn, with the shoulder seasons being ideal for avoiding crowds. During this time, the lake’s waters turn a brilliant turquoise under the sunlight, creating an incredible sight.
Nearly everyone who visits Oeschinensee highly recommends it. The towering rock walls surrounding the lake are breathtaking, especially when their reflection appears on the water’s surface. You can enjoy this mirror-like view from the beach near Berghotel Oeschinensee or along the hiking trails on the northern shore.
Hiking around the lake offers different perspectives, but some trails may be closed due to rockslide risks. It’s always a good idea to check with the tourism office before setting out. To help with your hike, I’ve created a trail map on Komoot that takes you along a gradual incline through some of the most scenic parts of Oeschinensee.
The hiking trails east of Oeschinensee wind through towering rock walls and offer unique lake views that you won’t often see on social media. However, these trails can be difficult and aren’t the best choice for anyone uncomfortable with heights, as some sections require rock climbing skills.
But don’t worry—Oeschinensee will leave you in awe the moment you reach the beach near the hotel and restaurant. You don’t need to take on a tough hike to enjoy your visit. You can rent a kayak, go for a swim, or try fishing. Just remember to bring your own fishing gear, including rods, hooks, and bait.
If you plan to fish, you’ll need a permit and should review the local regulations before casting your line. Fishing permits range from CHF 20, depending on your age, and can be purchased at the restaurants near the lake.
Hiking in the Alps usually means tackling some good trails. If you’re in Kandersteg and want more options beyond Oeschinensee, check out the Sunnbuel-Gemmi Pass. It’s one of the top trails in the area and a great pick if you’d like to end your hike in another town, like Leukerbad.
Here’s a full 360-degree view of one of the huts along the pass.
The Sunnbuel-Gemmi Pass hiking trail starts in southern Kandersteg, passes through the Sunnbuel plateau, and continues to Gemmi Pass before ending in Leukerbad.
Along the way, you’ll cross from the canton of Bern into Valais. The trail features two scenic lakes, Arvenseeli and Daubensee, as well as Hotel Schwarenbach, a popular stop known for its delicious tarts, cozy atmosphere, and great service. Personally, I love the hotel’s design—the stone structure and wooden windows add to the alpine vibe.
The best part of the hike comes at the end when you reach Leukerbad. As one of Switzerland’s largest spa and wellness destinations, Leukerbad is home to several thermal baths, where the mineral-rich waters reach up to 51°C (123°F). Soaking in these baths is the perfect way to relax after a long hike.
The journey starts with a cable car ride from Kandersteg (Sunnbuel) and ends with another cable car ride in Leukerbad (Gemmi Pass). To reach the Sunnbuel Talstation (valley station), you can either take bus #241 toward Eggeschwand or walk 33 minutes from central Kandersteg. From there, it’s just a short 5–10 minute ride to the starting point. Under ideal conditions, the entire hike takes about three hours.
Here are the specifics of the trail:
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Try the Allmenalp Via Ferrata, one of Switzerland’s most exciting and scenic routes. You’ll climb a 350-meter rock wall right next to the breathtaking Almenbach waterfall.
Allmenalp Via Ferrata isn’t just about climbing—it also includes zip lines and a three-rope bridge for an extra adrenaline rush. On the Hulster scale, it’s rated K4, with K1 being the easiest and K6 the hardest. The whole route takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, plus an extra 15 minutes of hiking.
If you need gear, you can rent Via Ferrata equipment at the valley station of the Allmenalpbahn, located near the Almenbach waterfalls southwest of Kandersteg. After finishing the course, you can take the cable car back to Kandersteg. The Allmenalp cable car operates from mid-spring to mid-autumn. To find the schedule, please check the official Allmenalp website.
If you’re looking for a peaceful break instead of an adrenaline rush, Blausee Nature Park is the perfect place to visit in Kandersteg.
This isn’t just any nature park—it’s home to a stunning turquoise lake with crystal-clear water. You’ll also find a coffee shop, a barbecue grill garden, a bistro, and even a fish farm. If you want to stay longer, there’s a hotel where you can unwind.
The main highlight of the nature park is Lake Blau, or Blausee in German. It’s smaller than Lake Oeschinen, but its vibrant colors and crystal-clear water make it just as impressive. Surrounded by a dense forest, the lake creates a magical scene as it reflects the trees on sunny days. The view is especially breathtaking in autumn.
A walk around Blausee takes only 10 to 15 minutes since the lake is quite small. As you explore, you’ll likely see small boats floating on the turquoise water—a picture-perfect sight. In summer, special boats with glass floors are available for a closer look at the lake’s beauty. While fish can be seen swimming in the water, fishing isn’t allowed. However, a nearby trout farm sells fresh fish that you can cook at the park’s spacious grill area.
For more details, check out Blausee’s official website. If you’re coming from Kandersteg by public transit, start at Kandersteg Bahnhof and take bus #230 toward Frutigen. Get off at the seventh stop, Blausee BE. Once you step off the bus, you’ll immediately see a large sign for Blausee.
Adelboden is a town west of Kandersteg, set in a valley on the other side of the 2,000-meter-high peaks of Chlyne Lohner, First, and Bunderspitz. Despite the towering mountains, getting there from Kandersteg is easy—it’s just an hour-long ride on bus #230.
Once you arrive, you can check out Switzerland’s giant swing, which offers a wide view of the entire town. It may not be as exciting as the toboggan run in Kandersteg, but the scenery and photo opportunities make it worth the trip.
Here, you can take photos of yourself soaring above the ground on a swing, with the Alps as a dramatic backdrop. Just be careful—not swinging too wildly is key since there’s no protective gear, just you holding onto the ropes.
The swing is on a ridge plateau called Tschentenalp. To get there, go to the Tschentenalp valley station, northeast of the Tourist Center Adelboden, where cable cars will take you straight up. You can find more activities in Adelboden on its official website, but aside from the giant swing, the top two attractions in town are:
- Engstligen Falls is a 600-meter waterfall in the southern part of Adelboden. It’s about an hour’s hike from town, but you can shorten the walk by taking bus #232 toward Chäli.
- Cholerenschlucht Adelboden is a popular gorge north of Adelboden, with steel pathways for visitors to explore. To get there, take bus #232 toward Adelboden, Ausserschwand, but keep in mind you’ll need to hike about 15 minutes to reach the gorge.
I think I’ve covered all the main things to do in and around Kandersteg. But don’t forget—the journey to and from Kandersteg has plenty of amazing views too! One standout is Niesen Mountain, also known as Switzerland’s pyramid mountain.
Niesen is a striking mountain in the canton of Bern, offering sweeping views over Lake Thun. It’s one of the peaks you’ll notice on your way to Kandersteg. The best way to appreciate its unique shape is from the opposite side of Lake Thun, near Interlaken, where it forms a nearly perfect triangle.
But you don’t need to cross the lake or take a long detour to fully experience Niesen. The real magic is at the top. From the summit, you get a panoramic view of the entire canton of Bern, where Switzerland’s landscape shifts from rolling hills to the rugged peaks of the Alps. You’ll also get a bird’s-eye view of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, watching boats leave ripples as they glide across the water.
The best time to visit is from the afternoon until sunset. If you’re lucky, you might even see Niesen casting a massive triangular shadow over the fields and lake below.
Here’s a sample:
There are two ways to reach the top of Mount Niesen. You can hike the entire way up, though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it. The easier option is to take the funicular, which can either shorten your hike or take you straight to the summit.
The funicular’s base station is in the small village of Mülenen. If you’re taking the train from Spiez to Kandersteg, Mülenen is the first stop. If you’re coming from Kandersteg, it’s the last stop before Spiez.
Since Lake Thun is along your route to and from Kandersteg, it’s worth adding to your travel plans. Even better, its shores are home to some incredible sights. Two highlights are Oberhofen Castle, a lakeside castle with a tower extending into the water, and the Saint Beatus Caves. From Spiez, you can take a boat to these attractions.
For more details, check out the articles linked below.
Beyond Kandersteg
Kandersteg is just one of many beautiful villages in the Swiss Alps, and I really think you should see others too for a more memorable and unique trip to Switzerland. Not far from Kandersteg is Iseltwald, located in the Bernese Oberland. It reminds me of Hallstatt, an Austrian village featured in a Disney movie.
I also recommend visiting Lauterbrunnen, a breathtaking valley often called heaven on earth. J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings, used it as inspiration for Rivendell. Make sure to check them out!
For more travel ideas in the Swiss Alps, check out my 14-day Switzerland itinerary. It covers cities near the Alps and top destinations like the Jungfrau Region and Zermatt.
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