Kandersteg circuit: passes, waterfalls and historic trails

A four-day circular trek beginning and ending in the pretty village of Kandersteg. Guided by David Erard.

Highlights

Long views of the high summits of the Bernese Oberland; the wild Gasterntal gorge; the historic route to the Gemmi Pass; a wonderful ridge path above the high plateau of mountain pastures at Engstligenalp; the 600-m high Engstligen waterfall; and an airy traverse over a rocky pass to bring us back our starting point.

Type of hiking

• 4 days of guided hikes, with discovery of the local flora and fauna, geology, history and culture.
• For experienced sure-footed hikers on good form; up to 1200 m ↑ and ↓ and 5–7 hours of walking each day (excluding breaks), plus need to carry rucksack with clothes, picnics and overnight kit for the 4 days.
• Technical level: mostly T2 (Swiss Alpine Club grading) with a few exposed sections at T3.
• Overnight stays with half-board in dormitory accommodation, sometimes with showers available.

Itinerary

• Tue 11 August, meet Kandersteg 8.45: Kandersteg 1176 m – Waldhus – Schwarenbach 2060 m; c. 900 m ↑, 5.5 h.
• Wed 12 August: Schwarenbach 2060 m – Gemmipass 2346 m – Rote Chumme – Chindbettipass 2623 m– Entschligegrat – Ärtelegrat – Engstligenalp 1937 m; c. 1000 m ↑, 1100 m ↓, 7 h.
• Thu 13 August: Engstligenalp 1937 m – Entschligefäll – Unter dem Birg 1400 m ‒ Bonderalp 1755 m; c. 700 m ↑ and 900 m ↓, 5.5 h.
• Fri 14 August: Bonderalp 1755 m – Bunderchrinde 2385 m – Alpschele – Usser Üschene 1595 m – Allmenalp 1723 m, then descent by cablecar; c. 830 m ↑ and 860 m ↓, 5.5 h (or from Usser Üschene descent on foot to Kandersteg; c. 600 m ↑, 1200 m ↓, 6 h).

Itinerary may be modified to take account of local weather conditions or for the security of the group.

Price and booking

CHF 680 per person (min. 6, max. 10 participants), including: 4 days’ guided hikes; 2 nights in hotels; 1 night in dormitory accommodation with half-board. www.schwarenbach.ch   www.engstligenalp.ch

Price excludes: transport, insurances, picnic lunches, drinks.

Simply click on the “Book now” button to reserve your place. Booking deadline: 30 June 2026.