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Bernese Oberland Winter Walking

- Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, Kandersteg
 
Oeschinensee | An exquisite lake set amid an amphitheatre of mountains
Winter routes | Take quiet routes through tranquil and breathtaking scenery
Quality accommodation | Hotel with mountain views with an excellent restaurant
Relax in style | Enjoy a sauna and a panoramic indoor swimming pool
Price from
£1190pp
Bernese Oberland Winter Walking. 7 nights
Price from
£1190pp
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Price from
£1190pp
Bernese Oberland Winter Walking. 7 nights
Price from
£1190pp
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A winter holiday in Kandersteg

for skiers and non-skiers
With scenery on the grandest scale, and quiet, unspoiled villages, the Bernese Oberland possesses unique qualities that leave visitors feeling completely refreshed. The region has many jewels, but one of its most precious is Oeschinensee – an exquisite lake set amid an amphitheatre of mountains, which at points rise sheer from the often-frozen waters. In the valley just below nestles Kandersteg, a picture-book village that makes the perfect base for a relaxing week appreciating the joys of winter.
Of all the ways to embrace the snow in the Kander Valley, winter walking is perhaps the most popular. The network of specially prepared paths is extensive and offers much variety: from leisurely, low-level trails that radiate out from the village to spectacular routes winding up the Gemmi Pass. If conditions permit, there are opportunities to enjoy both cross-country and downhill skiing, and Kandersteg also has silent forests to explore on snowshoes; slopes to whizz down in a toboggan; and an ice rink where you can try your hand at ice-skating and curling. That’s not all, either: the excellent rail network makes it easy to enjoy a day trip to the small but fascinating Swiss capital, Bern.

There are many reasons why the Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria has featured in our winter programme for so many years, but it is mostly due to the outstanding level of hospitality and personal service – at the hotel, you are made to feel as though you are a very welcome house guest, so it’s little wonder so many people return time and again.
 

A Slow Film on Kandersteg

 

Our expert says

“Calm, charm and a superb setting in the heart of the beautiful Bernese Oberland region – Kandersteg is a lovely village, and one which makes a very relaxing base for your winter holiday.”
Inntravel winter holiday expert
 
Gallery

 

Winter activities

There’s no fixed itinerary, so take your pick of the activities as the mood takes you.
  • 55km in the Kander Valley
    Some of the region’s finest winter walking can be found in the Kander Valley: in addition to the low-level trails accessible from Kandersteg itself, the surrounding mountains play host to several superb routes – we recommend getting up high for the best and most beautiful options. Your included guest card entitles you to free use of the local buses, and to discounts on the various mountain cableways.

    All trails are well signed, and any snow specially flattened to facilitate walking. In the detailed documentation we provide, we give an overview of our favourite options, including the following three routes:

    Oeschinensee: 1.5hrs
    This is one walk you definitely shouldn’t miss! After taking the gondola from Kandersteg into the surrounding mountains, you follow a path which brings you out above Oeschinensee’s northern shore – from where you can enjoy an unrivalled panorama of the lake.

    Sunnbüel & the Gemmi Pass: 3.5hrs
    Linking the Bernese Oberland with the Valais to the south, the Gemmi Pass has been an important trade route for centuries. During the winter months, it is possible to enjoy a spectacular walk up the Pass, beginning from the top of the Sunnbüel cable car station and passing the historic Hotel Schwarenbach, a former customs house that has hosted such famous guests as Jules Verne, Pablo Picasso and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It’s worth calling in to sample the hotel’s tasty homemade cakes before continuing to the highest point of the walk at 2,322 metres; the views across to the Valaisianne Alps from here are quite exceptional. The walk culminates at the Gemmi cable car station, from where you descend to Leukerbad and then return to Kandersteg by bus.

    Kandersteg village tour: 1hr
    Kandersteg’s strategic location and rich farmland have ensured the village’s prosperity over the years; this walking tour takes in some of its finest architecture, as well as the local museum and churches. The village’s oldest church, the Marienkapelle, dates from 1510 and contains 17th-century frescoes and stained glass, while the Catholic church was built as recently as 1927 – prompted by the influx of Italian tourists following the construction of the Lötschberg Railway.
    Walking at Sunnbüel
  • Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing & more

    Cross-country skiing
    Should you wish to try cross-country skiing, access to the 52 kilometres of trails in the Kander Valley couldn’t be easier, with the closest passing through the meadow right next to the hotel. There are a number of easy routes, which meander along the valley floor, while for more of a challenge it’s possible to take the cable car up to Sunnbüel, where there are eight kilometres of snow-sure trails.

    Snowshoeing
    There are some wonderfully scenic snowshoeing hikes around Kandersteg, including a route which overlooks the glacial valley of Gastern and another which winds along the Gemmi Pass. Snowshoes and poles can be hired locally.

    Tobogganing
    Alternatively, you may like to hire a sledge from the hotel and try one of the valley’s two toboggan runs. The first is located at Oschiwald – a 40-minute walk from Kandersteg – and descends over a kilometre to finish back in the village, while the second is a thrilling, 3.5-kilometre run from Oeschinensee down to the bottom of the gondola station.

    Ice-skating & curling
    Kandersteg is home to a covered ice rink which is open each weekday afternoon and on weekends when no ice-hockey matches are scheduled. The rink has a curling lane where, once every week, there is an introduction to the sport followed by a game. There is also an outdoor ice rink in the village which is prepared if conditions are right.

    Downhill skiing
    The two small downhill areas around Kandersteg – at Oeschinen and Sunnbüel – are particularly suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers. The 13 kilometres of pistes at the top of the Oeschinensee gondola offer the chance to ski overlooking the beautiful lake, while Sunnbüel has three easy pistes.
    Snowshoeing
    Try curling
  • Bern & the Lötschental
    As Kandersteg has a railway station, you can use the trains (pay locally) to visit the medieval capital, Bern, or head to the unspoiled Lötschental.

    Bern
    Switzerland’s capital may be compact, but it is also a charming and surprisingly fascinating city, and just over an hour by train from Kandersteg. It’s the birthplace of Lindt and where Einstein developed his career-defining theory of special relativity, and the wonderful arcaded streets and grand squares of the Old Town are home to many tempting artisan boutiques and world-class museums, including the impressive Zentrum Paul Klee, a museum dedicated to the works of Swiss-born artist.

    Lötschental
    Alternatively, for a very different day out, you could travel by train and bus to the delightfully remote Lötschen Valley. Lying between the Bernese Oberland and Valais regions, this unspoiled valley is home to a series of beautifully authentic villages, which can be explored by following one of the area’s cross-country skiing trails or winter walking paths. One of our favourite options is the 9-kilometre walk from Blatten to Fafleralp, which follows the river through forest and offers the chance to call at the Hotel Fafleralp for lunch.
    Visit the quiet Lötschental
  • Special events
    Christmas in Kandersteg is a magical affair. Enjoy a torchlit stroll with mulled wine, a return trip on the gondola to Oeschinensee and a gala dinner, all included in our prices. New Year's Eve features a special dinner with live music and dancing.
 

About Kandersteg

Nestling in the broad Kander Valley and surrounded by dramatic mountains, Kandersteg (altitude: 1200m) is a picture-book village with a pleasantly bustling centre where you will find a variety of shops, banks and cafés within an easy stroll of the centrally located Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria.
Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria

Bedrooms

 

Options to extend or shorten your stay

 
Prices & travel
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  • 7 nights: 21 December 2024 - 09 March 2025

    Start any day* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Adults
    21 Dec - 22 Dec 2024 £1625
    28 Dec - 29 Dec 2024 £1725
    04 Jan - 21 Jan 2025 £1230
    22 Jan - 28 Jan 2025 £1255
    29 Jan - 18 Feb 2025 # £1405
    19 Feb - 25 Feb 2025 £1450
    26 Feb - 02 Mar 2025 £1190
    * Start days: until 5 Jan Saturday/Sunday; all other dates any day

    # Supplements apply on 10, 11, 17 & 18 Feb 2024; 8, 9, 15 & 16 Feb 2025; please contact us for details

    A supplement is payable for a single room – see 'Additional prices' below

    7 nights: 21 December 2024 - 09 March 2025

    Start any day* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Adults
    21 Dec - 22 Dec 2024 £1915
    28 Dec - 29 Dec 2024 £2015
    04 Jan - 21 Jan 2025 £1520
    22 Jan - 28 Jan 2025 £1545
    29 Jan - 18 Feb 2025 £1695
    19 Feb - 25 Feb 2025 £1740
    26 Feb - 02 Mar 2025 £1480

    Includes all elements of the holiday itself (accommodation, meals and any additional elements as described), plus Eurostar and onward rail services from London St Pancras, plus any transfer to the hotel as described below (see 'Rail option from London' section).

    * Start days: 23 Dec 2023-5 Jan 2024 Saturday/Sunday; all other dates any day

    A supplement is payable for a single room – see 'Additional prices' below

    Prices are subject to availability and supplements may apply. Book early for Christmas, New Year and school holidays.

  • Room upgrades (supplement in £ per room per night)

    Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, Kandersteg
    Family apartment: 21 Dec - 09 Mar 2025 £88
    Mini-suite: 21 Dec - 09 Mar 2025 £88
    Single room: 21 Dec - 09 Mar 2025 £10
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Zürich or Geneva (latest flight arrival time: 1730; earliest flight departure time: 1300 for both airports)

    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Zürich or Geneva. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book onward flights and connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Geneva easyJet 
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Belfast Intl. - Geneva easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Geneva easyJet 
    Birmingham - Zurich Swiss 
    Birmingham - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Bournemouth - Geneva easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Basel easyJet 
    Bristol - Geneva easyJet 
    Bristol - Geneva (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Bristol - Zurich Swiss 
    Bristol - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Nottingham East Midlands - Geneva jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Basel easyJet 
    Edinburgh - Geneva easyJet,  jet2 
    Edinburgh - Zurich Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Geneva easyJet,  jet2 
    Glasgow - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Humberside - Basel (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Geneva jet2 
    Leeds Bradford - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Liverpool - Geneva easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Geneva British Airways,  Swiss 
    London City - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Basel easyJet 
    Gatwick - Geneva British Airways,  easyJet,  Swiss 
    Gatwick - Zurich easyJet,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Basel British Airways 
    Heathrow - Geneva British Airways,  Swiss 
    Heathrow - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Basel easyJet 
    Luton - Geneva easyJet 
    Luton - Zurich easyJet,  Vueling 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Geneva easyJet,  jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Basel easyJet 
    Manchester - Geneva easyJet,  jet2 
    Manchester - Zurich Lufthansa,  Swiss 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Geneva easyJet,  jet2 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Zürich or Geneva. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of alternative flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated above, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice if you would prefer to fly via a different route to the one included in our standard arrangements. A supplement may be payable for other flights.

  • Combining high-speed Eurostar and TGV with the clockwork efficiency of Swiss railways, this is relaxed independent travel at its finest. You’ll be in the Bernese Oberland in time for dinner!

    If you would prefer an alternative route, our rail specialists can tailor the arrangements to suit you.

    > Travelling by train to Switzerland: what to expect
    > More about 'by rail' prices

    Route on which prices are based

    Outward journey Departure time
    from London     		Arrival time
    at hotel
    St Pancras–Paris–Basel–Kandersteg (Eurostar, TGV & regional rail, 9h45), transfer from Kandersteg station (0h05) approx 0755 Mon-Sat (0920 Sun) approx 1840 Mon-Sat (2040 Sun)
    Homeward journey Departure time
    from hotel     		Arrival time
    in London
    Transfer to Kandersteg station (0h05), Kandersteg–Basel–Paris–St Pancras (regional rail, TGV & Eurostar, 10h20) approx 0900 approx 1830
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 7 dinners
    7 breakfasts
  • detailed information about the area
  • rail travel from/to Zürich or Geneva airport (if flying)
  • Guest card entitles you to free use of the local buses
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 11 reviews
  • R&A, Surrey
    26 February 2024

    This was a very peaceful and relaxing holiday. The hotel and accommodation was excellent. Unfortunately the winter snow season has been appalling (which I am sure you are aware of) so no snow in the village which meant we could not practise Langlauf in the village as we had intended to do. However we managed to do a variety of things when the cross-country skiing was not possible. We organised our own activities in Frutigen - walks, swimming, museum - despite the overcast/wet weather. We would recommend that Inntravel include some of these because we suggested these activities to another IT couple who took them up the following day! The free bus transport is also a helpful facility.

  • Ms M Gee
    Chester
    25 February 2023

    We had a fantastic stay at the Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria in Kandersteg. The standard of hotel facilities is very high and being able to float in the pool and look at the snowy mountains is an experience I'll never forget! Breakfast and evening meals were of a very high standard with excellent choice. Very well located, too; a very easy 5 mins to the train station, next door to a mini-market and the tourist information.  

  • Miss S Bishop
    Marlborough
    22 February 2023

    We all thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and would recommend it. The walk over the Gemmi Pass was the hightlight, in spite of the return by bus and train which took some working out!  We found a couple of lovely walks in the valley during heavy snow. It was great to have some winter sunshine in the mountains - once we'd reaccustomed ourselves to the practicalities of foreign travel after a few years' gap.

  • anon
    18 February 2023

    Kandersteg is a really lovely old alpine village in a dramatic and awe inspiring setting. Lovely walks available from the Oechinsee and Sunnbuel lifts and the latter area does give the option of cross counrty trails at altitude.

  • Mrs E Rainey
    Teddington
    10 February 2023

    Great service from Inntravel, beautiful location at Kandersteg, fantastic holiday overall!

  • Mrs C Davies
    Cambridge
    15 January 2023

    Be sure to pick up a copy of the free local walking and skiing trails, but be warned, they are very inaccurate (maybe provide a single sheet copy of an OA-type map?)

    We left just as the week long celebration of Belle Epoque was starting-it looked like fun-might be an idea to mention the dates in case people would like to be there (or not) at that time.

  • Mr D Pechey
    Stockport
    30 December 2022

    We spent 2 separate days walking to and round Oeschinensee via different routes in the snow and the lake and its surroundings were a real highlight. We also took the train and bus to the Loetschental Valley and walked in the snow from Blatten to Fafleralp which was equally special. Bern altstadt is also very worthwhile as a day's outing by train.

  • Mr G Hood, Cheshire
    18 February 2022

    Great weather, superb scenery, great cross country ski trails and a good holiday for the three generations of our family.

  • Mrs K Williams
    Wilmslow
    13 February 2022

    What a fantastic alternative to a ski holiday. We loved learning how to cross-country ski and try out curling. Snow shoes were a great way to explore the spectacular mountains in the snow and complete the ice walk on the Oeschinesee Lake. The torch-lit walk through the forest at night was magical, followed by a delicious traditional fondue. A very active and fun holiday in the quaint town of Kandersteg. 

  • Mrs A Fingland
    Kelso
    03 February 2022

    Oeschinensee  was a definite highlight, we went up there 4 times! Absolutely spectacular.  Lotschental and Sunnbuel were also wonderful.  The walk to the Gemmi pass involves about 1000 feet of ascent, at altitude, so not to be undertaken lightly.  The transport links from Leukerbad, if you do the round trip, are not great and we did not do it for that reason.   We also took the train round to Inlerlaken to visit Kleine Scheidegg and see the Eiger, and went to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn,  both spectacular days.   We bought a 5 day pass for the railways - the Erlebnis pass - which gave us free rail and bus travel and half price cable car tickets.

  • Ms. Stoves. Glos.
    28 January 2022

    This Inntravel holiday was excellent in every aspect. Inntravel organised all the travel which involved a flight then 2 rail journeys. All went very smoothly & was perfectly organised. We shall certainly use the company again. 
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • In the Alps, most hotels have a vegetarian menu. Please contact us for specific information about this particular hotel.
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Switzerland, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • The official languages are German, spoken in the majority of the country; French, spoken in the south-west; Italian, spoken in the south-east; and Romansch, mostly limited to the Engadine valley. The currency is the Franc. Swiss time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
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