The segment Kandersteg-Kandergrund is especially interesting since the train had to manage a vertical ascent of 300 meters in only a few kilometers. A trail explains the technicalities of this masterwork on 40 signs. The trail follows the rail lines closely and one can often see trains schussing by. Such technical wonders as reverse tunnels near Kandergrund and reverse galleries near Mitholz are clarified. Other signs divulge information about the electrification of the train, the car train, the rail lines, and the time it took to construct this technical marvel.
The hiking path has been installed in such a manner that one gets prime views of the train installations, the Kander Valley, and the lakes Blausee and Riegelsee. Steep stairs enable one to easily gain ground, and picnicking spots make for good trainspotting as one grills one's sausages or steak.
Train Buffs' Hike: BLS Trail
Kandersteg
Select your Region:
Basel Region (0)
Bernese Oberland (8) Central Switzerland (7) Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein (3) Fribourg Region (2) Geneva (Region) (0)
Graubünden (3) Lake Geneva Region (2) Neuchâtel / Jura / Bernese Jura (1) Schweizer Mittelland (0)
Ticino (3) Valais (10) Zurich (Region) (0)
Train buffs will love this hike. When the Lötschberg Train was installed in 1913, it was not only the first electrified train in the Alps but was also considered one of the boldest designs in this part of the world.
How to get there:
Drive or take public transportation to Kandersteg via Spiez. For the main part of the trail, take the BLS bus from Reichenbach to the Blausee-Mitholz station.The careful planning of a hiking tour will ensure that you also derive the maximum pleasure and enjoyment from it. Please take the time to contact the local information centre and enquire about route and weather conditions before setting off. Your intended hiking trail may be fully or partially closed, depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
More links
Contact Information
- BLS-Reisezentrum
Bahnhof Kandersteg
3718 Kandersteg
Tel. +41 (0)33 675 83 84 - www.kandersteg.ch
