This is Kandertal and Kiental
The neighbouring valleys of Kandertal and Kiental in the Bernese Oberland are known for their mountain lakes, waterfalls and hiking trails at the foot of the Blüemlisalp. Both valleys lie south of Spiez in the canton of Bern.
Discover Kandertal and Kiental
In Reichenbach, at the entrance to Kiental, you’ll find wooden farmhouses, some of which are more than 400 years old. Between Frutigen and Kandersteg lies Blausee Nature Park, home to an organic trout farm. In summer, admission to the nature park also includes a trip across the clear lake in a glass-bottomed boat. Kandersteg, at the end of the valley, is the starting point for excursions to Lake Oeschinen.
Hiking to Lake Oeschinen
Lake Oeschinen lies at an altitude of 1,578 metres above Kandersteg, at the foot of the Blüemlisalp. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A gondola lift takes you up from Kandersteg, followed by a walk of around 25 minutes from the upper station to the lake. In summer, you can hire a rowing boat. In winter, hiking trails cross the frozen lake.
Taking the PostBus to Griesalp
From May to October, you can take the bus from Reichenbach to Griesalp. On the upper section, the road climbs through tight bends with gradients of up to 28%. From Griesalp, where you’ll find several mountain hotels and restaurants, it takes around two hours to walk downhill to the village of Kiental. Along the way, you’ll see the Pochtenfall waterfall, the swirling waters of the «Hexenkessel» in the Griesschlucht gorge and Lake Tschingel, which formed overnight following a severe storm.
Around Kandertal and Kiental
At the entrance to Kandertal rises the Niesen, a mountain whose shape resembles a pyramid. Swiss painters such as Paul Klee and Ferdinand Hodler have depicted it in their works. From Mülenen, a steep funicular takes you to the summit in 30 minutes. At the top, you can enjoy views of Lake Thun and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.
Experience Kandertal and Kiental for less
Stay at least one night in Kandertal or Kiental and you’ll receive the
Adelboden-Lenk-Kandersteg Guest Card. It gives you free travel by train and bus from Mülenen to Kandersteg and to the village of Kiental. At Blausee, you pay just half the admission price, while the Niesen funicular offers a 20% discount.
