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801901

Kandersteg - Doldenhornhutte - Kandersteg
Walk 8019

Canton - Bern / Berne - Kandertal

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 10.0 km / 6.3 miles

Ascent - 750 metres / 2475 feet

Descent - 750 metres / 2475 feet

Time - 4.50 hours

Grade - moderate

Photo from the walk - Kandersteg - Doldenhornhutte - Kandersteg
Click image to visit gallery of 6 images.

Some steep sections of path lead to a superb vantage point with views of the Doldenhorn, Blümlisalp and and the beautiful Oeschinensee. Return to the valley uses a different route to the outward sector.

Start & End - The railway station in Kandersteg. Regular trains from Spiez (with connections from Interlaken) and Brig. Also bus service from Frutigen.

Exit the station and walk east along the road into the centre of the village. Reaching the main road turn left passing the Tourist Information Centre on your right. Take the next road right and continue east with a river on your left hand side. When the road crosses the river continue ahead with the river still on your left. Stay on this track as it climbs steadily with a dramatic waterfall ahead and crags to your right.

Reaching a sign to the Doldendornhütte turn right along a narrow path. At the sign there is also a notice board giving information about the hut together with an indication of whether it is open or not. Looking ahead you wonder how the path negotiates the steep crags. However all is soon revealed as the path zigzags uphill, climbing steeply before threading its way through a rocky cleft to gain the open mountainside.

You then cross two footbridges. After the second there is a path junction, which you will return to later in the walk. Turn left here and continue for a short distance through trees before climbing steeply once again aided by zigzags. The path is never boring and height is gained quickly to reach another path junction. Keep left here and you will soon be rewarded with sight of the Doldenhornhütte on the far side of a rocky landscape. In season when the hut is open refreshments are available allowing you to enjoy the splendid location at leisure.

After enjoying the view - note the Oeschinensee can only be seen from a path that runs behind the hut - return to the path junction noted above. Turn left and continue through woods passing a small wooden chalet. At the next junction keep right and this will lead you down through more woodland into the valley via a series clever zigzags.

At valley level the path exits into a meadow. Keep right and continue towards the hotel and turn left along its access road to the main road. Go straight across. Shortly after leaving the main road you pass an interesting chalet restaurant on your right - complete with herb garden, excellent Swiss food is available. Continuing past the restaurant, follow the signed footpath route back to the station.

Suggested Maps

Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW 5004 - Berner Oberland

Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW5009 - Gstaad - Adelboden

Kandersteg Wanderkarte - 1:25000

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Stay Safe

Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.

Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.

Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.

Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.

Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.

Do check the weather forecast before leaving.

Do do not exceed your capabilities.

Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Sitzerland is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps at the most detailed scale where possible. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed, and corrective action taken if necessary.