Walk 8038 - Selden – Kanderfirn - Selden

      
Click thumbnails for larger images.

A wonderful walk that climbs through the Gastern Valley to the Kanderfirn Glacier. The views across the glacier are superb. Note that unusually for Switzerland there are no sources of refreshment apart from the start/end of the walk.

   
Click thumbnails for larger images.

Start & End the Hotel Gasterntal, Selden. See Transport Map for the Kandertal Region. Please note the bus service is limited and reservations are recommended. Current information can be obtained from the Tourist Information Bureau in Kandersteg.

From the Hotel Gasternal continue up the valley on the main track to the farm at Heimritz. From this farm the path starts and begins to climb. The route crosses to the other side of the river where an alternative path from Heimritz joins. The path climbs onto a moraine with a steady ascent with a rock wall ahead. You will see the ice of the Alpetli Glacier (the nose of the Kanderfirn) glinting at the top of the rock wall. At the end of the moraine the path zigzags up through a rocky landscape to reach the glacier. Improved views of the glacier can be obtained by continuing further although you will reach the stage where further progress adds nothing to the view.

The initial part of the return to Selden follows the outward route. The descent from the glacier offers a grandstand view into the valley with the Balmhorn dominating the scene. Instead of crossing the river where you did on the outward route, continue downstream with the river on your right until you reach the farm at Heimritz. Here cross the footbridge and continue down the service track to Selden.

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