Walking SwitzerlandSelden - Kanderfirn - SeldenWalk 8038
Canton - Bern / Berne - Kandertal
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 10.0 km / 6.3 miles
Ascent - 900 metres / 2970 feet
Descent - 900 metres / 2970 feet
Time - 4.50 hours
Grade - moderate
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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.
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
Recommended Books
Tour of Mont Blanc
An essential guidebook for walking the Tour of Mont Blanc. The 170km route typically takes 11 days to trek around the Mont Blanc massif. The TMB is recognised as one of the world's classic treks. The book describes both anti-clockwise and clockwise directions, with variants and information about huts, refuges and facilities en route.
Across the Eastern Alps: E5
From Lake Constance in Germany, this guidebook describes walking the E5 trek that runs 600km through a remarkable kaleidoscope of landscapes and culture in Switzerland, Austria and Italy, to its destination at Verona. It traverses the Allgauer, Lechtaler and Ötztaler Alps. There is a good network of alpine refuges and guesthouses on the route.
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.