Via Alpina, Stage 14/20

From Kandersteg’s traditional wooden chalets over flower-filled Alpine pastures towards the rock walls of the Lohner, a firm favourite with chamois. Over numerous steep sections to reach the Bunderchrinde, the breathtaking pass into Engstligental, and on to Adelboden.

From Kandersteg railway station, the route initially leads through the village and past Hinder de Büele to the last houses. The settlement is soon left behind. The broad hiking trail climbs steadily between woodland and open pastures, quickly gaining height above the valley slopes.

Higher up, it becomes a mountain trail. The pastures increasingly give way to rocky terrain as the ascent continues towards the Bunderchrinde. At around 2,385 metres, just under nine kilometres into the hike, this is the highest point of the route. The pass links the Kandertal with the Engstligental and opens the way to the Adelboden side.

Beyond the pass, the long descent begins. The mountain trail crosses open slopes towards Bonderalp; the mountain inn stands slightly off the route. Further down, the trail enters the forest once more and becomes broader again. After a total of 16 kilometres and just under seven hours, the first houses of Adelboden are reached. The route continues through the village to the destination near the Adelboden, Post bus stop.