In the summer of 1860, two Englishmen, a vicar, a doctor and an American arrived in Kandersteg seeking a guide to take them to the top of the Blümlisalp (3663 metres above sea level). The young Fritz Ogi was courageous enough to take on the job. He later became the founder of a mountain guide dynasty. The latter half of the twentieth century were boom years for Kandersteg bringing welcome prosperity to the locals for the first time. New hotels were built and shops and restaurants sprung up to meet this new demand. Mark Twain stayed here in August 1878 and from here he hiked over the Gemmi Pass. His humorous account of this journey can be found in his book “A Tramp Abroad”. Other famous people who visited include non other than Alexander Dumas, Picasso and Lenin himself. Winter sports began here over a century ago, with visitors initially being attracted here for curling. Kandersteg has a lot to offer the intrepid traveller all year round with scenic hiking, fishing or just the stunning scenery that abounds in this wonderful little country. My first trip (a school tour with Presentation Brothers College in Cork) to Switzerland brings fond memories, we stayed in Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald in the Jungfrau region. As a 14 year old I was mesmerised by the glaciers here and that was July. I returned home to Bishopstown laden with cuckoo clocks and over-sized Toblerones.
The breathtaking landscape of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, adorned with majestic snow-capped peaks exceeding 4,000 meters, makes it a truly unparalleled destination. Renowned as the birthplace of skiing, this region captivates the senses with its awe-inspiring beauty. Exodus Adventure Travels’ Cross-Country Skiing in Kandersteg retreat is based in a picturesque village, serving as a perfect launchpad for exploring an intricate network of high trails that meander across gentle slopes and wide open plateaus.
Embarking on this self-guided journey, you can discover the surrounding area with the convenience of an included travel pass. If you visit in late January, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the enchanting Belle Époque week in Kandersteg. During this time, the village comes alive with locals donning 19th-century attire, with a series of events and markets that will transport you back to the fin de siècle period, offering a nostalgic and culturally rich experience.
More information: Exodus Adventure Travels. January to March- eight days from €1,529 per person, including flights. Aer Lingus fly to Zurich and Geneva with other airlines Swiss and Ryanair also operating flights there. For lots of information on Switzerland and on their famous Grand Tour check out – www.myswitzerland.com
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