Most people think of Zurich when they travel to Switzerland. However, while my husband and I love flying into the city and spending a day or two settling into our trip, we much prefer the charm of Switzerland?s alpine villages. As keen hikers and general outdoor enthusiasts, there?s little to compare to the variety of trails in Switzerland. I personally also love that it?s a common pursuit, meaning it?s not unusual to see tiny children walking up a mountain ? plus, there?s mountain huts and places to stop on the way if you?re out for a longer hike.

However, I fully appreciate that not everyone wants to go on holiday to hike. Nonetheless, I still think Kandersteg should have its place on your holiday itinerary, if you, too, prefer the beauty of untamed nature to the bustle of the city. Here are my three activity recommendations that are ideal for experiencing Swiss life, without requiring a full hiking pack.

Visit Oeschinensee

Oeschinensee is one of Kandersteg?s famous sights ? a bright blue lake that?s created from glacier water. Surrounded by the mountains that may or may not be snowcapped depending on the time of year, the lake really is beautiful and generally peaceful, although it can get busier in the summer. You can either walk up following the main path (it takes around two and a half hours from the village) or you can take the cable car most of the way, and then follow the established path down to the lake. There?s also another, steeper path, which does shave off time but it?s easier to get lost.

One of the nicest things about visiting Oeschinensee is that there are raised metal grill areas where anyone can sit and barbecue safely. This, and the tearoom, make it easy to spend an afternoon here if the weather is good. I actually think it would also make the perfect vacation proposal spot if you?re so inclined on your romantic trip ? the scenery is quite magical and it?s easy enough to find a private spot without being surrounded by crowds.

Riding the mountain coaster

Next up, my husband?s favourite activity: riding the mountain coaster. These toboggans on wheels are certainly the fastest way to get down the mountain if you?re open to going full speed (my husband?s preferred method), but you can also slow down and take in the scenery (my preference). It?s only open in the summer months, but if the timing of your trip lines up, it?s definitely worth it. You?re seated on the toboggan, which is set into a metal track, so that you go down safely without the risk of falling out. It?s great fun, and I would dare anyone to go down just once without heading straight back up for another go.

Tea at Marmotte

My one stipulation on vacation is that I get to have a few hours with a good book. Bakery Marmotte is my spot of choice when I?m in Kandersteg, or if I can?t get a table then I?ll grab a slice of cake to take away and go and sit by the river. Situated on the main street, this tea room takes up the ground floor of a traditional Swiss building, and the outdoor seating looks right out onto the mountains behind.

It?s not necessarily the sort of place you?d go for lunch, although there are sandwiches available ? there are far more cake and pastry options, so my advice is to go there mid-morning or for an afternoon snack.

Written by: Kate McKenzie


An avid hiker, Kate and her husband love to travel around the world, focusing their vacations on getting outdoors. She first visited Kandersteg in 2017, and most recently went back in the summer of 2025.

 

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