Kandersteg - Selde

For ease of description, the following annotations are used:
R sign: Yellow sign with a hiker pictogram.
Sign No. 56 or P56: Red/white multi-directional sign with green sticker No. 56.
The start of this hike is at the Hotel Adler in Kandersteg.

(S) From the Hotel Adler, head south to Bahnhofstrasse, the first street on the right, and P56. Go to Kandersteg station (P56)

(1) Follow the railway line to the underpass (P56).

(2) Go under the tracks and gradually leave the village, following Allmbahnstrasse to the next P56.

(3) Turn left onto Wagetiweg, which runs alongside the River Kander. Continue until you reach a bridge over the Kander and look for another sign for No. 56.

(4) Stay on the left bank and follow two more P56 signs. Walk along Eggeswandweg to reach the Kander river just after a bend at Eggeswand (P56)

(5) Still on the left bank, heading south-east, approach the Kander Gorge. Turn south and begin the climb up a steep path. Several steps make the climb up the Kander Gorge easier. Enjoy the views of the waterfalls as you go. You will come out onto a small road just before a tunnel.

(6) At the signpost on the left, descend towards a small bridge and cross the Kander. Now on the right bank, follow the river to the second bridge (signpost on the left)

(7) Return to the left bank of the Kander and follow it upstream to a footbridge over the Schwarzbach, a small tributary of the Kander (sign on the right)

(8) After crossing the stream, continue to the Berghotel Waldhaus.

(9) Follow the track through the wide Gasterntal valley until you reach a fork indicated by a sign on the right.

(10) Leave the track, turn left and head towards the Kander. At the bridge, return to the right bank. Continue along the river until you reach a P56 car park shortly before another bridge.

(11) Return to the left bank and continue through the Gesterntal valley until you reach the next bridge. Cross it and follow a track suitable for vehicles for a few metres. Keep an eye out for the start of a path on the right, indicated only by a sign for "Zur Wander Weg".

(12) At the sign, turn right and take the winding path that climbs into the forest, directly above the Kander. This will bring you back to a track (P56).

(13) Continue to rejoin the narrow Selde road at signpost No. 56.

(14) Continue along the road, pass the Hotel Steinbock and arrive at the Berghotel Gesterntal Horner, your accommodation for the night (E).

Hike completed by the author on 28 August 2024

• The route for this hike follows the Lötschberg-Panoramaweg trail, which is marked on Swiss maps.

Signposting: at each major junction, you will find signposts:
- Sign No. 56 or P56 with a No. 56 sticker indicating this trail.
- Sign R: Yellow sign with a hiker pictogram

Before setting off, it is advisable to check for any trail closures and diversions on the Suisse Topo website. This information is updated in real time.

In addition to the Visorando app, you can also download the swisstopo app ( free) where you will also find this information.

Weather: before setting off, check the Swiss weather forecast or Météo blue

Alpine pastures: You will cross several alpine pastures. Remember to close the gates behind you.

Hiking equipment, including good shoes.

• Accommodation in Selde: Berghotel Gasterntal Horner

• Kandersteg.
• Kander Gorge.
• Gasterntal - Waldhaus.
• View of the Balmhorn (3,697 m) and its glacier (Balmhorngletscher).
• Selde.