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Bern or Kandersteg

Posted by on

My husband and I will be traveling from Paris and are looking for a one night stay in Bern or Kandersteg before heading to Lauterbrunen. I have two options and I am torn. Please help!

Option 1: 4 hour train ride to Bern and stay at Hotel National in Bern and walk around the city. One night stay and wake up early in am to travel by train to Kandersteg 1 hour leave luggage in train station and go hike around Oeschinensee lake. Then check into Lauterbrunen that evening.

Option 2: 5 hour train to Kandersteg and stay at Hotel Pension Spycher. Wake up early and hike around that day and get to Lauterbrunen maybe a little bit earlier. Wont get to see Bern though unless we walk around city on our Tain ride from Paris to Kandersteg.

Posted by
3398 posts

I would choose more time in Kandersteg over Bern any day! Bern is fine but the mountains around Kandersteg are stunning...the beautufiul Oeschinensee is surrounded by impossibly high peaks and there area several inns and restaurants up there that are nice places to linger.

Posted by
1673 posts

Bern is an attractive city but no point in rushing it just to say you've been there.

Posted by
77 posts

Bern is a very interesting city, but given the time constraint, I'd go directly to Kandersteg and spend as much time as possible hiking around Lake Oeschinen. There are multiple hiking trails, but consider the Heuberg Loop panoramic hike. Take the lift to the mountain station, then follow the signs to Heuberg and end up at Oeschinensee and have lunch overlooking the beautiful lake. Note that this hike is steep and difficult in places and for experienced hikers only. Plan on at least 4-5 hours, including lunch and lift transportation from the parking area to the mountain station. (There's also an easy hiking trail that goes directly from the mountain station to the lake that only takes 30-45 minutes.)

Posted by
17361 posts

Kandersteg, or more specifically, the Berghotel up at the lake. We have stayed there many times and always enjoy it.

https://www.berghotel-oeschinensee.ch

You can now book online. Note that there are no rooms with ensuite bath, but the shared shower and toilet facilities are very clean and private. Ask for room # 1 or 2 if you want a direct lakeview.

If you like, you can stop in Bern on the way and stow your luggage for a short 1-2 hour walk around town, and maybe lunch. But an overnight at the lake is truly special.

Posted by
454 posts

Without question stay in Kandersteg. The town itself is nice and has some good restaurants. Definitely go to Oeschinensee and hike up to the Oberbaergli. I've been hiking all over Switzerland and this hike is one of my favorites.

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