Kandersteg is Kandersteg, you might say, but it truly is a jewel. It's located at a fairly high altitude, where the original train line passes through the Lötschberg tunnel to come out in canton Valais some kilometres later. A hiking trail which begins in Frütigen recounts the history and importance of the railways in the region. There is a constant line of vehicles waiting to drive onto the auto transport train that passes regularly through the tunnel. In recent years a new long distance tunnel, called the Lötschberg Basis Tunnel, has been constructed that connects Frütigen to Visp with a tunnel length of 34km. So Kandersteg is now a bit of a backwater which is not a bad thing, but it is still a tourist magnet without becoming over developed like Grindelwald or Zermatt. So, there are real people who live and work in Kandersteg, and I know some of them (such as the village organist and brass band leader!).



The church in Kandersteg where I did my rehearsing


One of the many chalet like buildings along the main street of Kandersteg

The village (I guess I should say town) is picture postcard perfect, with Alpine chalets and a dramatic Alpine background. It is the start point of many iconic hikes and one I would like to complete is the route over the Gemmi pass to canton Valais. Many of the hotels are upmarket wellness establishments, with restaurants which are commensurately expensive. But there are some traditional cafés and bars where one can eat a midday menu for less than 20 francs, or have a coffee for less than 5 francs. Nearby is the Blausee, an Alpine lake with a deep blue colour due to the minerals and algae in the water. You have to pay a fee to access the lake, but it's worth it (last time I was there, the guardian let me in for free for a sneak peak and a quick hike around the lake!)

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View in the middle of the town of Kandersteg, which looks like you are already out of town in the country somewhere!


Interior of the church where I was practicing, which has a good acoustic and a serviceable organ


It was already spring in Kandersteg, although there was still a lot of bad weather to come