Kiental-Kandersteg along the Blüemlisalp Hut SAC

The Kiental, one of those little-known corners of the Bernese Oberland, makes the unknown unlovable. The dreamy hike starts at the Griesalp, which is easily reachable by public transport; the bus ride there is an experience in itself. The climb to the Blüemlisalp hut (SAC) is tough and particularly spectacular, with wooden stairs found in many places to make hiking possible at all. At the top, at the Blüemlisalp hut, there is a great view of the mountains around Kandersteg and beyond to the south, the four-thousanders along the Rhone valley. To the east is the Jungfrau massif, to the west the Kiental, Lake Thun, and the Swiss lowlands. In very nice weather and dry air, one can see the peaks of the Black Forest; it doesn't get much better than this. The partly steep and exposed descent to Kandersteg passes by the Oeschinensee (UNESCO World Heritage site), a true natural gem. You can return to Kiental by train or bus, both departing from Kandersteg station.