a weekend in the bernese mountains
From the train station in Kandersteg, simply follow the signs toward Lake Oeschinen. Just before the trail begins, you’ll pass a conveniently located Coop supermarke, perfect for picking up some snacks for the hike. (It’s even open on Sundays!) From there, the path climbs steadily through a forested trail, winding alongside a picturesque mountain stream. Once you reached the lake, you can pause at the lakeside restaurant, enjoy a peaceful ride on a wooden paddle boat, or take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. After enjoying the lake, the hike continues to a scenic viewpoint, perfect for a relaxed lunch break, ideally paired with a cold Rivella or a local beer from the small alpine kiosk nearby.
The trail then leads through a lush green valley, where you’ll pass grazing sheep and enjoy the peaceful alpine scenery. Just before reaching the Blüemlisalp Hut, there’s a challenging final ascent, a steep, leg-burning climb that will definitely test your endurance. But once at the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views into the surrounding valleys, and on a clear day, you can even spot Lake Thun in the distance.
Depending on when you arrive, you can enjoy another drink on the terrasse or get ready for a 3 course dinner. After the hunger has been stilled, head up to the little mountain behind the hut so enjoy the beautiful sunrise before enjoying another cold beer or a glass of wine before heading to bed.
The next morning, you’ll start your day early with breakfast at 7 a.m. By 8 a.m., you’ll be back on the trail, heading down toward Griesalp. The hike from the Blüemlisalp Hut takes around 2.5 hours, leading you through alpine stone fields, lush forests, and past grazing cows in peaceful mountain meadows. Once you reach Griesalp, you can hop on the PostAuto bus, which will take you down to Reichenbach train station, from where you can catch a train back to Bern.