Lötschberg north ramp
Those who enjoy hiking and want to learn more about the train traffic, the Lötschberg mountain route, and the Kandertal valley will get their money's worth on the Lötschberger northern ramp.
The trail partially follows the tracks, but also leads high above the railway line and provides impressive views of viaducts and helical tunnels, as well as vistas of the beautiful Kandertal valley. Since summer 2019, newly designed information elements, seating and barbecue areas have been adding value to the hiking classic in the upper Kandertal. 34 information boards in four languages convey interesting facts about railway construction and the history of the region.
Travel comfortably by train to Kandersteg.
The hiking trail
The Lötschberg North Ramp leads via the Kandersteg train station to the church in Kandergrund and continues on to Frutigen.
Kandersteg
The village of Kandersteg lies at 1200 m and offers a fantastic view of the Blümlisalp massif. With its large number of attractive mountain, hiking and walking trails, Kandersteg is a paradise for nature lovers and walking enthusiasts. The first panel on the railway hiking trail awaits you at Eggenschwand at the northern portal of the Lötschberg Tunnel.
Blausee lake
The small, deep-blue Blausee lake is a magical place, situated in the midst of a nature park in the Bernese Oberland. Thanks to its special colour, it is one of the most popular and best-known lakes in Switzerland.
Frutigen
At the end of the hike in Frutigen, sights include the portal of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel. If you have time to spare, you can round off the hike with a visit to the BLS Visitor Centre in the historic Frutigen railway station.
Distances and shortcuts
The walking time for the entire route (19 km) is approx. 5 hours 15 minutes. If you want to shorten the walk, take the bus from Kandersteg to «Mitholz» and from there take the most varied core section to Kandergrund.
Other shorter variants are possible. The walking trail meets three bus stops («Mitholz, Balmhorn», «Blausee» and «Kandergrund, Altels») and can thus be shortened.
Eggenschwand–Kandersteg railway station: 40 mins
Kandersteg railway station–Mitholz–Frutigen: 4 hours 35 mins
Frutigen–Innerkandergrund: 1 hour 40 mins
Mitholz–Innerkandergrund: 1 hour 10 mins
Kandersteg railway station–Blausee–Mitholz: 1 hour 45 mins
Availability
The Lötschberg Railway Trail is accessible from April to November.
Rates
The Lötschberger railway walking trail can be used free of charge.
BLS suggestion
Guided railway walk
A guided railway walk from Blausee–Mitholz to Kandergrund takes place several times a year.
How to get there
Food & Drink
- Gasthof Altels Kandergrund
- Restaurant Balmhorn Blausee–Mitholz
- Restaurant Blausee Blausee
