26 Kandersteg - Mürren - Kandersteg International Scout Centre

via alpina
Difficulty: Moderate / Hard
Time: 3 Days
Wander Rucksack: Oberbärgli (Gold) and Heuberg (Silver) and Biberg,
Tourist Office, Oeschinensee (Bronze)
Hüttentest: Blümlisalphütte
Description:
The Via Alpina is a trail that stretches through 5 countries and traverses over 5000km
through the Alps. Kandersteg intersects the ‘’green section’ of the Via Alpina. The section
of the Via Alpina from Kandersteg to Mürren is one the most spectacular in whole trail.
The route takes three days and makes its way over several of the most breathtaking
passes in the Bernese Oberland.
Prices
Kandersteg—Oeschinensee
Adult SFr. 14.40, Child SFr. 7.20 OPTIONAL
Mürren—Kandersteg
Adult SFr. 41.20, Child SFr. 20.60
Blümlisalphütte: CHF 50.- Special scout offer (Reservations at Reception), half board
Gspaltenhornhütte: CHF 68.-, half board
Follow the LNT principles to reduce your recreation impact.
1. Plan Ahead And Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Please note that this route description is intended solely as an aid for
planning your route. It is NOT a substitute for properly planning your
route and having the necessary equipment, skills and knowledge.
The Centre accepts no responsibility for variations in the information
given for whatever reason, including the route on the ground.
Day 1 Route:
From KISC, head into the village of Kandersteg and towards lake Oeschinensee. You
can either hike up the road to the lake or take the Gondola. After enjoying the views, fol-
low the signs to the Blümlisalphütte and the Höhturli, hiking 3000
Gspaltenhornh
Sefinafurgga Blümlisalphütte
around the northern shore of
ütte - 2385
2612
2834
Oeschinensee. The path begins 2500
to climb immediately after leaving the lake and continues like 2000
this up to the hut. Your journey
Oeschinensee goes though a forest and there
Mürren - 1638
1578
are many side paths. The correct 1500
path is marked and it soon
KISC - 1100
climbs to the Underbärgli chalets 1000
(1767m) above the lake. After
this, the path then works its way 500
up a big grass and rock step with
fixed cables. Here are the Oberbärgli chalets and a small restaurant (1978m).
Cross the stream and follow the path (route 23) to zigzags to the left side of the Blümlisalp
Glacier. Continue along the path high above the glacier. It rises gradually between fine cliffs
onto open slopes below the Hohtürli pass. Keep on the upper branch of the path rising (E) to
the broad scree. The hut (2834m) is soon reached after a few zigzags. Introduce yourself to
the hut warden, enjoy a refreshing drink and enjoy the night!
Day 2 Route:
The route for Day 2 to Gespaltenhornhütte is relatively well marked and a shorter day than
Day 1. Start by descending back to the Höhturli before bearing north onto route 50. This continues to descend down the ridge until Uf der Wart (2508m). From this point onwards you are
given several opportunities to cross over the Oberloch onto the path directly to Gspaltenhornhütte. All of these are well sign posted. The higher option crosses the Gamchi glacier on the
dry, morraine section; the lower options diverts you back to Gamchi before making the final
1.5 hours to the hut. Both of these routes are very spectacular with the glacier option being
slightly shorter in distance and time. You should check your National Scout Organisation’s
regulations for crossing glaciated terrain, even though this section is well marked and very
safe.
The maximum time from Blümlisalphütte is around 5 hours walk. If you arrive at the hut early
you can take the opportunity to relax or ask the hut wardens for some suggestions—a quick
stroll down to the start of glacier always makes for a great view!
Day 3 Route:
Via Alpina: Kandersteg—Mürren
From the hut, descend in direction
Gamchi, ignoring the other paths heading to Gspaltenhorn and the Moraneweg. A few hundred metres on, the
path splits. Take the path on the right in
direction
Sefinafurgga/Rotstockhütte
and Mürren. This path descends before
coming around the lower edge of the
Bütlasse and climbing steadily to the
spectacular pass of Sefinafurgga. The
route from here is a slow and steady
descent into Mürren. From the pass,
follow the signs for Rotstockhütte.
N
The path descends into
a open bowl with great
views
to
Schilthorn
(once the setting for a
James Bond film) on
your left, before descending onto the hut.
The hut is a great place
to stop for a drink and
have a snack. From
here to Mürren there are
various paths to take
you down. All of them
are well signed and well
made tracks. The final
section into Mürren is a
traverse through the
Schilthorn ski area,
passing
underneath
various ski lifts etc.
Too Much?
Not Enough?
This route is very flexible and can be adapted
in many ways. For an
early exit one can leave
Blümlisalphütte
or
Gspaltenhornhütte and
head directly for Griesalp/Kiental/Reichenbach.
To make the hike a little
bit longer or more challenging you can spend
an extra night at Rotstockhütte and explore
the area a little more or
instead of hiking just to
Mürren, push yourself a
bit further and hike to
Lauterbrunnen.
For
more details please contact the Programme
Staff at Reception or at
[email protected]
Circles mark the huts.
This map is only a guide. Please take a hiking map with you. They are available at Reception.
VIA ALPINA: KANDERSTEG-MÜRREN
Safety Checklist
Terrain:
UK Groups:
Wanderweg + Bergweg
Terrain 2
Optional Glacier crossing
Specific activity information: Unguided hike on marked paths
Minimum Age: Recommended 14 years
Group Size: Maximum of 12 to 15 people
UK Groups to follow their own hike regulations
* All groups going on a hike need to fill out a Route Card and file it with KISC Staff.
Weather
Extra Guest Requirements
Daily weather forecast to be consulted. The following conditions require attention:
 Bad weather (e.g. thunder/storms/snow).
 Hot weather - check you have enough water,
plenty of sun cream and have a cap or sun hat
on. Keep an ongoing observation of your group
Confidence and previous hiking experience. Fill out
a route card at Reception.
Hot Spots




Special Equipment Needed
Refer to hiking equipment list as detailed in the
KanderActive. Ice Axe recommended when hiking in
June and early July
Final steep ascent to Blümlisalphütte
Cancellation Decision
June / early July: Snowfields still present over
route
Glacier crossing—route is changeable and can
be hard to follow
Ascent to Sefinafurgga is steep, loose and exposed





Weather conditions (as detailed above) should
be taken in consideration.
Inadequate equipment.
Poor behaviour of the group.
Poor leadership.
Any member of the group suffering from health
problems.
Any situation which may jeopardise the safety of
your group.

What do you need?
 Rucksack
 Boots (with ankle support)
 Waterproof Jacket AND Trousers
 Water Bottle (full, min 2 Litres)
 Sun Hat
 Sun Cream
 Sun Glasses
 Warm Hat






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Gloves
Special Medication
Food (Packed Lunch)
First Aid Kit
Map, Compass & Whistle
Tickets
Mobile Phone
Money
In the event of an emergency:
Don‘t Panic!
Administer (basic) First Aid
Contact the Centre (0041 33 675 82 82) for advice
and help in alerting the Emergency Services