Kandersteg is a quiet village at the end of a valley in the Bernese Oberland, best known for the stunning Oeschinensee lake above town. It is located along the valley of the River Kander, west of the Jungfrau massif. There’s not a lot going on in Kandersteg. It’s not much of a winter destination, so there has never been a large infrastructure built. There are a couple of small lifts into the mountains – best for hikers – and just a handful of modest hotels. The mountains are great, but not quite as spectacular as they are further east in Grindlewald or Murren, or south in Zermatt. This is a good place to get away for a few days, see the lake, take some very nice hikes, and enjoy Switzerland in the slow lane.

Kandersteg has one truly main attraction, the Oeschinensee lake. Tucked against a cirque of cliffs above town, it’s a stunning emerald-blue lake that makes it’s way into many Switzerland brochures. It’s easily accessed by gondola. There are trails up and around the lake, and a couple of nice restaurants along the water’s edge. This is a must-see.