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Inspirations 2022
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Short Break at Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, Kandersteg

Bernese Oberland - relaxing & revitalising
 
The spectacular Kander Valley is a great place to enjoy winter. The wide range of activities on offer includes beautiful winter walking paths, and cross-country trails that start just behind the hotel. This high-quality 3-star establishment prides itself on its warm and friendly service, and has an indoor pool.
Short Break at Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, Kandersteg. 3 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Short Break at Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, Kandersteg. 3 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A winter break in Kandersteg

for skiers and non-skiers
With its splendid mountain backdrop and picture-book charm, the traditional Swiss village of Kandersteg provides the perfect setting for a relaxing – and highly enjoyable – few days away in the snow. It’s an especially good base for those who have never experienced a winter holiday before, as there are many different activities on offer: you can enjoy superbly scenic winter walking routes; take to the cross-country trails that meander leisurely along the valley floor; or try out snowshoeing – a great way to get off the beaten track. There’s also the option to descend by toboggan from the beautiful glacial lake of Oeschinen, and to enjoy ice-skating and curling on the village rink – Kandersteg really is an all-round snow destination!
You stay at the 3-star Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, which offers a good-sized indoor pool and several lovely spaces to curl up with a book before a dinner of delicious cuisine. The hotel’s best feature, however, is the outstanding hospitality of hosts Casi and Mimi Platzer and their team, who will help you enjoy your break to the full.
 

Book with confidence

We're currently accepting new bookings for holidays in Switzerland for travel from 1 February onwards. Our flexible booking arrangements, commitment to safety and financial protection mean that you can book with confidence.

What we are doing so you can book and travel with confidence >
Check the entry requirements >
 

A Slow Film on Kandersteg

 

Our expert says

“Few of our featured hotels have such a wide appeal as the Victoria, and, with so many activities on offer, you may find you do little or no skiing during your break.”
Rebecca Bruce, Inntravel snow holiday expert
 
Gallery
 

Winter activities

There’s no fixed itinerary, so take your pick of the activities as the mood takes you.
  • 55km in the Kander Valley
    Some of the region’s finest winter walking can be found in the Kander Valley: in addition to the low-level trails accessible from Kandersteg itself, the surrounding mountains play host to several superb routes – we recommend getting up high for the best and most beautiful options. Your included guest card entitles you to free use of the local buses, and to discounts on the various mountain cableways.

    All trails are well signed, and the snow specially flattened to facilitate walking. In the detailed documentation we provide, we give an overview of our favourite options, including the following three routes:

    Oeschinensee: 1.5hrs
    This is one walk you definitely shouldn’t miss! After taking the gondola from Kandersteg into the surrounding mountains, you follow a path which brings you out above Oeschinensee’s northern shore – from where you can enjoy an unrivalled panorama of the lake.

    Sunnbüel & the Gemmi Pass: 3.5hrs
    Linking the Bernese Oberland with the Valais to the south, the Gemmi Pass has been an important trade route for centuries. During the winter months, it is possible to enjoy a spectacular walk up the Pass, beginning from the top of the Sunnbüel cable car station and passing the historic Hotel Schwarenbach, a former customs house that has hosted such famous guests as Jules Verne, Pablo Picasso and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It’s worth calling in to sample the hotel’s tasty homemade cakes before continuing to the highest point of the walk at 2,322 metres; the views across to the Valaisianne Alps from here are quite exceptional. The walk culminates at the Gemmi cable car station, from where you descend to Leukerbad and then return to Kandersteg by bus.

    Kandersteg village tour: 1hr
    Kandersteg’s strategic location and rich farmland have ensured the village’s prosperity over the years; this walking tour takes in some of its finest architecture, as well as the local museum and churches. The village’s oldest church, the Marienkapelle, dates from 1510 and contains 17th-century frescoes and stained glass, while the Catholic church was built as recently as 1927 – prompted by the influx of Italian tourists following the construction of the Lötschberg Railway.
    Walking from Sunnbüel
  • 52km in the Kander Valley; best suited to beginners & intermediates
    Access to Kandersteg’s cross-country trails couldn’t be easier, with the closest trail passing through the meadow right next to the hotel. There are a number of easy routes which meander along the valley floor, while for more of a challenge it’s possible to take the cable car up to Sunnbüel, where there are eight kilometres of snow-sure trails. (View the trail map here >)
    Easy cross-country trails in the valley
  • Snowshoeing, tobogganing & more

    Snowshoeing
    There are some wonderfully scenic snowshoeing hikes around Kandersteg, including a route which overlooks the glacial valley of Gastern and another which winds along the Gemmi Pass. Snowshoes and poles can be hired locally.

    Tobogganing
    Alternatively, you may like to hire a sledge from the hotel and try one of the valley’s two toboggan runs. The first is located at Oschiwald – a 40-minute walk from Kandersteg – and descends over a kilometre to finish back in the village, while the second is a thrilling, 3.5-kilometre run from Oeschinensee down to the bottom of the gondola station.

    Ice-skating & curling
    Kandersteg is home to a covered ice rink which is open each weekday afternoon and on weekends when no ice-hockey matches are scheduled. The rink has a curling lane where, once every week, there is an introduction to the sport followed by a game. There is also an outdoor ice rink in the village which is prepared if conditions are right.

    Downhill skiing
    The two small downhill areas around Kandersteg – at Oeschinen and Sunnbüel – are particularly suitable for beginner and intermediate skiers. The 13 kilometres of pistes at the top of the Oeschinensee gondola offer the chance to ski overlooking the beautiful lake, while Sunnbüel has three easy pistes.
    Snowshoeing
    Try curling
  • Visit the Lötschen Valley
    A short train and bus ride (pay locally) will bring you to the delightful Lötschental, which was isolated from neighbouring valleys until the arrival of the railways in the early 20th century, and remains wonderfully unspoiled. You can explore its beautiful landscapes and authentic villages by following one of the many cross-country skiing trails or winter walking paths in the valley. One of our favourite options is the 9-kilometre walk from Blatten to Fafleralp, which follows the river through forest and offers the chance to call at the Hotel Fafleralp for lunch.
    Visit the quiet Lötschental
 

Where you stay

Nestling in the broad Kander Valley and surrounded by dramatic mountains, Kandersteg (altitude: 1200m) is a picture-book village with a pleasantly bustling centre where you will find a variety of shops, banks and cafés within an easy stroll of the centrally located Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria.
Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria

Bedrooms

 

Extend your stay

 
Prices & travel
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 3 nights: 02 January 2022 - 27 January 2022 & 30 January 2022 - 13 March 2022

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Adults
    02 Jan - 11 Jan 2022 £720
    12 Jan - 24 Jan 2022 £745
    25 Jan - 29 Jan 2022 not available
    30 Jan - 01 Feb 2022 £745
    02 Feb - 01 Mar 2022 # £820
    02 Mar - 10 Mar 2022 £720

    Includes all elements of the holiday itself (accommodation, meals and any additional elements as described), plus flights (usually, but not always, from London) and onward travel as described.

    # Supplements apply 19 & 20 Feb; please contact us for details

    Included travel: British Airways or Swiss Heathrow-Zürich or Geneva (1h45) (hold luggage included; timings vary, please call for details), connecting journey by rail from the airport (Zürich 2h30, Geneva 3h10) & transfer (0h05)

    A supplement is payable for a single room – see 'Additional prices' below

    Prices are subject to availability and flight supplements may apply. Book early for Christmas, New Year and school holidays. We can also book different flight routes (see flight section below). Please contact us to discuss any pricing implications.

  • Room upgrades (supplement per room per night)

    Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, Kandersteg
    Family apartment: 02 Jan - 13 Mar 2022 £70
    Mini-suite: 02 Jan - 13 Mar 2022 £70
    Single room: 02 Jan - 13 Mar 2022 £10

    Extra nights

    Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria, Kandersteg (with dinner) Double room Single room
    02 Jan - 11 Jan 2022 £110 £120
    12 Jan - 24 Jan 2022 £115 £125
    25 Jan - 29 Jan 2022 not available not available
    30 Jan - 01 Feb 2022 £115 £125
    02 Feb - 01 Mar 2022 # £135 £145
    02 Mar - 10 Mar 2022 £110 £120
    # Supplements apply to travel on 19 & 20 Feb; please contact us for details
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Zürich or Geneva (latest flight arrival time: 1730; earliest flight departure time: 1300 for both airports)

    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Zürich or Geneva. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book onward flights and connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Aberdeen - Geneva easyJet 
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Aberdeen - Zurich (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Belfast Intl. - Geneva easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Geneva easyJet 
    Birmingham - Zurich Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Bournemouth - Geneva easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Basel easyJet 
    Bristol - Geneva easyJet 
    Bristol - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Nottingham East Midlands - Geneva jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Basel easyJet 
    Edinburgh - Geneva easyJet,  jet2 
    Edinburgh - Zurich Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Geneva easyJet,  jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Geneva jet2 
    Leeds Bradford - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Liverpool - Geneva easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Geneva British Airways,  Swiss 
    London City - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Basel easyJet 
    Gatwick - Geneva British Airways,  easyJet,  Swiss 
    Gatwick - Zurich easyJet,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Basel British Airways 
    Heathrow - Geneva British Airways,  Swiss 
    Heathrow - Zurich British Airways,  Swiss 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Basel easyJet 
    Luton - Geneva easyJet 
    Luton - Zurich easyJet,  Vueling 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Geneva easyJet,  jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Basel easyJet 
    Manchester - Geneva easyJet,  jet2 
    Manchester - Zurich Swiss 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Frankfurt) Lufthansa 
    Manchester - Zurich (via Munich) Lufthansa 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Geneva easyJet 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Newcastle - Zurich (via Paris CDG) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Zurich (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend Zürich or Geneva. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of alternative flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated above, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice if you would prefer to fly via a different route to the one included in our standard arrangements. A supplement may be payable for other flights. Please note that we are unable to book Ryanair flights.

What is included
  • 3 nights
  • 3 dinners
    3 breakfasts
  • detailed information about the area
  • flights from Heathrow (regional flights available)
  • rail travel from/to Zürich or Geneva airport (if flying)
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

All 4 reviews
  • Anon
    26 February 2020

    We had a great time in Kandersteg. The hotel was comfortable and dealt with my dietary restriction really well at meals. We skiied a bit but since we were new to it we spent more time walking. I would say for cross country there are better trails up the two gondolas rather than in town. But as we're keen walkers we found the winter hiking trails absolutely fantastic. It was a real pleasure. Thanks to InnTravel for finding Kandersteg, which wasn't that busy even in peak ski season but is a real gem of a location for walkers and beginner skiiers.

  • Mrs J Harrison
    Wallasey
    26 February 2020

    The main highlight from the holiday was how easy and straightforward everything was. I have travelled by train in Switzerland before and so knew that would be an excellent service, but the combination of the organisation by Inntravel and the helpfulness everyone in Kandersteg (Hotel staff / Ski Hire and lessons) realy helped this to be a really good little break.

  • Mrs L Luckhoo
    Ashtead
    17 February 2020

    Excellent service. Hotel was very accurately described. Highly recommend.

  • John South Devon
    08 February 2020

    We did have a very enjoyable holiday in spite of the poor conditions. We were very happy walking but a little disappointed about the lack of alternative resorts if we had been set on a cross country skiing holiday.
 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • If your holiday plans go awry because of Coronavirus, rest assured that we’ll do right by you. Since the start of the pandemic, our flexible booking policy and prompt issuing of refunds to customers who prefer not to defer their holiday have earned us high praise in the national press.
  • We sincerely hope that your holiday experience will be as enjoyable as it would have been before the pandemic – activities such as winter walking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are ideal in these times of social distancing, and we’re not operating holidays if the key highlights can no longer be delivered – but, naturally, there will be some changes to ensure your and other people’s safety, not least taking tests before and after your holiday for many destinations.
    Your holiday experience: what to expect >
    Safety measures being taken by hoteliers & others >
    Entry requirements for non-UK destinations & for re-entering the UK >
  • In the Alps, most hotels have a vegetarian menu. Please contact us for specific information about this particular hotel.
  • Living far from the capital ourselves, we know better than most that flying from London can be a bind, so we are very flexible with our travel arrangements. Call or email us, and one of the team will be happy to list the different options available to you, and any price implications.
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

    You don’t have to take out our recommended travel insurance policy (if you live outside the UK you’ll definitely need to make your own arrangements, as the policy is only for UK residents), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    We'll ask you for the details of your policy (insurer, policy number and medical emergency phone number) so that we can help out if the worst happens while you are on holiday. It's up to you, though, to check that your policy covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs; we don't check alternative policies.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Switzerland, but not a visa. If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). UK citizens can no longer use their EHIC in Switzerland, and nor is the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) valid in Switzerland. It is therefore important that, if you already have travel insurance in place, the terms do not exclude medical cover, especially for existing conditions, in the absence of an EHIC.
  • The official languages are German, spoken in the majority of the country; French, spoken in the south-west; Italian, spoken in the south-east; and Romansch, mostly limited to the Engadine valley. The currency is the Franc. Swiss time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.
    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
Last fetch time is : 12/1/2021 2:51:51 PM