Kandersteg-Allmenalp via ferrata

About this place

Difficulty K 4, at key sections K 4–5. A demanding, well-secured route with vertical walls, a slightly overhanging start and a traversing section that gives way to a drop. Not suitable for via ferrata beginners. Valley town / starting point Kandersteg station (1176 m) or the lower station of the Allmenalp cable car (1181 m), south-west of the village. Approach From the station, turn right, cross the road and follow the closed ice rink road to the end. There, turn right through the underpass, then follow the Allmibach north to the start at approx. 1250 m (approx. 20 minutes). From the lower station of the Allmenalp cable car, a path leads over a private bridge to the same start. Via ferrata The Kandersteg-Allmenalp via ferrata is an experience for experienced mountain sports enthusiasts: you work your way upwards keeping left along partly vertical rock, cross the Allmibach on a Nepalsteg (three-rope bridge) and reach the route's most striking passage – a roof overhang projecting 10 metres outwards, which you overcome thanks to a suspended walkway and a ladder that rotates 180 degrees. Left of the second-lowest waterfall, you climb up onto an edge; behind it, the Allmibach roars and plunges into the depths. A second Nepalsteg crosses the stream again – if you dare, choose the variant with the 40-metre hanging rope. An additional 110-metre tyrolienne leads from the route to a rocky knob and back again – however, it may only be used accompanied by a mountain guide. After a final wall, you reach the exit at approx. 1600 m. In another 20 minutes, you reach the Allmenalp mountain station (1723 m) with Beiz. Descent A comfortable descent by the Allmenalp cable car. On foot via Ryharts and Schneitböde back to Kandersteg (approx. 1¼ hours). If you like it sporty, a tandem paraglider flight into the valley is also possible. Variant From the Allmenalp mountain station, follow the panoramic alpine hiking trail via First (2548 m) and Stand (2320 m), then through the Golitschepass back to Kandersteg. Area Bernese Alps / Lötschberg · Exit: approx. 1600 m · Altitude difference: 550 m in total, of which 350 m via ferrata · Walking time: 3–3.5 hours Good to know The via ferrata is open from early June to mid-October – in parallel with the Allmenalp cable car service. Check the current opening times before your trip. Full via ferrata equipment is mandatory: helmet, harness, via ferrata set. The 110 m tyrolienne to the rocky knob may only be used with a mountain guide.