Via Ferrata Allmenalp, Kandersteg, Bern

Features

Not for everyone. Very technical.

There are stakes instead of the traditional metal steps. Lots of contact with the rock. The stakes can present a certain risk. Be very careful if you want to bring children.

ViaFerrata Tips and Tricks

Pay attention to the weather! It changes very quickly in Kandersteg. If rain is imminent, don't go. The stream can swell very quickly and you will be stuck in the via! We once stayed 2 hours waiting for a thunderstorm to pass and there were many falling rocks.

Hiking shoes with an excellent sole are mandatory!

Grade

Information

Office du Tourisme Kandersteg

Length and Altitude

Altitude gain: 350 m
Start altitude:  1'176 m
 

Time of Year

June to October (when the lifts are open)

Timing

Approach: 20 minutes
Via Ferrata: 3h00
Way back: with the lifts or 2h on foot.

By Car

Go past Bern and continue towards Thun. Then go up towards Kandersteg.

By Train

Go to Thun and then take the bus. Contact the SBB for schedules and fares.

Access

From the Kandersteg train station take the hiking trail that goes towards the valley. Where the Allmibach flows into the Kander, head north to the right of the stream until you get to the starting point at about 1250 m.

From the lower lift station of the Allmenalp, after a farm, cross the river on a bridge.

From the bottom of the lifts, follow the blue and white trail (Klettersteig). Parking is free.

Via Ferrata

The route follows the Allmibach waterfall and the scene is very romantic. Everything starts off with three ladders and a vertiginous climb. Instead of going up traditional steps, you climb on stakes.

It's pretty different from the usual via ferratas and a bit awkward. It's slippery and you must have adequate footwear (tennis shoes and flip flops are prohibited).

You cross over the waterfall via a long footbridge. Here, a path takes you to the next section.

A twisting ladder will make you rotate 180 degrees and you will gain a new perspective on the waterfall. It's very vertiginous, but you remain in contact with the rock along a ridge.

If you are with a guide you can go on the zipline (it is locked, hence, you must have a guide)

You keep climbing and traverse a wooden footbridge and you then have the choice between a zipline or a very vertiginous rope bridge! Going up to the zipline in wet weather is a real challenge. The steps that were put in place have no profile, they are real soapstones. Be careful!

Crossing the monkey bridge is moment of pure intensity! The last part overlooks the entire via and is easier.

Way Back

If you make it before 18h00, the lifts are still open. The restaurant next to the lifts is really nice and the pies are excellent.

If you arrive after 18h00, be prepared for 2 hours of not always well-marked downhill. To get back to the resort, follow the road for 30 minutes and then the yellow signs. If you get lost, tell yourself that you are neither the first nor the last!
 

Where to Spend the Night

Check with the Tourism Office. Interlaken is really nice and there are several campgrounds.

par Josh Turner Youtube

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