This is one of our favourite destinations in the Kandersteg area. From the cablecar station most people head towards Gemmi Pass, a magnificent walk, but there are other options. Others that we have tried several times include the winding walk of the Blumenweg, or flower walk that heads back down to Kandersteg, with lots of the local wild flowers labelled to assist the would be botanist. There is also a walk up onto the Gellihorn, not for the feint hearted, or those who do not particularly appreciate exposed paths. Although the views down to Kandersteg are sensational, it can feel a bit scary! From the Gellihorn there is a wonderful walk along the top of the Uschenegrat to the Schwarenbach Hotel (mentioned in an earlier blog about the Gemmi Pass). Another rather spectacular favourite of ours is up onto the Untertatelishorn at 2,500 metres or just over 8,000 ft. We have done this walk twice and never met a single soul. It is a summer walk, because the avalanches and chutes down from the Balmhorn last well into the late spring. It can be a dangerous route that is very vulnerable to avalanches if there is still snow and ice on the slopes above it (take advice, or check conditions). At the summit you will be rewarded with an amazing view, across to the summit of the Doldenhorn and down into the Gasterntaal, down the valley to Kandersteg, all around, incredible views.
And then sometimes, when we get out of the cablecar at Sunbuel, we just stay nearby. The Spittelmatte and Sunbuel offer some of the most beautiful wild flower meadows in the area. There is a circular walk of around four or five miles that takes in some fabulous views, visits the lakes of Arvenseeli and gives plenty of time to photograph and identify the flowers, or just to enjoy the delight of being there. Waking is great, but sometimes, just to sit and feel a part of the vast scenery that surrounds you, can be a very special feeling.
The flowers of Sunbuel
The view of The Doldenhorn (left) and The Tatelishorn (right).
Pennycress loves to grow amongst the rocks.
Oxlip on The Spittelmatte.
Trumpet Gentian
Pasque Flowers
Globe flowers with Altels forming a magnificent backdrop.
Looking south across the Spittelmatte. Arvenseeli is the area of trees to the bottom and right of the picture.
I'm not sure what it is about this picture. It isn't really of anything in particular, but on the other hand it also captures something of the essence of this side of the Spittelmatte, where it meets the Uschenegrat.
Globularis
Soldonela, or Alpine Snowbell
One of the beautiful clear lakes of Arvenseeli.
Only about then feet deep, but so clear and bright with petrified trees in the bottom.
Arvenseeli, made up from melt water, the lakes aren't always there all year round.
Primula Farinosa, or Birdseye Primrose.
The Spittelmatte
More trumpet gentians.
Heading back to the cablecar across the Sunbuel, looking towards the Doldenhorn.
From the cablecar station, looking down into the Gasterntaal.
See more about the Sunbuel cablecar and the area that it serves by clicking on the link.
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