Media Information

Holidays As They Were a Century Ago - Belle-Epoque Week in Kandersteg

Tourism began in the Bernese Oberland at the end of the 19th century. First came travelers, who made their way across the Gemmi or Lötschen Passes towards the south, and then came paying guests. Even today there are remnants of this marvelous era in the buildings and traditional sports of Kandersteg. Almost forgotten, this sumptuous era will be revived in Kandersteg in January 2010.

Old photographs in the restaurants and hotels are reminders of the village history. Ski races and toboggan rides were popular sports. The Scots brought Curling to Kandersteg – the huge, natural ice-rink, near the train station, was the venue for hundreds of curlers – all with a backdrop of the magnificent Blümlisalp range. The British are credited with discovering the Alps. Many of the well maintained hotels in Kandersteg were built during the Belle-Epoque age and have managed to keep up with modern trends and standards without destroying their charm.

Much of the old knowledge and long forgotten traditions from the Bell-Epoque time will be brought back to life from January 24th to 30th 2010 – the clocks will be turned back in Kandersteg! Scottish curling, toboggan races with traditional sleds, tea-time with music, walking under a full moon and scenic guided tours through historic buildings offer an exciting and varied program. The high point of the week will be the “Century Ball” in the ball-room of the traditional Hotel Victoria-Ritter.

Kandersteg is offering attractive Belle-Epoque packages during this week. Many hotels are organizing special weeks in accordance with this theme. Daily events will give the village an historic ambience. “Tourism and Tradition walk hand-in-hand in our region” assured Jerun Vils, the manager of Kander Valley Tourism, “it’s our objective to resurrect the marvelous Belle-Epoque era for our guests and to bring the flair and chic back to life.” Whether it’s for a special holiday week, an evening event of a day trip the Bell-Epoque week will fascinate everyone.