KIENTAL SWITZERLAND TSCHINGEL LAKE NATURE RESERVE

The Kiental is one of the largest branch valleys off the Kandertal. It is situated in the Bernese Oberland amidst an intact and unspoilt rural landscape. The valley terminus of the chair lift to Ramslauenen is in Kiental village.
The noble snow and ice-clad peak of the Blüemlisalp dominates the horizon at the upper end of the valley. Europe’s postbus route with the steepest gradient runs from Reichenbach im Kandertal at the entrance to the Kiental via Kiental village to Griesalp. A gradient of up to 28% (through the Pochten Gorge) is overcome during the ascent. The landscape gradually changes from gently undulating to high Alpine.
The village of Kiental lies halfway up the valley. Its claim to historic fame is as the location of the second conference of the International Socialists in 1916, which was attended by Lenin. A chair lift runs from Kiental village to Ramslauenen, starting point of the high hike to Frutigen and continuing to Kandersteg (BLS Railways northern ramp).
There are five interesting theme paths which make the valley attractive to hikers, nature lovers and families alike. The Wildwasserweg and the Talweg lead hikers to whirlpools and waterfalls. The Sagenweg (myth trail) explores the rich tradition of Kiental legends and myths. Kiental is the starting point for high Alpine hikes and climbs, for instance over the Hohtürli to Kandersteg or to the Blüemlisalp peak. Most of the hiking trails are within nature protection zones where hunting is forbidden.
The Tschingelsee below Griesalp is a lake that appeared in 1972 after severe flooding. It was declared a nature conservation area in 1987 and is beginning to dry out. Kiental is a cosy and family-friendly snowboard, ski and sledging region in winter, with a chairlift and smaller ski lift. The 7-kilometre sledge run can be accessed by the Ramslauenen chair lift. There is a children’s lift and natural ice rink in the vicinity of the valley terminus. A prepared cross-country run starts just behind Kiental and leads to the Tschingelsee.

The Tschingelsee is a mountain lake in the rear Kiental at 1150 meters above sea level. The lake was only created in 1972 by a mudslide and is around 700m long and 300m wide. However, it is not a lake as one would imagine, but a large area with countless streams, rivulets and small lakes. The Kientaler Tschingelsee is a floodplain area of ​​national importance and is a nature reserve.

In one respect, Kiental is unique in Europe. It is home to the continent’s steepest public bus route, the Swiss PostBus route. Those who dare will experience a 45-minute ride with a gradient of up to 28 percent. The route leads past Lake Tschingel, through the Pochten Gorge and up to the Griesalp. On its way, the passengers experience the charming change in landscape, from the valley to high mountains.

If you are a fan of nature, the region or hiking, you won’t be disappointed by the Kiental. The trails which lead across the Hohtürli high Alpine hiking pass or onto the summit of the Blüemlisalp impress with their stunning panoramic views. Trails across the valley and past white-water rivers lead hikers to potholes and waterfalls. According to the principle “You live and learn”, theme trails offer visitors new perspectives – whether it is about legends, animals, plants or the Kiental’s history.
Lake Tschingel is a nature reserve that isn’t just a lake as you might imagine, but a large area with countless gravel banks, rivulets and streams. Lake Tschingel was formed in 1972 following a landslide, and is now a wetland of national importance.