TRAVEL
Some 15 years ago , I had decided to book a holiday to Switzerland to see the New Year in with my family , and while we had no particular aspirations to ski , it was perhaps for this reason that the travel agent directed us to this particular village . The train journey , which took about two hours from Zurich , was well worthwhile in itself , winding its way around picturesque lakes and the surrounding mountains which basked in clear blue sky and acres of snow . Kandersteg lies on the east of the majestic Blumlisalp range of mountains and offers a busy railway link through the Lotshberg link to most major towns in Switzerland , as well as many cities in Germany , Holland , Belgium , Italy and France . The road from Spiez is well-built and the car train through the Lotshberg provides excellent connections to Italy and the Rhone Valley . Tourists flock to Kandersteg to enjoy more than skiing , however . The area offers several toboggan runs , ice climbing , curling and ice skating , extensive designated walking options and local bus and train connections to the neighbouring municipalities of Kander-grund , Frutigen and Adelboden - the latter of which offers extensive skiing facilities . Kandersteg village itself has a small population but offers the most wonderful scenic backdrop of mountain ranges and cable cars to the Oeschinen Valley . There is also a walk to the most stunning alpine lake situated at the foot of the Blumlisalp , which delights visitors from all over the world . The cafés and restaurants offer plenty of locally-prepared food , including everyone ’ s favourite , apple strudel complimented with a glass of warming Gluhwein . One of the favourite walks for tourists is through the Gemmi Pass . Whether or not is was used by the Romans , as speculated , there is certainly documentary evidence going back to the 13 th century proving that Medieval traders used the Pass to transport goods .
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