A recurring annual market, 15th-century wall paintings and trails with different distances and durations give a stay in Reichenbach im Kandertal a range of possible focuses. The municipality is in the canton of Bern. If you want to combine culture and exercise, you can choose between a market day, a walking trail and nature trails with their own themes.
Market and church in the village
The Richebachmärit takes place every year on the third Monday in October on Bahnhofstrasse and Dorfstrasse. A wide range of goods is offered at more than 100 market stalls; the specific offerings at individual stalls vary. If you want to plan your trip around the market, check the exact date locally for your travel year.
The Reformed Church of Reichenbach offers a lasting point of historical interest. Formerly known as St. Nicholas, it was built in 1484 to replace a chapel. Two 15th-century wall paintings were uncovered in the choir in 2000/01. They are thought to depict Christ with the Apostles. The church is generally open, with some exceptions; before visiting, check whether an exception applies.
The Kristallkeller Reichenbach at Dorfstrasse 27 is also one of the village’s cultural attractions. Minerals found by crystal seekers can be viewed and purchased there. The village thus offers a range of interests, from market life and church art to minerals.
Walking trails and nature themes
The Reichenbach Houses Trail is a 9.7-kilometre walking route with a stated duration of around four hours. This makes it a longer activity for which you can set aside enough time. It is accessible by regional train to “Reichenbach i.K.” station. Check the timetable before setting off, as transport connections may change.
The Kien Zappel Loop Trail has a different focus: it was specially designed for families with preschool-age children. The Guggerwäg Kiental, meanwhile, is a themed trail centered on the cuckoo. It also provides information about wildlife in the Kiental Federal Hunting Ban District, including golden eagles, chamois, mountain hares, black grouse and ibex. These animals are subjects of the trail; sightings are not guaranteed.
The described route to the Guggerwäg is by train to Reichenbach im Kandertal, followed by PostBus No. 220 to the “Kiental, Ramslauenen” stop. Timetables may change, so it is worth checking the connection for your planned visit.
Another nature route leads via Alpenruh–Bärenpfad–Wildwasserweg–Tschingel to Lake Tschingel and past a waterfall. PostBus travel is recommended for this route so you can enjoy the unspoilt landscape. The destinations mentioned give this tour a different focus from the Houses Trail or the cuckoo-themed trail.
Exploring by e-bike, too
E-bike tours in Reichenbach im Kandertal include the E-Bike Panorama Trail Faltschen and the E-Bike Tour Kiental–Bundalp. The Panorama Trail Faltschen is listed as a cycling route of 29.9 kilometres, with 853 metres of elevation gain and 853 metres of descent. These figures provide a specific reference for planning distance and elevation, but do not by themselves indicate how difficult the route will be for you personally.
The options range from a shorter family-themed activity and a walking trail with a stated duration to an e-bike tour with specified elevation figures. The October date of the Richebachmärit may be a deciding factor when choosing when to travel; for other plans, the named trails and their respective focuses offer guidance. The best activity for you depends on whether you want to focus on the market and village history, nature themes, a longer walk or an e-bike route.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Scharnachtal, Wengi bei Frutigen, Aeschi bei Spiez, Frutigen, Kandergrund, Aeschiried, Krattigen, Kandersteg.
Back to the main travel overview: Frutigen.
