Nestling in the Bernese Alps, in the belly of the Wildstrubel, lies Adelboden. Both a haven for hikers and skiers, it is a charming family-orientated Alpine village with 300km of well-trod hiking trails and a piste network extending some 210km. With many fantastic hotels, hearty gourmet restaurants, spoiling spa facilities and a sublime landscape of waterfalls and mountains, it offers holidaymakers the chance to really get back to nature and unwind. The best places to stay in Adelboden tend to have easy access to all there is on offer.
Adelboden is the regular host of the FIS Ski World Cup every January and it is easy to see why. In winter, the snowy slopes open up a huge network of pistes plus cross-country skiing routes, tobogganing runs and its very own freeride arena. Professionals and amateurs alike adore Adelboden for its variety, not to mention the wealth of restaurants and bars peppering each slope. For those planning a trip in March, the annual Igloo Festival takes place on the slopes above the village, when igloo-enthusiasts build a unique village made of ice.
It is during the summer, however, that Adelboden's sheer beauty unfolds. When the snow recedes and the cows are led up the steep mountain paths to their summer pastures, the Alpine world takes on an entirely different form. The green valleys beam with red and blue flowers and the village becomes a mecca for hikers. This isn't surprising, considering the mass of waterfalls, gorges and incredible views that the area has to offer.
What not to miss
- The winter sports: Adelboden has a piste network spanning 210km, full of a variety of ski runs, cross country trails and areas for freeriding and tobogganing.
- The Swiss Chamber Music Festival takes place between September and October, full of choral and classical music - it a must-see.
- For a fun day out in the summer, check out the Hoi Turm, a climbing tower that's popular with kids and one of the largest of its kind in Switzerland.
- There are 300km of well-groomed hiking trails above and round Adelboden (one of which is wheelchair-accessible), and several cycling routes too. For a day-trip, walk to the Engstligen Falls - two waterfalls cascading from a 600m altitude.
- For truly sublime panoramic views, take a cable car to the top of Schwandfeldspitz, which is 2025m above sea level.
Unsurprisingly this is a popular spot, particularly during the school holidays, so in order to ensure a spot at one of the best places to stay in Adelboden, we suggest you book well in advance.