A “Beautiful Era” celebrated in the Swiss mountains

Kandersteg is a peaceful high-altitude resort village in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. This Alpine village at the foot of the Blüemlisalp massif is surrounded by towering peaks and tranquil meadows and known for its picturesque hiking trails and unspoiled natural beauty in every season. It is a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventurers who want to immerse themselves in the Alpine landscape.

Belle Époque Week in Kandersteg

Since 2010, Kandersteg has celebrated Belle Époque Week during the last week of January. This period was the golden age of Swiss tourism, characterised by glamorous grand hotels, spectacular mountain railways, and steamboats that attracted an international audience, especially from Great Britain. It changed the Alpine landscape.

The Belle Époque (“Beautiful Era”) was a period of European history, primarily in France, lasting from 1871 to 1914. Characterised by peace, prosperity, and rapid technological, scientific, and cultural innovation, it was a “golden age” of optimism between the Franco-Prussian War and World War I. It is known for Art Nouveau, the cabaret, and social change.

This opulent era, ending with the First World War, is revived in Kandersteg for one winter week each year. Historic trains like the GoldenPass Belle Epoque bring guests from near and far for the event.

The whole mountain village steps back in time, and both visitors and locals dress in period-appropriate, elegant Belle Époque attire, characterised by long ruffled skirts, muffs, and top hats rather than boots and backpacks.

Centrepoint’s Janet Hawley was there as well.

This year’s theme is “Travel and Transportation”

They promenade through the snow-covered streets, looking like something from a period movie, and attend nostalgic, fascinating lectures, events, and exhibits from the past era at one of the several period hotels in the village. Horse-drawn carriages line the streets instead of hikers. Throughout it all, the songs of various barrel organs enrich the atmosphere of the Belle Epoque Week.

This year’s theme, “Travel and Transportation,” was well presented through engaging displays and talks at the town hall and other venues.

Following elegant afternoon teas, the path leads directly to top-notch Belle Epoque Balls in several of the beautiful hotels of the Art Nouveau era, which are unrivalled far beyond the region. Sports fans are also well entertained. Skiing, ice skating, sledging, and curling invite them to test their strength and skill, but with authentic equipment from the past.

This Belle Epoque week is considered the only one of its kind in Switzerland. If you want to experience a beautiful era of the past, travel to Kandersteg at the end of January next year. Rent a period outfit from a costume shop or search in your own attic for one. Try your hand at early 20th-century social etiquette. Enjoy an unforgettable journey into the past in the winter chalet village!

This journey through time, which Kandersteg celebrates, awakens emotions and appeals to many senses. It offers a variety of culinary, cultural, and outdoor activities. Indeed, it is the “Beautiful Era” that has been brought back to this mountain village.

Text and Photography: Brigitta Hänggi