Kandersteg International Scout Centre is the only world centre of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. For nearly 75 years it has been the international home of Scouting, with guests from all over the world coming to share in it's very special atmosphere.
Situated at 1'200 metres above sea level, some 65 kilometres south of
Bern, Kandersteg is easily reached by road and rail and provides an
excellent base for sightseeing excursions or exploring the Bernese Alps.
The Centre occupies 17 hectares of wooded ground at the southern end of
the village, and is open to both groups and individuals, Scouts and
non-Scouts, throughout the year. Facilities include accommodation for over
200 people in two buildings and approximately 1'200 campers. Catering
provided by the Centre is available to all guests.
The Centre organises a varied programme of activities throughout the year,
including Ski Weeks, Spring and Autumn Activity Weekends, Crafts, Hiking
and Climbing, and, in July and August, a weekly programme of activities on
and off site, based on the Centre's main themes of International
Friendship, Alpine High Adventure and the Environment.
More than 9'000 young people from over 25 different countries visit the
Centre each year, ensuring a unique international atmosphere. Come and
take part in the what they call the "Permanent Mini Jamboree!"
Three World Rover Moots have been held in Kandersteg, the most recent in
1992, and in 1979, Kandersteg was the base for Camp Kristal '79, one of
the replacement camps for the cancelled World Jamboree. Apart from hosting
major events, the Centre is visited every year by more than 9'000 young
people from over 25 different countries.
The Chalet @ Kanderstag
The Chalet provides accommodation for 150 people in 22 rooms with between
2 and 22 beds in each. Many rooms are equipped with tables and chairs,
providing a living area. Five fully equipped electric kitchens allow
several groups to live together undisturbed. The Chalet is run along much
the same lines as most Youth Hostels, with an emphasis on community life
and the interaction of visiting groups, who also help to look after and
clean the building.
The completion of a new extension in 1996 greatly increased the facilities
in the Chalet, which include common rooms, complete central heating,
modern sanitary facilities with constant hot water, souvenir shop, postal
service, public telephones, and laundry facilities.
The Tower @ Kanderstag
The Tower has accommodation for 54 persons, comprising 4 rooms with 12
beds and 1 room with 6 beds, and provides ideal privacy for one group at a
time. In addition to showers and toilet facilities for both boys and
girls, there is also a large, picturesque recreation room with an open
fire place and balcony, as well as a fully equipped electric kitchen. This
facility is also ideal for a weekend celebration or for a special event.
The Campsite
The campsite can accommodate up to 1,200 persons on more than 50 different
sites. Each group can be sure of a pleasant campsite with an adequate
supply of wood for cooking and construction. All sites have running water
nearby and there are toilets and showers with hot water close at hand,
which all groups help to clean.
The Ueschinen Hut
The Centre also has an Alpine hut in the nearby Ueschinen Valley. During
the summer, the hut is the base for our climbing programme, but it may be
used by guests when available during the year.