Adelboden
Edited by:
Massimo Martini
Access
The municipality can be reached by car from Bern (1h 30) via the main road to Frutigen and then the scenic mountain road. The nearest railway station is Frutigen, which is connected by bus services to Adelboden. The most convenient international airports are Zurich (2h) and Geneva (2h30).
Introduction
Bernese, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Bernese Alps that rise above 3,000 metres. This renowned tourist centre, internationally renowned for its Alpine Ski World Cup competitions, perfectly combines mountain tradition and modern comfort. The municipality, with a population of around 3,500, lies on a wide, sunny terrace above the gorge of the Engstligen river, dominated by the imposing Wildstrubel massif (3,242 m). Its history as a tourist resort began in 1873 with the opening of the first guesthouse, gradually transforming what was once a remote mountain village into one of Switzerland's most popular ski resorts.
Description
The Adelboden area stretches over 88.2 km² between deep glacial valleys and high peaks, with a difference in altitude ranging from 1,045 metres in the Frutigen area to 3,242 metres at the summit of the Wildstrubel. The landscape is characterised by imposing waterfalls such as the Engstligenfälle (one of the highest in Switzerland with a drop of 600 metres), wide alpine pastures such as the Engstligenalp (at 2,000 metres above sea level) and spectacular gorges such as the Cholerenschlucht, which is accessible via an impressive metal ladder route. The vegetation varies from coniferous forests to expanses of rhododendrons and alpine pastures dotted with typical wooden chalets.
The first traces of settlement date back to the 13th century, when the Engstligen (1232) and Sillern (1290) alpine pastures are mentioned. Isolated for centuries due to the inaccessible Engstligen gorge, the village developed as an autonomous community in the 15th century with the construction of its own church (1433), breaking away from the mother parish of Frutigen. The 15th century frescoes in the church and the transition to the Reformation in 1528 (with the flight of the Catholic parish priest over the Hahnenmoos Pass) mark important milestones in its history. The traditional economy based on livestock farming and cattle trading (with fairs documented from 1686) gradually gave way to tourism after the construction of the road to Frutigen (1884) and the opening of the first hotels.
The contemporary economy revolves around both summer and winter tourism, with more than 56% of employment in the tertiary sector. Mountain agriculture maintains an important role, with the production of alpine cheeses such as the typical 'Adelboden Alpkäse'. Accommodation facilities range from luxurious historic hotels such as the 'Bären' (whose origins date back to 1569) to modern chalets. Local handicrafts boast a tradition in woodcarving and watchmaking, while industry is represented by small companies specialising in metalwork.
Alpine culture is expressed in traditions such as the 'Chästeilet' (cheese distribution festival) and Swiss wrestling competitions during the summer. The typical cuisine combines Bernese specialities such as the 'Berner Platte' (meat and sauerkraut dish) with local products including mature cheeses and mountain honey. Places of interest include the Adelboden Museum (with exhibits on mountain life), the Anglican Church (1908) and the cemetery where the writer Rafael Sabatini, author of 'Scaramouche', is buried.
For sports and nature lovers, Adelboden offers 210 km of ski slopes connected to the Sillerenbühl and Tschentenalp ski lifts, as well as the famous Chuenisbärgli course, where World Cup races are held. In summer, 300 km of trails allow excursions to the Wildstrubel refuge or the Engstligen waterfalls, while the Lohner via ferrata attracts climbing enthusiasts. A curiosity is the giant chessboard in the village square, where tourists can play with life-size pieces.
Information
Area: 88.20 km²
Altitude: 1350m
Maximum elevation: 3,246m - Grosstrubel
Number of inhabitants: 3,534 as of 31.12.24
Name in dialect: Adelbode in Bernese
Inhabitant name: adelbodner
Patron Saint: -
Neighbouring municipalities: Frutigen, Kandersteg, Lenk, Diemtigen
Internet site: www.adelboden.ch
Collections
cover: By Pug Girl - Adelboden, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109171839