Located centrally in the Bernese Alps is the beautiful resort of Adelboden, the first place in Switzerland to be commended with the Alpine Wellness holiday resort mark and a resort which promises calm and wellbeing to all who visit. A dual season location, Adelboden features stunning scenery to attract skiers and mountaineers alike. From the waterfalls at Tschent Stream and Engstligen Falls to the World Cup piste at Cheunisbargli, there is something to delight everyone who visits.
With easy access to a vantage point at Schwandfeldspitz, top of the cable car route at 2025 metres above sea level, it’s easy to see why visitors fall in love with Adelboden. Panoramic views are delightful all year round as are an array of cafes and shops in the centre of the village. Described by many who visit as a “hidden gem”, Adelboden has an authentic, natural charm.
Living in Adelboden and things to do
A traditional village, Adelboden is located off the beaten track on the mountainside at the start of a long valley. Almost all of the properties here are chalet style, including the shops on the long main street. The village is quite small, but there are busses to nearby Engstligenalp and Elsigen-Metsch. Adelboden itself is quaint and authentic, no crass or excessive tourism, and views are stunning. Around three and a half thousand people call Adelboden home, including a mix of foreign nationals.
Adelboden’s facilities are as you would expect for a growing resort, with 42 lifts in total including 8 chair lifts and 24 surface lifts. Skiing in Adelboden is great for all but particularly for seasoned skiers, with a high ratio of red runs and above. Skiers can enjoy 1025 metres of vertical descent. Visitors can also try sledging in Tschenten or snowboarding in the terrain park, which features two half pipes. There are 85 pistes in total, measuring over 100 miles, plenty to keep you busy. The winter season opens on 1 December each year, closing at the beginning of April.
Summer in Adelboden is cool with some showers, perfect for walking. Winter is very cold and snowy. Over 100cm of snow is often expected in December, starting the ski season off to a fresh start. Year-round cloud shelters the region. Temperatures range between three and 72 degrees fahrenheit. For updated snow and weather reports, take a look at our Adelboden resort guide here.
Culture and Adelboden
The village has a real community feel, with events for all seasons drawing many visitors. Several ski events take place throughout the winter, including the FIS Ski World Cup Adelboden in January and the Chuenis bi Nacht race in February. At nearby Engstligenalp, in March, visitors can witness a village made from ice and snow by igloo enthusiasts who flock to the area. In early-mid Autumn the Swiss Chamber Music festival sees musicians and groups perform to enraptured crowds.
Perhaps the most fascinating attraction is the cow migration which takes place at the start of summer each year. Local farmers come together to agree the day on which they will walk the cattle to meadows for the summer. More than 300 cows usually make the journey, bedecked in bells and flowers, their parade enjoyed by onlookers.
Investment potential in Adelboden
Switzerland is popular amongst wealthy patrons because of its more discrete approach to banking and sophisticated financial industry. As such, the country has a steady flow of well-heeled visitors, many of whom enjoy nothing more than a weekend in the Alps with family and friends. As such, although British visitors may at present be put off by unfavourable interest rates, property owners in Switzerland need not be concerned that visitor numbers will be low; Swiss ski destinations are incredibly popular amongst visitors from across Europe. Adelboden itself sees a high number of Swiss visitors (63%) and a growing population of visitors from Germany (16%) and the UK (5%).
Buying a property in Adelboden will see you join a growing number investing in the area. The ski lift network is quite new, for example, with hoods and even heated seats. There are presently very few on-piste eateries; once investors take the opportunity to develop this side of Adelboden the village will no doubt be even more popular. There are, however, lots of lovely cafes and bars. A new ice centre was built in 2010, a family-friendly entertainment space which offers indoor skating. Adelboden also boasts an indoor bowling venue. A CHF 140 million investment in an Alpine Spa destination is promised. Subject to local approval, if signed off this would be an exciting new project for the village, a five-star spa hotel with 91 rooms and a 4,500m square wellness facility.
Transport to Adelboden
The closest airport to Adelboden is Geneva, although this is a three-hour drive so journeys are a little longer than at other resorts. As many visitors choose to drive, this shouldn’t be a problem - being tucked away has the advantage of being less touristy and more exclusive, factors which draw a more discerning crowd. Many people choose to drive to Adelboden from across Europe. Channel crossings from the UK to Europe are convenient and the route to the Bernese Alps makes for a wonderfully scenic journey.