[2] In 1921 the Chief Scout of Switzerland, Walther von Bonstetten, visited Kandersteg on holiday and found an old empty chalet.

[3] In the 1950s more property was purchased, including the woods by the river Kander, and the centre began to open also in the wintertime.

In 1994, the International Scout Centre Foundation, Kandersteg was established, and work started on the chalet extension project which opened on 1 June 1996.

Kandersteg can be reached by road and rail: it is situated on the main railway line from the north to Italy, and the station is served by fast trains.

During high season, a regular bus runs from the local railway station, which is free if one is wearing a Scout neckerchief.

The completion of the extension in 1996 greatly increased its size, and it has full central heating, modern sanitary facilities with constant hot water, a souvenir shop, meeting rooms, postal service, public telephones, a coffee bar, a laundry, a first aid room and internet facilities.

The Chalet is open all year round and is run along much the same lines as most Youth Hostels, with an emphasis on community life and cooperation.

The Chalet is decorated with neckerchiefs and plaques from guests, as well as photos, posters and badges showing the worldwide family of Scouting.

On top of the bridge is a gallery filled with historic events to celebrate the Centre's 100th anniversary.

The building was originally erected in the nearby village of Mitholz, and in recent decades used as office and exhibition space for the Lötschberg Base Tunnel.

It can sleep up to 30 people and has a fully equipped kitchen with wood stove, a general living and eating room and a special toilet – there is no electricity and no shower.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Transatlantic Council of the Boy Scouts of America used Kandersteg for annual and even more frequent camps.

In the summer they offer, within the three themes, a fixed weekly in-camp programme including International Campfire, Pioneering Competition and BBQ, as well as a wide range of daily activities such as trails, nature workshops, hiking, rock climbing, crafts, mountain biking, paragliding, river rafting and trips to various parts of Switzerland.

In the winter, the programme offers a range of alpine snow activities such as downhill or cross country skiing and snowboarding.

These are designed to bring together guests of all ages, nationalities and cultures, while encouraging them to experience, learn about and appreciate the alpine environment.

In 1973, Kurt Metz was appointed as the first full-time director, thanks to the support of Kenneth Macintosh and the US Foundation for International Scouting.

Volunteer staff are recruited in various numbers according to the time of year to assist with the running of the centre's facilities and the programme offered.

Staff must meet three conditions: a minimum age of 18 on the day of starting work, ability to communicate in English, and membership in World Organization of the Scout Movement or World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.