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Description
The Kanderdelta is an artificial delta created in the 18th century. Before its construction, the Kander River bypassed Lake Thun entirely. The river deposits substantial amounts of gravel into the delta and the lake, necessitating regular gravel extraction. At the same time, these gravel banks have become one of the few remaining breeding sites for the Vatnalóa in Switzerland.
The delta features a dynamic mix of floodplain forests, still and flowing waters, gravel banks, and steep riverbanks, forming a unique and valuable natural habitat - a rarity in Switzerland. This exceptional ecosystem lies close to the city of Thun, resulting in conflicts between recreational use and conservation efforts. While the lakeshore is accessible year-round, there are even dedicated barbequing areas at the outer edge of the delta. A ranger frequently patrols the area, offering useful information to visitors.
Although the Vatnalóa is the region's flagship species, over 200 bird species have been recorded here. The steep banks provide nesting sites for Bláþyrill and Fossbúi. In the floodplain forests, breeding birds like Stubbspæta, Gaukur, and possibly Gunnfálki, which can be observed from April to September, find their habitats. Laufglói and Næturgali are relatively common, possibly you might see a Nátthegri or Bjarthegri. Relluhegri has also been observed.
Waders and waterbirds use the delta as a stopover during spring and autumn migrations. The Lyngstelkur is among the most frequent visitors. Other common sightings during migration seasons include Flóastelkur, Trjástelkur, Sandlóa, and Veimiltíta. Less common species like Tildra and Bakkatíta make appearances. During these times, the reeds are utilized by Pungmeisa and Brúnheiðir.
In spring, the delta additionally hosts Stelkur and Rúkragi, as well as Spói and Lónamáfur. Inland, Garðaskotta finds refuge in the floodplain forest. Later in spring and into summer, the Grænsöngvari appears here, and over the lake, migrating Kolþerna can be spotted. Exceptional sightings include its relatives, the Tígulþerna, Skeggþerna, Dvergþerna, Sandþerna, and Þaraþerna.
In late summer, the rare Sanderla is occasionally reported, while from September through May, Brandönd can be seen resting on the lake. Autumn brings irregular sightings of Grálóa, followed later by the more frequent Lóuþræll. From winter to spring, Skeiðönd and Rauðhöfðaönd rest on the lake, but rarer birds are also possible, as one sighting of Hávella proves.
The Kanderdelta is also a hotspot for rare waders. Eight confirmed sightings of Tjaldur have been recorded in April and June. Other notable species include Rauðbrystingur, Bjúgnefja, Strandlóa, and Tríll. Additional rarities such as Sandtittlingur, Himbrimi, Spésöngvari, Heiðlóa, Sandlævirki, Óðinshani, Flórgoði, Brandsvala, Kjói, Skúmur, Þernumáfur, and Dvergsnípa have also been observed.
Details
Access
The Kanderdelta is easily accessible by bus from Thun (stop: Einigen, Kanderbrück). A parking lot is also available a few hundred meters away (Press P on the map). The area can only be explored on foot via a narrow path. This trail is not marked on maps and leads along the strictly protected Kander (1), where the Vatnalóa nests on the gravel banks, through floodplain forests, and past a still water body created by gravel extraction (Unteres Kandergrien), which is often visited by herons (2), to the delta (3).
Depending on the water level, the 30 to 40-meter-wide shoreline strip of the delta can be walked on. However, it’s obviously preferable not to disturb or approach any wading birds that might be present. On the other side of the Kandergrien, there is a meadow for lounging (4) with a good view of the lake, and a kiosk operates there during the warmer months.