Kandersteg Asylum Seeker Centre Plans Scrapped Amid Local Opposition

The plan to house asylum seekers at the former Institut Kandersteg in the Canton of Bern has been withdrawn. The owner of the property decided to pull out on September 21, 2026, citing significant local opposition and a tense atmosphere surrounding the proposal. This decision leaves the canton searching for alternative accommodation sites in the Bernese Oberland region to meet its housing obligations.

Withdrawal of the Institut Kandersteg Site

The owner of the former Institut Kandersteg officially withdrew the property, ending plans to use it as a collective facility for up to 120 asylum seekers. The Canton of Bern confirmed the withdrawal, stating that the owner pointed to “increasing hostility” and a “particularly tense situation” as reasons for their decision. This move means the canton must now find a different location for the planned accommodation in the Bernese Oberland.

The municipality of Kandersteg had opposed the project from its beginning. This local resistance contributed to the pressure that ultimately led to the owner removing the building from consideration. While the canton expressed regret over the decision, it acknowledged the owner’s right to withdraw the property.

The Canton’s Ongoing Search for Accommodation

Despite the setback in Kandersteg, the Canton of Bern remains committed to finding suitable housing for asylum seekers. Officials from the canton’s Amt für Integration und Soziales (AIS) are continuing their search for additional sites across the Bernese Oberland. This includes exploring potential property purchases to fulfill legal housing requirements.

The search is complicated by the need to balance the demand for more accommodation with public resistance to proposed facilities. The Kandersteg site represented a specific, available building, which is often a more straightforward option than developing new construction projects. The canton’s approach involves a careful assessment of various options to ensure adequate housing is provided.

Understanding the Proposed Capacity

The capacity figures for the Institut Kandersteg varied depending on the stage and description of the project. The canton’s official plan for the collective accommodation facility designated a capacity of up to 120 residents. However, earlier descriptions of the building suggested it could potentially house up to 200 refugees after renovation.

This distinction meant that the formal project was limited to 120 places, even though earlier discussions highlighted a larger potential capacity for the property. The official figure of 120 residents was the basis for the canton’s planning for the collective shelter.

Previous Discussions and Alternatives

Before the owner’s final decision, discussions were held between the owner and the canton regarding alternative uses for the property. These alternatives included exploring the possibility of a housing project or a training center for asylum seekers. However, these discussions did not lead to the property remaining available for the planned collective accommodation. The owner ultimately decided to withdraw the building due to the ongoing tense situation and local hostility. The canton is now returning to its broader search for suitable sites in the Bernese Oberland, a process that was already underway.

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