Lake Oeschinen – Oeschinensee in German – is a UNESCO World Heritage Site lying 1,578 meters high in the Swiss Alps. Surrounded by tall, 3000-meter peaks Blüemlisalp, Oeschinenhorn, Fründenhorn, and Doldenhorn, the lake, filled with supernaturally clear turquoise water, is remarkably beautiful. Tourists can enjoy the panoramic, unforgettable views of the lake both in winter and summer.
The nearest resort is Kandersteg, which is easily accessible from most areas in the Bernese Oberland and Brig. From Kandersteg you can reach Lake Oeschinen via cable car and a 30 minutes stroll. It is surely worth the effort as it will eventually offer outstanding experiences including hiking, skiing, ice fishing, and many more.
If you are planning to visit Oeschinen Lake in Switzerland and need to know what you should expect, this article is for you.
Oeschinensee: A Jewel Embraced by Alpine Mountains
The beautiful color of the 56-meter deep Lake Oeschinen varies between blue, green, and turquoise. You can breathe the freshest air into your lungs up in the mountain around the lake. Your photos in the area will be sometimes too picturesque to be believable.
Countless tourists are annually attracted to the area to enjoy the lake and its marvelous surroundings. Since there are only two hotels in the area and camping is not allowed, you can easily enjoy the seclusion you need during nights and mornings.
Nature lovers as well as those who love swimming and hiking can significantly enjoy their time around the lake. They will enjoy the rich mountain flora with orchids, gentian, edelweiss, herds of sheep and cows grazing in the Alps, and wild animals on the slopes. The water in this glacial lake is drawn from underground as well as the creeks nestling in the tall mountains around the lake.
During summers, the water in the lake warms up to 20 degrees Celsius. However, as you may expect, the water is chilly in winter and the entire lake naturally freezes over for some months during the year.
A cable car will take you from Kandersteg to the location near the lake, where there is only half an hour to walk to the lake itself.
How to Get to Lake Oeschinen
The very first step is to reach Kandersteg. It is probably the easiest part, as you can reach the resort starting from anywhere in the Bernese Oberland. The resort is 38 kilometers (24 miles) from Interlaken and 64 kilometers (40 miles) from Bern. It takes 45 minutes and 55 minutes to travel to Kandersteg by car from Interlaken and Bern, respectively.
If you like to use the excellent train network in Switzerland, consider an hour to reach Kandersteg from either Bern or Interlaken West. It also takes 2.5 hours to reach the resort by train from Zurich, and 3 hours from Luzern. Try to plan beforehand, as you need enough time for the hike and the lake itself too.
| Route | By Train | By Car |
| Interlaken – Kandersteg | 1h 10 min | 45 min |
| Bern – Kandersteg | 1h 7 min | 55 min |
| Thun – Kandersteg | 43 min | 46 min |
| Spiez – Kandersteg | 35 min | 33 min |
Good to Know
- Kandersteg lies en route between the cantons Bern and Valais.
- Trains from Spiez and the Lake Thun Region as well as from Visp and Sierre in the canton Valais arrive in frequent intervals. Check train and bus connections on the SBB/CFF/FFS website.
- The cable car station to the Oeschinen Lake area can be reached on an easy 15 minute walk from the train station. Follow the brown signs “Oeschinensee”
Get to Lake Oeschinen by Cable Car
Once you arrive at Kandersteg, you should find your way to the cable car station. You can park your car, if you have any, near the station for CHF 5 per day. If you have reached the resort by train, there is an easy 15-minute walk from the train station to the cable car station.
It takes only 10 minutes for the cable car to take you to the top station. Then, a 30-minute pleasant walk will help you reach the lake. Instead of walking, you can also take an electric shuttle bus (summer only) to reach the lake from the top station for CHF 8 per adult. The shuttle moves every 30 minutes from 11:30 to 16:40 (17:40 from 13 June to 13 September).
The timetable and the prices of the cable car are as follows:
During Summer
- May to mid-June: 8:30 to 17:00
- mid-June to September: 8:30 to 18:00
- September to October: 8:30 to 17:00
During Winter
- From the week before Christmas until 21 March: 9:00 to 17:00
Prices
- Regular ticket: CHF 22 one-way / CHF 30 return (adult fares)
- Children (6 to 15 years old) and Swiss Half Fare Card holders: 50 percent discount
- Holders of Regional-Pass Berner Oberland: free
- Swiss Travel Pass holders: no discount
What to Do at Oeschinensee
Each season at Lake Oeschinen offers different activities and feelings. The lake is one of the easiest places for everyone to get to. Oeschinensee provides travelers with various experiences during summer and winter, including the items below.
During Summer:
- Hiking
- Wild swimming
- Rowing a boat (rentals available at Berghaus Arva)
- Fishing
- Mountain biking (from the upper Oeschinen station to Kandersteg)
- Enjoying Alphorntage: a traditional Swiss festival in Kandersteg
- Toboggan runs next to the cable cars mountain station
During Winter:
- Snowshoe hiking
- Ice skating on the frozen lake
- Ice fishing
- Skiing in the small winter sports area
Whatever the season, travelers can certainly enjoy the marvelous scenery and exciting activities offered, though the items may vary depending on the time of the year.
Enjoy a quiet moment at the Lake Oeschinen
Sculptures by international wood carving artists can be found on the circle route, leading from the cableway station through the Oeschiwald forest down to the lake. The nature trail then follows the lake shore to the three restaurants and back to the gondola station.
At the Berghaus Oeschinensee the terrace offers great views of the lake and mountains.
A nicely groomed trail leads along the shore with plenty of resting places to enjoy quiet moments on this idyllic lake. The beach to the right is a popular spot for bathing and barbecuing. The location is about a 10 minute walk away from the Restaurants – an easy stroll on a well groomed trail. Don’t expect solitude at the lake if you visit in July and August. Because these are the most popular tourist months.
The water will be pleasantly chill even in the warm summer months, about 18 to 20 degree Celsius (64 – 68 Fahrenheit). Taking a dip is certainly pleasant after a long and strenuous hike, for example from Kiental via Griesalp, Hohtürli Pass and Blüemlisalp. After that hike, you don’t even care if the water is a tad cooler than that.
Swimming and Boating
The lake alone offers many opportunities to enjoy the visit. You will be amazed by the translucent water in the lake, while you can also dive right into it and swim. If you are unwilling to swim, you can simply hire a rowing boat. Rowing boats have been offered in the area for a century, proving to be the best method to explore the lake efficiently.
You can hire rowing boats during summertime for around CHF 26 per hour. The boats are massively hired during busy periods as they are highly popular; then, do not wait too long or you will miss the chance to get it.
Tobogganing (“Rodelbahn”) at Oeschinensee
Summer toboggan offers an exhilarating experience for everyone, even children. You can find the ride near the mountain station where the cable car departs. The complete Alpine Slide is 750 meters long and you can enjoy it every day during summer unless it is raining. You have the chance to ride the toboggan either alone or accompanied by another person. Children aged 6 or above are allowed to ride the toboggan.
The prices for the “Rodelbahn” are as follows:
- Adults: CHF 6 for one ride, and CHF 27 for 5 rides
- Children of 6 to 15: CHF 5 for one ride, and CHF 22 for 5 rides
Eating at the Lake Oeschinen
You have the option to bring picnic foods with you as there are several fire pits along the lake. Otherwise, you can eat various foods at one of the restaurants in the area, including Restaurant Bergstübli, Restaurant am Oeschinensee, Berghaus Arva, Restaurant Sennhütte, and Alphüsi by Berghotel Oeschinensee.
In the restaurants, you can find grilled cheese sandwiches, barbecue, Swiss foods, snacks, and other items while enjoying the eye-catching scenery. The restaurants are mainly open throughout winter and summer to coincide with the cable car operation timetable.
Fishing
Fishing in the afternoons will be significantly relaxing and refreshing. To do so, you need to purchase a fishing license at one of the restaurants around the lake for CHF 28 per person. Keep in mind that no fishing equipment is available for rental at the lake; therefore, you need to bring your own fishing equipment. Alternatively, you can join one of the private fishing tours from Bern.
Panoramic Hike Lake Oeschinen
Lake Oeschinen is no longer a secret tip as it was a few years ago. That is why it is a popular destination in summer when the weather is nice.
Fortunately, you have to invest some muscle power and sweat for the most spectacular views of the lake. That’s why you can enjoy many of these eye-catching views on the panoramic hiking trail, which is not quite as busy as the shore of the lake.
This circular trail of 8.5 km can be a challenge for inexperienced hikers, but is easily manageable for moderate hikers. The hiking time is given as about 3 hours. With a picnic and the usual breaks to enjoy the wonderful views, which you can hardly believe your eyes, it takes about 5 hours.
The Panorama Hike is not a super easy hike, but then it’s not super difficult either; you can take your kids of around 6 or older with you, if they are experienced in hiking.
The path is rough, steep and narrow while you have to pass through mountain streams and around huge rocks along the way.
We find the best way to enjoy this hike is to do it in a clockwise direction. For this you go from the cable car mountain station for around 400 meters, along the main path toward Oeschinensee. Look for signs to Heuberg – Oberbärgli, there the trail takes you to the left up the hill.
At the very far end of this hiking path, you will reach the Oberbärgli mountain hut.
Then, you can follow the signs down to Oeschinensee to continue your trail. Once you reach the lake, you can find a plethora of places to lounge. You have the choice to hike back through the forest or keep to the shoreline to reach the restaurants.
The Oeschinensee hike can be done in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions. We prefer the clockwise direction for some reasons:
- The hard, steep climb is at the beginning of the hike when you are more energetic.
- You can see the lake from above first, and then end your hike at the lake itself.
- You can end your day sitting by the lake, renting a boat, etc.
The counterclockwise direction also has some advantages:
- You will reach the lake sooner when the area is less crowded.
- You can see the nicest views as the lake is extremely beautiful and tranquil in the morning.
What to bring and wear
There are certain points to consider before starting the hike regarding clothing, water, and food:
- Wear warm, multilayered clothes according to the weather forecast.
- For hot days, shorts are okay as there is no tree or tall grass.
- Waterproof hiking shoes and hiking sticks are needed.
- Bring at least 1 liter of water for yourself as there is no place to refill your water bottle.
- In the middle of the hike, there is a mountain hut that sells drinks and snacks, but not complete meals.
- Three restaurants are near the lake, mostly busy on sunny days and weekends.
- There are picnic areas with fire pits near the lake.
Winter Hiking
In winter, the path from the cable car station to the lake is groomed with a snow groomer, making it easy to reach even when there is snow.
If the lake is frozen and the ice is thick enough, you can even walk across the lake on a path. But be sure to follow the markings and instructions of the authorities. Of course, it should be worn good, warm footwear for hiking in winter.
Where to stay for visiting Oeschinen Lake
If you want to spend several days in the region, you have a choice of hotels and accommodation in the valley in Kandersteg.
There is also a camping site called “Rendez vous” near the cable car valley station. Please note that it is not possible to camp directly at the Oeschinensee. Park rangers are present and enforce this prohibition.
However, if you would like to enjoy the tranquility of the lake in the evening when all the day tourists have left, there are two hotels near the lake.
Berghotel Oeschinensee
Berghotel Oeschinensee is a family-owned accommodation option for travelers looking to spend a night or two amidst nature. Built-in 1892, it is run by the fifth generation of the Wandfluh family.
The hotel boasts a large panoramic terrace and 30-bed dormitory property. Berghotel rooms are made of wood to provide visitors with an exceptionally relaxing experience. They are simple and non-fancy yet spacious enough to accommodate travel groups and solo travelers.
Berghaus Arva
Berghaus Arva is another excellent mountain-house option at Oeschinensee Lake.
The hotel offers single, double, and multi-bed rooms. Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends or family, you can count on this hotel to make your overnight stay memorable. The chalet has six rooms, whereas groups can stay in the four rooms in the mountain house.
While this hotel provides comfort, it does not take away how real your trip is. You will get a hot water bottle and blanket to enjoy the chilly and cool weather.
FAQ
Can you drive to Oeschinen Lake?
You cannot reach Oeschinensee Lake by car. Travelers need to stop at Kandersteg and reach a cable car parking lot to continue their trip. The road leading up to Oeschinen Lake is private and forbidden for visitors. Only service vehicles and residents of the locality can drive around in the area.
When is the best time to visit Oeschinen Lake?
The period between July and mid-September in summer is the best time to visit Oeschinensee for some reasons. During this period, there is no snow and you can enjoy the thrilling hiking trails around the lake. Also, the gondola normally runs from mid-June to mid-October. Try not to visit the area on summer weekends as the lake gets very busy.
Can you visit Oeschinen Lake in winter?
Although the lake is covered with ice and snow in winter, you can enjoy the visit to a great extent if you like winter activities. The gondola is open during winter too, from the third weekend of December to the third weekend of March. Alpine hiking trails are closed in winter.
Oeschinen Lake with young kids?
It is easily possible to visit the lake with kids. Since the road between the cable car station and the lake is covered with gravel, you can use a stroller for your kids if you want. If you are unsure whether your kids are strong enough for the hike, you can choose a shorter and less steep version of the hike.
You might also like the following article:
Blausee in Switzerland: A Romantic Forest Lake in the Kander Valley
Final Thoughts
Oeschinensee is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. You can visit the lake both in winter and summer, but you need to plan ahead and see what kind of activities you would like to experience. If you visit the lake even once, you can enjoy several extraordinary amazements at once depending on the time of the year, including a short trip with a cable car, skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, hiking, rowing a boat, tobogganing, etc. We hope we have been able to help you plan your trip with this ultimate guide to Lake Oeschinen.
