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Switzerland, known for its breathtaking landscapes and pristine natural beauty, is a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps is Oeschinen Lake, also known as Oeschinensee, standing as a serene masterpiece with crystal-clear glacier waters and majestic surroundings. This lake is one of the prettiest lakes in all of Switzerland with it’s surreal blue hue that seems as though you’ve stepped into a painting. 

If you’re looking for an unforgettable escape, here’s your guide on how to visit Oeschinen Lake and experience the magic of this alpine gem. 

History

Oeschinensee boasts a rich history dating back centuries. The lake itself was formed during the last Ice Age, as glacial activity sculpted the landscape, creating the pristine body of water now surrounded by mountain peaks and dense forests. Over the years, Oeschinensee has become a popular destination and the construction of the historic Berghotel in the late 19th century further elevated the lake’s popularity. As of 2007, Oeschinensee is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting There

Oeschinensee is located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, southwest of Interlaken. Bernese Oberland is one of the most popular regions of Switzerland, with famous areas such as Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen located here, however, Kandersteg remains largely unvisited compared. 

Oeschinensee Gondola is only a 45-minute drive from Interlaken, Switzerland, or 1 hour 30 minutes by train via Spiez. 

By Car

When driving, follow the signs to Oeschinensee Gondola (Oeschistrasse 50, 3718 Kandersteg). There are several parking spots at the gondola station, but if this is full, continue past the gondola to an overflow parking area in a grassy field. Parking is paid either with coins at the meter machines or via the EasyPark app. With the app, you can pay for parking in several countries across Europe. All that is needed is the license plate number of the rental car and a linked credit card. With the ability to adjust the time needed via the app, this is the best option when exploring new places and you don’t know exactly how long you’ll need.

I traveled via car from Trasquera, Italy. When visiting Kandersteg and Oeschinensee from the South, a car train is required from Goppenstein to Kandersteg or you face a grueling 6.5-hour detour around the mountains. The car train was new for me, I had never heard of this option before researching my route to Kandersteg. It turned out to be quite interesting and an adventure on its own. When arriving at the train station, all cars are lined up in a waiting area and one by one drive onto the open train carts where you then park the car with the emergency brake on, turn off the car, and stay in the vehicle. A roughly 20-minute journey takes you through the mountain and to the town of Kandersteg. 

By Train

If taking the train, you’ll most likely be coming from the Interlaken area. From Interlaken Ost, travel 21 minutes to Spiez, where a quick transfer to the Brig line will take you to Kandersteg in 30 minutes. From the Kandersteg station, it is a 15-minute walk to the gondola, making the trip just under 1 hour 30 minutes. To view timetables, visit https://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html. 

Gondola vs Hiking Up

Oeschinen Lake can be reached only by gondola or hiking. The hike, when starting and ending at the bottom gondola station, is a minimum of 5.4 miles (8.7 kilometers) round-trip, with over 1,700 feet (518 meters) of elevation gain, and takes 3.5+ hours to complete. This does not include hiking around the lake but rather takes you to a small viewpoint to turn around at. The hike is steep and difficult but a good challenge if you are up for a full-day adventure. You can preview the trail here. I recommend taking the gondola as the hiking at the lake is challenging enough. 

View from the Oeschinensee Gondola

From the gondola is a 1.25-mile (2 kilometers) hike to the lake, about a 25-minute walk. There is also an electric bus, more similar to a large golf cart, that runs from the top gondola station to the lake. It can be pricey at CHF 10 per adult, however, a great option for those with limited mobility. The bus runs daily from 11 AM to 4:30 PM in shoulder season and 11 AM to 5:30 PM in peak season, running every 30 minutes or when full. Seats cannot be guaranteed and priority is given to the elderly and disabled. 

Lake Oeschinen Gondola Pricing:

Tickets can be purchased in person or online here. Dogs are allowed for CHF 5. If staying in Kandersteg, ask your hotel for a guest card for a 20% discount on the gondola.

When To Go

Oeschinen Lake is a natural playground. The best time to visit depends on what you’d like to experience. 

Hiking, swimming, rowing, and fishing are activities that can be enjoyed during the warmer months, along with the Toboggan run (mountain coaster) next to the gondola station. From Spring to early Fall, a variety of flowers can be seen, including alpine roses from June to July.

In the winter months, snowshoe hiking, ice skating, sledding, ice fishing, and skiing are all popular. The lake freezes over and transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. From late October to late December, Lake Oeschinen can only be reached by foot due to annual gondola closure.

Oeschinensee

I arrived early in the morning in September when the gondola first opened. Because of the towering mountains, the sun took much longer to appear over the peaks. Initially, the lake lacked its bright aqua vibrance but as the sun made an appearance, the colors did too. If you want the initial awe-inspiring shock of this site, I recommend arriving at the lake 2-3 hours after sunrise. 

Exploring The Lake

Hiking
The walk from the gondola to the lake can be a hike in itself but if you would like a bit more out of your visit, consider one of these hikes!

Exploring The Lake

Oeschinensee

Hiking
The walk from the gondola to the lake can be a hike in itself but if you would like a bit more out of your visit, consider one of these hikes!

Rowing

For those seeking a unique adventure, rent a rowboat and explore the calm waters of Oeschinen Lake. The reflection of the surrounding peaks on the lake’s surface creates a dreamlike experience as you navigate through its pristine waters.

Rowboat Pricing:

Each additional 15 minutes is CHF 9. Rowboats cannot be reserved ahead of time. 

Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck with the lake’s abundant char and trout population. A permit is required and can be purchased at the restaurants on Oeschinensee or the Kandersteg Tourist Center. 

Fishing Permit Pricing:

Two fishing rods are allowed per person. Fishing rods and bait are not sold, visitors must bring their own.

Fishing boat rentals are available from the Arva Mountain House, located on the west side of Oeschinensee.

Fishing Boat Pricing:

Day guests can rent fishing boats from 9 AM – 6 PM. Hotel guests at Oeschinensee can rent fishing boats from 7 AM – 7 PM. If Arva Mountian House is closed, fishing boats are available before 10:30 AM only, with advance reservations made before noon the day prior. Arva can be contacted at +41 33 675 11 66. 

Food
If hiking, all three trail options above bring you to Oberbärgli, a hut where drinks are available for purchase. Fair warning, though, drinks are warm and there is no food available. Prices range from CHF 2.50 to 5.50, with only cash accepted. Almost everyone who visits recommends bringing your own food and drink to enjoy near this viewpoint, though. Tables along with toilets are only available to customers. 

Oeschinen has three restaurants –  Bergstübli, Berghotel, and Zur Sennhütte: 

Barbecue
Nestled near the picturesque shores of Lake Oeschinen, with breathtaking mountain views as a backdrop, are several barbecue spots where visitors can bring and cook their own food. All barbeque spots are mapped below:

Toboggan Run (Mountain Coaster)
A nearly ½ mile, 750 meter, mountain coaster adds an unforgettable experience for both young and old. Children 3-7 can ride with an accompanying person age 8+. Children 8+ may use the track on their own.

Mountain Coaster Pricing:

The mountain coaster is open from mid-May through mid-October when conditions are dry. Tickets can be purchased in person or online here. 

Toboggan Run (Mountain Coaster)

A nearly ½ mile, 750 meter, mountain coaster adds an unforgettable experience for both young and old. Children 3-7 can ride with an accompanying person age 8+. Children 8+ may use the track on their own.

Mountain Coaster Pricing:

The mountain coaster is open from mid-May through mid-October when conditions are dry. Tickets can be purchased in person or online here. 

Sledding and Skiing

The sledding experience at Oeschinen Lake offers an exhilarating adventure amidst stunning alpine surroundings. Designated sledding trails wind through the pristine winter landscape, with slopes catering to different skill levels. Sled rentals are available on-site with wooden sled rentals priced at CHF 20 and plastic sled rentals at CHF 10. Sledding is available from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM in the winter months. 

Skiing is also available, with run options for both beginners and more advanced skiers. There are several tickets available, from a half day to 7 days, ranging from CHF 39 to CHF 254. 

Right off the top station is a children’s ski area, free of charge. Children can use skis or sleds on the 213-foot-long (65-meter) Wonder Carpet, equipped with a drag lift to take them back to the top safely. 

Ice Skating
If you’re lucky, you may have the opportunity to ice skate on Oeschinensee! Skating is only possible before the first big snowfall. Skates can be rented at the lake. This skating window usually lasts a few days each year. Keep an eye out on the official Oeschinensee website here. 

Ice Walk
Winter hiking is a unique experience at Oeschninen, with the ability to walk on the frozen lake to take in the nearly 10,000-foot tall (3,000 meters) peaks in a new way. The ice walk is typically open all winter.

Ice Fishing
From January through mid-March, ice fishing is available on Lake Oeschinen. The lake is covered in up to 20 inches of thick ice! Fishing permits are also necessary for ice fishing, with the permit available for purchase at Berghotel Oeschinensee or at the Tourist Center Kandersteg. Equipment is not available for rent or sale at the lake. Drills and rods can be rented in Kandersteg from Bernhard Lauber (Innere Dorfstrasse 88, 3718 Kandersteg) available at +41 79 282 14 67 by reservation only.

Where To Stay
It is possible to stay at Lake Oeschinen with Mountain House Arva and Berghotel Oeschinensee. There is no public road therefore guests must take the gondola or hike up (so pack light)!

If you want shelter for a longer hiking trip, there are several SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) locations only accessible by foot. This includes Doldenhorn Hut SAC, Fründenhütte SAC, and Blüemlisalphütte SAC. 

Hotels are also available in the town of Kandersteg and within the Bernese Oberland region.

Final Thoughts

Oeschinensee

Oeschinen Lake in Switzerland offers an escape into nature’s embrace, where the tranquility of the surroundings and the beauty of the Alps combine to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Oeschinensee is a destination that will leave you with lasting memories of Switzerland’s awe-inspiring landscapes!