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Hiking at Lake Oeschinen
Discover Lake Oeschinen: one of the finest mountain lakes in the Alps.
You can take the train from Bern or Brig to Kandersteg without changing trains. From there, you will reach Lake Oeschinen after a hike of about 1.5 hours. For a more leisurely variant, you can replace the ascent with a gondola ride. A walk of around 25 minutes will then take you from the mountain station to the mountain lake.
If you want to enjoy the unique view of the lake from above, we recommend the hike to Heuberg. The trail leads from the mountain station steeply uphill via Läger. This is a demanding hike, however, so is only suitable for those who are experienced and good with heights.
Lake Oeschinen is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is regarded by many as the most beautiful mountain lake in the Alps. Cosy mountain restaurants and comfortable spots are perfect for a relaxing break. If the water is too cold for a swim, you can hire a rowing boat and explore the lake that way. Or continue your walk on one of the many available routes.
Hiking tips
Mountain hike from Kandersteg to Lake Oeschinen
The hike begins at Kandersteg Railway Station. Walk out of the valley towards the Blümlisalp and cross the Oeschibach brook. Near the station of the gondola lift, the trail then leads steeply upwards to the Alp Oeschinen.
Key figures
| Hiking route | Kandersteg–Lake Oeschinen |
| Distance | 3 km |
| Elevation difference | 382 m |
| Walking time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Difficulty level | medium |
Mountain hike over Mount Heuberg by Lake Oeschinen
This challenging walk begins by Oeschinen mountain station and initially takes you along a steep mountain slope towards Oberbärgli. The path is narrow and hemmed in by several brooks. It is vital to be sure-footed and free from vertigo. Good shoes are crucial. Along the way, there are breathtaking views of the fascinating mountainscape of the Swiss Alps to be enjoyed.
The descent from Oberbärgli to Unterbärgli is a real challenge! A steep path hewn into the mountainside leads down to the lake. The path back to the Oeschinen mountain station is then very comfortable by comparison.
Key figures
| Hiking route | Oeschinen mountain station –Oberbärgli–Unterbärgli–Oeschinen mountain station |
| Distance | 8.4 km |
| Elevation difference | 492 hm |
| Walking time | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Difficulty level | medium |
Availability Today (Monday) open
Hiking trails
- Hike Kandersteg - Oeschinensee: Can be followed every day from May to October.
- Hike Heuberg and walk through the Hohtürli Pass: From mid-May / early June daily accessible. Please inform yourself in advance about the accessibility of the hiking trails.
Gondola cableway
17 March to 8 May 2026 – gondola cableway closed
9 May to 20 September 2026: 08.30–18.00 hours
21 September to 8 November 2026: 08.30–17.00 hours
Restaurants
The restaurants are open during the operating times of the gondola cableway.
Subject to change without prior notice
Rates
Smart ticketing for the Kandersteg - Oeschinensee gondola lift
Online booking recommended
- Boarding pass with time slot for the ascent: choose a fixed time slot for the ascent when purchasing your ticket and avoid waiting times.
- Flexible planning: time slots can be easily rebooked online free of charge.
- The descent can be started at any time.
- Tickets can still be purchased on site at the ticket machines as long as capacity is available.
Gondola cableway fares incl. time slot (boarding pass for the ascent)
- CHF 27.20 Adults, one-way 09.05.-13.06. / 21.09.-08.11.
- CHF 36.00 Adults, return 09.05.-13.06.25 / 21.09.-08.11.
- CHF 31.20 Adults, one-way 14.06.-20.09.
- CHF 40.00 Adults, return 14.06.-20.09.
- CHF 14.10 Children (6–15.99 years ) / Half-Fare / GA, one-way 09.05.-13.06. / 21.09.-08.11.
- CHF 18.50 Children (6–15.99 years ) / Half-Fare / GA, return 09.05.-13.06. / 21.09.-08.11.
- CHF 18.10 Children (6–15.99 years ) / Half-Fare / GA, one-way 14.06.-20.09.
- CHF 22.50 Children (6–15.99 years ) / Half-Fare / GA, return 14.06.-20.09.
Tariffs gondola cableway descent without timeslot
- CHF 26.20 Adults, downhill journey
- CHF 13.10 Children (6-15.99 years) / Half-Fare Travelcard / GA Travelcard, downhill journey
The Junior Travelcard is valid on gondola lift rides when accompanied by a parent. Please present/exchange at the ticket office.
Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration
BLS suggestion
Take the UNESCO electric bus to the Oeschinensee mountain lake
If you want to take a detour to Oeschinen Lake between toboggan rides or are tired after a long hike, you can take the environmentally friendly electric bus to the lake and back in comfort.
Limited capacity; priority given to people with disabilities
Timetable
Mid-May to mid-October
First ride at 10:45 a.m. from the mountain station
Last ride at 5:30 p.m. from the mountain restaurant by the lake
Swimming, fishing, a turn at the oars on a rowing boat – Lake Oeschinen offers everything for a perfect summer excursion.
How to get there
