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 Oberbärgli. 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 (Sunday) 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
13 May to 16 June 2023: 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
17 June to 17 September 2023: 8.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
18 September to 22 October 2023: 8.30 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Restaurants
The restaurants are open during the operating times of the gondola cableway.
Subject to change without prior notice
Rates
Gondola cableway fares − June to November
- CHF 22.00 Adults, one-way
- CHF 30.00 Adults, return
- CHF 11.00 Children (6-15.99 years ) / Half-Fare / GA, one-way
- CHF 15.00 Children (6-15.99 years ) / Half-Fare / GA, , return
MagicBlue Kandersteg
Visit the three most popular excursion destinations in the Kandersteg region with the MagicBlue Pass and benefit from an attractive price reduction.
- Lake Oeschinen
- Arvenseeli on Sunnbüel
- Allmenalp
BLS suggestion Picnic baskets / Barbecue kit
Grill Bag To Go
Without planning, thinking, packing and lugging... Why not leave your rucksack at home for a change and order your takeaway meal conveniently while you're on the move? All you have to do is pick up your grill bag filled with all kinds of delicacies at the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant.Prices per person
- CHF 35.00 Barbecue
Included in the price:
- Firewood / eco grill bag
- Bernese Oberland Bratwurst (veal/pork) or veggie sausage
- Homemade bread
- Mixed salad
- Chips, tomatoes, mustard, etc.
- Oeschi water
Notes
Take the UNESCO electric bus to the Oeschinensee mountain lake
Those who would like to make a detour to Oeschinen Lake between toboggan rides can be driven comfortably to the lake and back again with the environmentally friendly electric bus.
Timetable
13 May to 22 October 2023
from 11.00 to 16.30 hours (17.30 hours in high season)
Departures every 30 minutes
First trip from gondola cableway mountain station 11.00 hours
First trip from Berghotel Oeschinensee 11.30 hours
Swimming, fishing, a turn at the oars on a rowing boat – Lake Oeschinen offers everything for a perfect summer excursion.
How to get there
