Oeschinen Lake — Attraction in Kandersteg

Lake Oeschinen (Oeschinensee), nestled high in the Swiss Alps near Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland, is a true alpine gem and one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking natural sites. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush meadows, this turquoise-blue glacial lake offers a serene escape into nature and is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

The lake is accessible via a scenic gondola ride from Kandersteg followed by a short, picturesque hike through alpine forests. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted with a postcard-perfect view—crystal-clear water reflecting dramatic mountain cliffs, including the Blüemlisalp and Doldenhorn ranges. The tranquility and raw beauty of the landscape make it an ideal spot for photography, picnics, and simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

During summer, Lake Oeschinen becomes a hub for hiking, rowing, fishing, and even swimming for the brave—though the glacier-fed waters are refreshingly cold. There are numerous trails suitable for all levels, some offering panoramic views of the lake from above. In winter, the area transforms into a snow-covered paradise, with sledding paths and ice fishing drawing visitors back for a completely different experience.

There are a couple of mountain restaurants near the lake serving hearty Swiss dishes, which add to the charm. Facilities are clean and well-maintained, and the site is family-friendly. While it’s a popular destination, the area rarely feels overcrowded due to its expansive space and multiple access routes.

Overall, Lake Oeschinen is a stunning natural destination that showcases the pristine beauty of the Swiss Alps. Its easy accessibility, diverse activities, and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit for nature lovers traveling through...

The most incredible hike that I’ve done. I took the gondola up (ascent only) as I started late in the day and didn’t want to miss the sunshine all the way round. After walking back down to kandersteg it is a fairly day route if you do want to save money by walking up if you have the hour to spare either side of time at the lake. Once at the lake I took route G, going clockwise, although was faced with a lot of oncoming traffic as I was later told going counterclockwise (starting at the lake) is the easier route. In hindsight this is definitely the case as the first section I took was pretty steep and the last section down to the lake was pretty slippery with the loose gravel - follow all trails app route “Oberbargli”. As an amateur hiker this was tough at parts in the blazing heat - there’s not much shade on the route, but plenty waterfalls to fill waterbottle and you must stay hydrated. Route took me 3 hours and finished at around 7pm down at the lake for a swim which was surprisingly warm! Just be warned, myself and fellow swimmers were shouted at by an angry German man trying to fish but it is allowed you just have to steer clear of him if he’s there. Would also suggest taking flip flops or something if wanting to swim as lake floor was very slippy and painful on the feet. If going clockwise you will also end up at the restaurant if you need to buy refreshments or use the toilet, there is a cow farm nearby to hear the cow bells! There is also free toilet shacks along lakeside if you need, or want to change clothes.

All in all, a gorgeous hike with great views the entire way round. If you can, don’t do the return on the gondola as the walk back down is also very lovely and...

Nice scenery of lake surrounded by mountains. It is advisable to teach early since it seems to be very popular with tourists. Arrival: If arriving by car, always check for available spaces next to the cablecar station at Kandersteg. There is a reduction in parking costs if using the cablecar. Since I reached only around noon and as the board said that parking was full, parked my car at the additional spaces on an open field at the entrance to the town. It cost 20 chf, flat rate for the entire day. However, while walking to the cablecar station, the parking there showed 15 free places which would've been based on number of hours parked (far cheaper if its under 5 hours). Tickets: Tickets can be purchased from one of the ticket machines, but it can be crowded. Online purchase is also possible. Cablecar: The queue moves pretty quickly since you board the cablecar as its moving. Alternatively, walking up from the cablecar station to Oeschinensee takes about 70mins. Cablecar mountain station to Oeschinensee: The easiest takes 25 minutes and is an unpaved road. There also seemed to be a taxi service that was running on this route. The other route (through Läger) takes 35mins and is a wider road for most part. It gives a nice higher-elevation view of the entire lake, before a narrow path (not suitable for strollers) descends to the lake. There is a restaurant at the view point run by a lady and her mother - a nice stop, if you would like to support local business. Hiking: The map at the cablecar station shows hiking trails on the mountain. Return: If taking the cablecar, the last trip is at 6pm. I reached the station at 4:30pm and there was queueing, had to wait for about 20 mins, but...