Oeschinensee
Welcome to the captivating Oeschinensee, a pristine alpine lake nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, and enchanting surroundings, Oeschinensee offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
If you want to be sure whether visiting the lake will be worth it, how you can get there and how the hike will look like, this guide has you covered!
Oeschinensee: A journey to alpine tranquility and natural beauty
Oeschinensee is located in Kandersteg and is one of the most popular destinations from the area to explore the natural beauty Switzerland has to offer. The lake is located at an altitude of approximately 1,578 meters (5,177 feet) above sea level. The shimmering turquoise waters reflect the towering peaks and lush greenery that surrounds the lake, creating a postcard-perfect scene.
Getting to the Oeschinensee
Oeschinensee is conveniently located near the charming village of Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. From Kandersteg, a scenic cable car ride will transport you to the Oeschinensee mountain station. From the mountain station, it’s just a short walk (mostly down) to get to the lake.
There is also a shuttlebus that’ll take you to and from the lakeshore. You can choose to go for a one way ticket (which makes more sense for the way back since it’s uphill) or go for s return ticket. Alternatively, you can also opt for a hike along well-marked trails that lead to the lake.
One way or a return ticket?
I bought a one way ticket, since it's only a 45 minute walk from the restaurant to the cable car station in Kandersteg. It saves you a bit of money and the walk downhill is pretty okay. Sometimes it's quite downhill, so you have to be extra cautious. If you plan on making the full Oeschinensee hike, or just want to go for some convenience after a day at the lake, it might be 45 minutes too much. You can always choose to buy a return ticket.
Part of the lake was closed, so I could not walk around the entire lake.
Parking tip: Park your car at the Gemeindehaus Kandersteg (just 0.50 CHF per hour), from which it’s only a short walk to the cable car station.
Arriving at Oeschinensee
Once you arrive, you’ll likely be passing the restaurant where you can get some food or drinks. From the restaurant, you’re free to explore the lake as you want to. Go to the shore, walk around the lake or go for a stunning hike to get some better views of the lake. Don’t forget to take a moment to absorb the tranquility and serenity of this natural masterpiece, as it serves as the perfect backdrop for a day of exploration and relaxation.
I first walked up to the waterfall, located northwest of the restaurant to get my drone out for a few pictures. After that, I walked back to the start of the Oeschinensee hike along the west-side of the restaurant.
Oeschinensee hike: stunning lakeside views
A trail that circumnavigates the lake, allowing you to soak in the panoramic vistas from various view points. For more adventurous hikers, ascending to the ridges above the lake provides stunning views of the entire Oeschinensee basin. Once you are halfway there, you can go for a little break while enjoying the views of the mountains and the 2-in-1 waterfall. The scenery does look a bit like you'd see in Iceland.
Don’t forget to wear hiking shoes, since you’ll be walking approximately 1.5 hours to get tot he midway viewpoint. The walk back is a bit easier and will take you approximately 55 minutes.
Other things to do at Oeschinensee
Immerse yourself in the pristine waters of Oeschinensee and enjoy a refreshing swim during the summer months. The lake's calm and clear waters make it a wonderful spot for taking a leisurely dip. You can also rent a rowboat or paddleboat to explore the lake at your own pace.
After an active day of exploring, treat yourself to a alpine meal at the charming restaurants near the lake. Try some traditional Swiss dishes, such as cheese fondue or rösti, while savoring the stunning views from the outdoor terraces. Alternatively, pack a picnic and find a peaceful spot along the lakeshore to enjoy a delightful meal with some nice views.
More things to do in the area!
