Oeschinen Lake (Oeschinensee)

A turquoise UNESCO World Heritage mountain lake at 1,578 m above Kandersteg, ringed by the Blüemlisalp peaks. A gondola plus a short walk reach the shore, where rowing boats, trails and a summer toboggan run await.

Opening hours

Gondola (Kandersteg–Oeschinensee):Summer (9 May–20 Sep): daily 08:30–18:00Autumn (21 Sep–8 Nov): daily 08:30–17:00Winter (5 Dec–7 Mar): daily 09:00–17:00Mountain coaster: daily 09:15–17:15 (weather permitting)

Price

Gondola return varies by season; 50% with Swiss Travel Pass / GA / Half Fare Card

Getting there

Train to Kandersteg, then the Oeschinensee gondola; ~30-min walk from the top station to the lake

Highlights

• Turquoise glacial lake
• Panorama / Blüemlisalp hiking loop
• Rowing boats and summer toboggan run

Beautiful turquoise alpine lake — cable car from Kandersteg + 25 min walk OeschinenseeCable car : ‘In operation’ Daily 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. mountain coaster: ‘Open’ Daily 9:15 AM–5:15 PM (weather permitting) Oeschinensee Mountain Restaurant Oeschinensee on the lakeshore): Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (self-service) Chalet Arva Hotel and Restaurant: Open in June – Wednesday through Sunday (hotel and restaurant) Rowing Boats: ‘Open’ Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Electric Taxi: ‘In Service’ 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. Limited capacity; priority given to people with disabilities. Hiking trail (A)Oeschinensee: ‘Open’ Approx. 90 min. Challenging trail (450 m elevation gain), hiking boots recommended, not suitable for strollers Hiking trail (C) UpperOeschinensee ): ‘Open’ Approx. 25 min. Suitable for strollers Hiking trail (D)Oeschinensee Läger: ‘Open’ Approx. 35 min. Suitable for strollers Hiking trail (K) along the shore of Oeschinensee: ‘Open’ Approx. 10 minutes Suitable for strollers Mountain Hiking Trail (G) Läger–Heuberg–Oberbärgli: ‘Open’ Approx. 1 hr 15 min. Proper gear, hiking boots, and mountain hiking experience recommended! mountain coaster: ‘Open’ Daily 9:15 AM–5:15 PM (weather permitting)