Oeschinensee is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Switzerland, a sheet of turquoise water at around 1,580 metres beneath a ring of sheer cliffs and the glaciers of the Blüemlisalp, high above the village of Kandersteg. It lies within the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage area. From Kandersteg, a gondola lifts you to the upper station, from which a broad path leads down to the lakeshore in around twenty to thirty minutes. Around the lake you can walk, picnic, row a boat in summer, swim if you are brave, or take a ride on the summer toboggan run near the gondola station. Experienced walkers can follow the higher panorama trail above the lake for spectacular views. It is about an hour from Interlaken by train or car.
Walking options
The easy route from the gondola station to the lake follows a gently descending track, suitable for most visitors, with a mountain restaurant and hotel at the lakeshore. The panorama trail, which climbs above the north shore to Heuberg and descends again, is steeper and narrower and takes around two to three hours, with some exposed sections, so it is for sure-footed walkers in good weather. You can also walk up or down between Kandersteg and the lake without the gondola, a climb of around an hour and a half.
Seasons
The gondola runs in summer and autumn and again in winter, with short breaks between seasons, so check the timetable. In summer the lake is at its most vivid, with rowing boats for hire. In winter it often freezes and becomes a place for winter walking, ice fishing and occasional skating when conditions allow. The lake is extremely popular on fine summer weekends, and group reservations have been introduced, so go early in the day or on a weekday.
Getting there from Interlaken
Take the train via Spiez to Kandersteg, around an hour, then walk or take a short bus to the gondola station. By car it is a similar time, with parking at the gondola. Half-day tours from the Interlaken area are also available. Bring layers, sun protection and sturdy shoes, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly, and plan for the walk back up from the lake to the gondola.
What to expect
The experience
A gondola ride and easy walk to a turquoise mountain lake beneath cliffs and glaciers, with optional rowing, a toboggan run and a higher panorama trail.
Best time
Early on a clear summer or autumn weekday, before the crowds.
How long
A half day from Interlaken, longer with the panorama trail.
Tips
Check gondola timetables, go early on fine days, wear sturdy shoes and leave the panorama trail for good weather and sure feet.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want one of the Alps' most beautiful lakes with little effort.
- Families
- Good, with an easy path to the lake, boats and a summer toboggan run.
- Couples
- Row across the lake, then lunch at the lakeshore restaurant.
- Pair with
- The Blausee nature park or Spiez on Lake Thun.
- Time needed
- Half a day or more.
Good questions
How do I get to Oeschinensee from Interlaken?+
By train via Spiez to Kandersteg in about an hour, then the gondola and a short walk.
How long is the walk from the gondola to the lake?+
About twenty to thirty minutes on a gentle track.
Can you swim in the lake?+
Some people do in summer, but the water is very cold.
Does the gondola run in winter?+
Yes, there is a winter season, with short breaks between seasons; check the timetable.
Is it busy?+
Very busy on fine summer weekends, so go early or on a weekday.
