Oeschinensee is a bright blue alpine lake set below steep mountain walls. It's one of the most photographed spots in Switzerland, for good reason.
Despite the popularity, we still recommend visiting, as the beauty is very unique. If possible, visit on a weekday, early in the day to avoid the worst crowds.
⚠️Best to book gondola tickets a few days in advance. You will select a timeslot for boarding.
Location: Kandersteg gondola - Oeschistrasse 50, 3718 Kandersteg.
Open: mid May thru October
Trail: easy • 1h15 round trip • 4 km round trip • 110m up and down • trail map
Conditions: trail status • webcams • weather
What to expect
It’s easy to reach the lake with a gondola ride, then easy 30 min walk on a wide dirt path. This is a great option for casual walkers and families with small children.
💡SHUTTLE: For those with reduced mobility, there is a shuttle bus that travels between the gondola and lake, for a fee. It can accommodate wheelchair users. Anyone can use it, but the shuttle gives priority to those with reduced mobility.
At the lakeshore, you’ll find picnic areas, restaurants, and row boats to rent.
Near the gondola station, there is a summer toboggan ride.
If you like to hike, we suggest also doing the spectacular panorama trail that traverses the mountain above the lake.
➡️Learn more on SwissFamilyFun.com
How to get there
Most people access the lake via the Kandersteg-Oeschinensee gondola, then 30 min to the lake shore. You can skip the gondola with this trail.
By public transport: Kandersteg train station. Then bus or a 15 min walk to the gondola station. The bus doesn't run very often, so usually we have to walk. Bus stop Kandersteg (Talst. Oeschinensee).
To Kandersteg from: Interlaken 1h11 • Zürich 2h36 • Luzern 2h43
By car: Metered parking next to gondola. Oeschistrasse 50, 3718 Kandersteg.
Tickets
To reach the trail, you'll need a return ticket on the Kandersteg-Oeschinensee gondola. See current prices.
⚠️Best to book tickets a few days in advance. You will select a timeslot for boarding.
You can also purchase ticket onsite at a machine and ticket office, but you have have longer wait times.
Discount 50% with Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare Card, and GA.
Trail description
From the top of the gondola, follow signs to Oeschinensee, starting on a wide dirt service road.
If you have a stroller or limited mobility, best to stay on the service road all the way to the lake.
If you prefer a quieter trail, you can fork left onto a footpath that wanders through the forest before descending on some switchbacks to the lakeshore picnic area. See map on Komoot.
When you reach the lake, you'll find fire pits, a sculpture garden, lots of places to lounge and restaurants a bit further up the the path.
