Oeschinensee is a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by tall mountain peaks. Because of the relative low elevation, this area tends to be snow free longer, thus a good choice for fall hiking.

Also, it's one of the few mountain areas in the Bernese Oberland that has golden larch trees that turn yellow (most are in the southern parts of Switzerland like Valais and St Moritz).

Open: gondola open through 9 Nov 2025 • check status

Trail: easy • 1h30 • 4 km round trip • 110m up and down • trail map
Highest elevation 1680m

Conditions: trail status • webcams • weather

How to get there

Address: Kandersteg gondola - Oeschistrasse 50, 3718 Kandersteg. Metered parking next to gondola.

Trail station: Kandersteg, Bahnhof 

From the top of the cable car, it's about a 40 min walk to the lake where you can see the golden larch trees. If there's no snow, you can do the longer Panorama trail above the lake.

There is a restaurant near the lake, best to reserve on weekends. We usually picnic and build a fire on cold days. Kids will enjoy the alpine slide near the cable car.

Tickets

❗Note: best to buy gondola tickets in advance and reserve a timeslot.

You'll need a return ticket on the Kandersteg-Oeschinensee gondola. See website for current prices.

Free with Berner Oberland Pass in 2025 (no longer in 2026). Discount 50% for Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare Card, and GA

➡️Learn more about Oeschinensee on SwissFamilyFun.com