Our favorite way to enjoy the beautiful Oeschinensee lake is on the panorama trail that traverses the mountain above the lake, giving a bird’s eye view. It’s one of our favorite hikes in Switzerland that we do often with our own family and friends.

The trail is a narrow, rocky, dirt mountain trail with uneven terrain, fun for those who like hiking. Some of the trail has steep slopes dropping off to one side with no safety rail. So best for adults and children 7+ with hiking experience and no fear of heights.

Tip: If this hike sounds too hard, don't worry. You can walk from the gondola directly to the lake on easy wide dirt path, only about 40 mins.

Panorama Trail

This is a loop trail starting and ending at the top of the Kandersteg gondola. The trail heads up the mountain and skirts under the peaks, past many waterfalls, with views of the lake below.

Trail stats: Moderate • 3.5 h • 8.5 km • 430m up and down
See trail map

Open: usually late May through October

At the halfway point, you reach a small mountain hut, selling drinks and snacks but not full meals. Then the trail heads back down to the lake on rocky switchbacks.

When you reach the lake shore, you'll find fire pits, a sculpture garden, lots of places to lounge and restaurants a bit further up the the path.

• Learn more in our Oeschinensee Panorama Trail article.

How to get there

The Oeschinensee gondola is located at Oeschistrasse 50, 3718 Kandersteg. There is metered parking next to the gondola station.

The nearest train station is Kandersteg, Bahnhof station, about 1h15 from Interlaken. From the train station, it’s about 15 min walk to the gondola station. Simply follow the signs and other people walking there.

Tickets

In 2024, a return ticket on the Kandersteg-Oeschinensee gondola costs CHF 32/adult, CHF 16/child aged 6-15, under age 6 free. Dogs need a ticket for CHF 5. See website for current prices.

Free with Berner Oberland Pass. Discount 50% for Swiss Travel Pass, GA, Half Fare travelcards.