Hiking & nature

Hiking at Lake Oeschinen

Discover Lake Oeschinen: one of the finest mountain lakes in the Alps.

You can take the train from Bern or Brig to Kandersteg without changing trains. From there, you will reach Lake Oeschinen after a hike of about 1.5 hours. For a more leisurely variant, you can replace the ascent with a gondola ride. A walk of around 25 minutes will then take you from the mountain station to the mountain lake.

If you want to enjoy the unique view of the lake from above, we recommend the hike to Heuberg. The trail leads from the mountain station steeply uphill via Läger. This is a demanding hike, however, so is only suitable for those who are experienced and good with heights.

Lake Oeschinen is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is regarded by many as the most beautiful mountain lake in the Alps. Cosy mountain restaurants and comfortable spots are perfect for a relaxing break. If the water is too cold for a swim, you can hire a rowing boat and explore the lake that way. Or continue your walk on one of the many available routes.

Hiking tips

Mountain hike from Kandersteg to Lake Oeschinen

The hike begins at Kandersteg Railway Station. Walk out of the valley towards the Blümlisalp and cross the Oeschibach brook. Near the station of the gondola lift, the trail then leads steeply upwards to the Alp Oeschinen.

Key figures

Hiking route	Kandersteg–Lake Oeschinen
Distance	3 km
Elevation difference	382 m
Walking time	1 hour 30 minutes
Difficulty level	medium

Mountain hike over Mount Heuberg by Lake Oeschinen

This challenging walk begins by Oeschinen mountain station and initially takes you along a steep mountain slope towards Oberbärgli. The path is narrow and hemmed in by several brooks. It is vital to be sure-footed and free from vertigo. Good shoes are crucial. Along the way, there are breathtaking views of the fascinating mountainscape of the Swiss Alps to be enjoyed.

The descent from Oberbärgli to Unterbärgli is a real challenge! A steep path hewn into the mountainside leads down to the lake. The path back to the Oeschinen mountain station is then very comfortable by comparison.

Key figures

Hiking route	Oeschinen mountain station –Oberbärgli–Unterbärgli–Oeschinen mountain station
Distance	8.4 km
Elevation difference	492 hm
Walking time	3 hours 30 minutes
Difficulty level	medium

Hiking map with elevation profile

Availability

Hiking trails

Hike Kandersteg - Oeschinensee: Can be followed every day from May to October.
Hike Heuberg and walk through the Hohtürli Pass: From mid-May / early June daily accessible. Please inform yourself in advance about the accessibility of the hiking trails.

Gondola cableway

9 May to 14 June 2024: 8.30 – 18.00 hours
15 June to 15 September 2024: 8.30 – 18.00 hours
16 September to 27 October 2024: 8.30 – 17.00 hours

Restaurants

The restaurants are open during the operating times of the gondola cableway.

Subject to change without prior notice

Rates

CHF 24.00 Adults, one-way
CHF 32.00 Adults, return
CHF 12.00 Children (6–15.99 years ) / Half-Fare / GA, one-way
CHF 16.00 Children (6–15.99 years ) / Half-Fare / GA, return

The Junior Travelcard is valid on gondola lift rides when accompanied by a parent. Please present/exchange at the ticket office.

Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration

MagicBlue Kandersteg

Visit the three most popular excursion destinations in the Kandersteg region with the MagicBlue Pass and benefit from an attractive price reduction.

Lake Oeschinen
Arvenseeli on Sunnbüel
Allmenalp

BLS suggestion

Grill Bag To Go

Without planning, thinking, packing, and carrying... Switch things up a bit, leave your backpack at home, and conveniently order your takeaway meal while on the go. All you need to do is pick up your pre-ordered delicacies at the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant.

CHF 37.00 Barbecue

Included in the price:

Firewood / eco grill bag
Bernese Oberland Bratwurst (veal/pork) or veggie sausage
Homemade bread
Mixed salad
Chips, tomatoes, mustard, etc.
Oeschi water

Order your barbecue on the day of arrival by 10.30 a.m. at the latest directly on site at Berghotel Oeschinensee or at

Pre-order barbecue

Prices are subject to change

Take the UNESCO electric bus to the Oeschinensee mountain lake

If you want to take a detour to Oeschinen Lake between toboggan rides or are tired after a long hike, you can take the environmentally friendly electric bus to the lake and back in comfort.