Oeschinensee
A stunning turquoise glacial lake nestled in the Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking hiking, boating, and panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Oeschinensee
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning turquoise glacial lake nestled in the Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking hiking, boating, and panoramic views.
"Most beautiful landscape I have been to ever. An absolute must!"
🎯 Gondola Up, Hike Down
Take the gondola up to save energy, then enjoy a scenic hike down to the lake.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating the trails, especially the Panorama Hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oeschinensee Lake
Main lake basin
A breathtaking turquoise glacial lake surrounded by dramatic alpine peaks. Pure magic!
Panorama Hike
Above the lake
This trail offers unparalleled, sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Boat Rentals
Lakeshore
Glide across the serene, crystal-clear waters for a unique perspective of the alpine scenery.
Alpine Coaster (Rodelbahn)
Near the gondola station
Experience an exhilarating ride down the mountain with stunning views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Footwear & Cash Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Gondola Up, Hike Down
Take the gondola up to save energy, then enjoy a scenic hike down to the lake.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating the trails, especially the Panorama Hike.
💰 Bring Cash for Cafes
Some smaller mountain huts and facilities only accept cash.
📸 Capture the Views
The Panorama Trail offers incredible photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Gondola Up, Hike Down
Take the gondola up to save energy, then enjoy a scenic hike down to the lake.
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for navigating the trails, especially the Panorama Hike.
💰 Bring Cash for Cafes
Some smaller mountain huts and facilities only accept cash.
📸 Capture the Views
The Panorama Trail offers incredible photo opportunities.
🛶 Rent a Boat
A must-do for a serene experience on the lake.
⏰ Go Early to Avoid Crowds
Beat the rush for a more peaceful experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Oeschinensee's breathtaking beauty, describing it as a truly magical and rewarding experience. The turquoise lake and surrounding alpine scenery are frequently highlighted as some of the most stunning landscapes encountered. While the hike can be challenging, the views are universally praised, and activities like boat rentals add to the memorable visit. Some find it crowded during peak times, and the uphill walk back can be strenuous.
"We loved visiting this lake — the view is absolutely superb, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Switzerland. There is a bit of walking involved at both parts of the journey: first, a short walk from Kandersteg to reach the cable car station, and then another easy hike at the top from the cable car to get to the lake itself. But the whole route is very scenic and very doable. Tickets for the cable car were super easy to purchase and everything was well-marked and convenient. Once you arrive at the lake, the turquoise water surrounded by dramatic mountains is just breathtaking. We took tons of photos and just enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. Truly worth the effort — highly recommended!"
Leonis Minoris
"(Late August) It's about a 20min walk from the train to the lift. At one point during the walk you have a beautiful view of the mountians while on large green grass field. The ride up the gondola is about 10mins. During peak time get to the gondola early. There's a nice simple food place when you first get up where you have amazing views of the mountians. Then it's a 20min all down hill walk to the gorgeous lake. There are a few different food options. Despite it being crowded there was enough room to have a spot to sit on the grass. Instead of walking back to the gondola, which would've taken us atleast 45mins since its all uphill, we decided to walk all the way down. It took us about 50mins to walk down and then 15 more mins of flat walking to get back to the train. There is also a free shuttle available that will take you from the gondolas down to the lake and back."
Jordan Temkin
"SO easy to get to the lake, if you're someone that can't or doesn't want to walk too much but still wants to see a very beautiful spot in Switzerland.. I think this location is perfect for you. They even provide a mini bus that goes up and down to the lake!"
Dilara Känel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Kandersteg train station, it's a short walk (about 20 minutes) to the Oeschinensee gondola. The gondola ride takes about 10 minutes and brings you close to the lake. Alternatively, you can hike directly from Kandersteg, which is more strenuous but offers beautiful views. +1
Yes, there is a free shuttle available that can take you from the gondola station down to the lake and back, which can be helpful for those who prefer not to walk the downhill path.
Private vehicles are generally not permitted directly to Oeschinensee. The recommended access is via the gondola from Kandersteg. Parking is available in Kandersteg.
Most hikers take the gondola up and then hike around the lake or on the Panorama Trail. Hiking up from Kandersteg is also an option for a more challenging start. +1
The journey from Kandersteg to the lake involves a short walk to the gondola, a 10-minute gondola ride, and then a 20-minute walk to the lake. Hiking up from Kandersteg can take around 1.5 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round trip on the gondola typically costs around CHF 32, but prices can vary. It's advisable to check the official Oeschinensee website for the most current pricing.
Tickets for the gondola can usually be purchased on-site. Booking in advance is generally not necessary unless you are part of a large group or visiting during an exceptionally busy period.
There is no direct entrance fee to access Oeschinensee Lake. The primary cost is for the gondola ride or any activities you choose to do, such as boat rentals.
The gondola operates seasonally, typically from late spring to autumn. The lake and surrounding trails are accessible during daylight hours, but it's best to check the gondola operating times as they dictate access.
Yes, Oeschinensee is accessible in winter and offers activities like ice fishing and skiing. However, hiking trails may be covered in snow, and access might be limited to specific winter paths.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Panorama Trail is highly recommended for its stunning views. Other trails offer varying difficulty levels, from easy walks around the lake to more challenging alpine paths. 
Swimming is permitted in Oeschinensee during the warmer months. The water is glacial and can be quite cold, even in summer.
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes near the gondola station and by the lake, offering food and drinks with beautiful views. Remember to bring cash for some smaller establishments. +1
The walk from the gondola to the lake is relatively easy and suitable for strollers. However, some of the higher hiking trails, like the Panorama Trail, are steep and narrow, making them unsuitable for strollers or very young children.
Activities include hiking, boat rentals, swimming (in summer), enjoying the alpine coaster (rodelbahn), and simply relaxing and taking in the scenery. In winter, you can enjoy ice fishing and skiing. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the lake's serene beauty. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light.
The Panorama Trail provides elevated viewpoints. The area around the lake itself, especially with the boats, and the reflections in the water are also popular.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for mountain details. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the blue of the water.
The viewpoints along the Panorama Trail are renowned for their breathtaking perspectives. The area near the mountain huts above the lake also offers spectacular photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main lake area is family-friendly, be cautious with the Panorama Trail if you have very young children or strollers, as it can be steep and narrow.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
The well-marked trails and the option to take the gondola up can make it accessible even for those traveling alone. Solo travelers can enjoy the serenity of the lake, perhaps with a boat rental for a peaceful solo paddle, or by finding a quiet spot to simply absorb the magnificent alpine surroundings.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The Panorama Trail is a must for capturing those iconic, sweeping shots of the lake from above. Early morning and late afternoon light (golden hour) are particularly magical for capturing the lake's vibrant colors and the surrounding peaks. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape and a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the water and sky.
The boat rentals also provide unique angles for photography from the water's surface. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails: Hiking at Oeschinensee
For a more relaxed experience, the path from the gondola station down to the lake is well-maintained and offers lovely scenery.
Alpine Paths and Safety
When planning your route, be aware of alpine paths, which can be more challenging and require greater caution. While marked on some maps, they might not always be obvious on navigation apps.
Experiencing Oeschinensee: Beyond the Hike
For a dose of adrenaline, the alpine coaster (rodelbahn) near the gondola station offers a thrilling ride down the mountain with spectacular views.
Dining with a View
Several restaurants and mountain huts are scattered around the lake and near the gondola station, offering a chance to refuel while enjoying the magnificent scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit