Oeschinensee Cable Car Kandersteg
A breathtaking turquoise alpine lake in Switzerland, accessible by cable car and surrounded by dramatic peaks. Perfect for hiking and scenic adventure...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer skies
Oeschinensee Cable Car Kandersteg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer skies
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking turquoise alpine lake in Switzerland, accessible by cable car and surrounded by dramatic peaks. Perfect for hiking and scenic adventures.
"This has to be the prettiest place I've ever been!!"
🎟️ Book Cable Car Online
Save time by booking your cable car tickets online in advance, especially during peak summer season.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Wear good hiking shoes, as some trails can be steep and uneven, even after the cable car.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oeschinensee Lake
Kandersteg
A breathtaking turquoise alpine lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs and peaks. Pure Swiss magic!
Panorama Trail Hike
Oeschinensee
Epic 4.5-mile hike offering stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Alps.
Summer Toboggan Run
Top of the cable car
Thrill-seekers can enjoy a fun, scenic ride down the mountain on this summer toboggan.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cable Car & Hike Timing
Trail Difficulty & Preparation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Cable Car Online
Save time by booking your cable car tickets online in advance, especially during peak summer season.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Wear good hiking shoes, as some trails can be steep and uneven, even after the cable car.
🧥 Pack Layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable; bring a jacket even in summer as conditions can change quickly.
💰 Bring Cash
Some mountain huts and services may prefer cash, so it's good to have some on hand.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Cable Car Online
Save time by booking your cable car tickets online in advance, especially during peak summer season.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Wear good hiking shoes, as some trails can be steep and uneven, even after the cable car.
🧥 Pack Layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable; bring a jacket even in summer as conditions can change quickly.
💰 Bring Cash
Some mountain huts and services may prefer cash, so it's good to have some on hand.
⏰ Toboggan Timing
The toboggan ride has specific hours and isn't a continuous loop; plan your visit accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Oeschinensee's breathtaking beauty, calling it one of the most stunning places they've ever seen. The turquoise lake and surrounding Alps are universally praised. However, some find certain trails steep and challenging, and timing for activities like the toboggan run requires careful planning.
"This has to be the prettiest place I've ever been!! We hiked from the cable car car park up to the lake and then up to the north of the lake and looped around. Word of warning if you are doing the full hike the descent to the north was sketch in places and isnt for the faint hearted"
Matt Perrin
"Definitely worth the money! The hike starts at the top of the gondola. We went during holiday season and we didn’t wait in line. We got our tickets ahead of time and the process was very efficient."
McKenzie and Matthew Davidson
"Know before you go!
Look at the yellow lines on the map picture. They represent the walking time. So, from Google maps we saw that the toboggan ride was open until 5. We arrived at the bottom of the lift at 4:20 thinking it would be enough time to ride up and ride the toboggan. It's not. Because the toboggan ride is not back to the base, it starts and ends at the lift. In other words, you need to plan on taking the lift up AND down to do anything at the lake, and it's a 25 minute walk from the top of the lift to the lake itself and the row boats."
Jessica Ellett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Zurich, take a train to Kandersteg (approx. 2.5 hours with 1-2 changes). From the Kandersteg train station, it's a short walk to the Kandersteg-Oeschinen cable car station.
Yes, from Kandersteg train station, you can take a short bus ride (e.g., bus 242) to the Kandersteg Talstat Oeschinensee, which is the cable car station.
You can drive to Kandersteg. From Kandersteg, you'll need to take the cable car up to access the lake area.
Take a train from Interlaken to Kandersteg (with a change at Spiez), then a short bus ride to the cable car station.
Yes, you can hike from the train station, but it adds significant elevation gain (around 1,400 ft) and distance, making it a more strenuous option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round-trip cable car ticket is approximately CHF 40, though prices can vary slightly by season. Discounts may be available with passes like the Swiss Pass. 
Yes, it's highly recommended to book your cable car boarding pass online in advance, especially during the peak summer season, to avoid queues.
Yes, discounts may be available for certain passes, such as the Swiss Pass. It's advisable to check for current offers before your visit.
The lake itself is a natural attraction and does not have an entrance fee. The costs are associated with the cable car and any activities like the toboggan run.
Operating hours can vary by season. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date information, especially for the toboggan run which has specific operating times.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk from the upper cable car station to the lake is generally easy and well-marked, taking about 25-30 minutes through meadows and forests.
Yes, while the path to the lake is easy, some loop trails around the lake can be steep and challenging, and not for the faint-hearted.
Swimming is possible in the lake on warmer days, and there are spots for picnics.
Besides hiking, you can enjoy the summer toboggan run, rent rowboats on the lake, and relax at mountain restaurants. +1
Yes, an electric shuttle service is available from the upper cable car station to the lake for CHF 10 one way, if you prefer not to walk.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are mountain restaurants located near the lake where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with a view.
Absolutely! There are peaceful spots around the lake perfect for a picnic, especially if you venture beyond the main restaurant areas.
While many places accept cards, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or in case of any issues.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning often provides the best light and fewer crowds for capturing the stunning turquoise waters and surrounding peaks.
The viewpoints along the Panorama Trail offer incredible perspectives. The lake itself, with its vibrant color against the mountains, is the main subject.
Drone regulations can be strict in Switzerland. It's essential to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the lake, families can enjoy renting rowboats, having a picnic, or letting kids try the thrilling summer toboggan run (ensure you check age/height restrictions). The mountain restaurants offer kid-friendly meal options. Consider the electric shuttle if little legs get tired on the walk to the lake.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for potential discounts on the cable car if you have a Swiss Pass or other travel cards.
Focusing on the free activities like hiking and enjoying the natural beauty will provide an incredible experience without breaking the bank.🚶 Solo Travelers
You can enjoy the peace and quiet of the lake, take stunning photos, and challenge yourself on the more demanding hikes. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails: From Easy Strolls to Challenging Hikes
For more adventurous visitors, the Panorama Trail is highly recommended. This 4.5-mile hike provides breathtaking, expansive views of the lake and the surrounding Bernese Alps. It involves significant elevation gain and can be rated as 'hard' on platforms like AllTrails.
It's crucial to be aware of alpine paths, which can be more exposed and challenging. While some routes are clearly marked, it's wise to consult detailed trail maps or apps like Komoot and be prepared for varied terrain. Always check weather forecasts and wear appropriate footwear.
The Oeschinensee Toboggan Run: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure
It's important to understand how the toboggan run operates. Unlike some other attractions, it starts and ends at the same point near the cable car station, meaning you need to take the cable car up and down if you want to experience the toboggan and also visit the lake.
Pro-tip: Check the operating hours for the toboggan run in advance, as they are specific and may not align with the cable car's closing times. Arriving too late might mean missing out on this unique alpine experience.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Oeschinensee
The Panorama Trail offers some of the most iconic viewpoints, allowing you to capture the lake's stunning color from elevated perspectives. Early morning light is often best for photography, providing softer illumination and fewer crowds, which makes for clearer shots.
Beyond the main viewpoints, explore the trails around the lake for different angles and compositions. The reflections on the water, the dramatic cliffs, and the surrounding alpine meadows all contribute to the picturesque scenery. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape and a telephoto lens for details of the peaks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit