Oeschinen Lake
Oeschinen Lake
4.5
About
Oeschinensee is accessible by foot from Kandersteg within 1.5 hours. The cable car operates in summer and winter season daily from mornings till evenings - non stop. In summer enjoy swimming in the lake, boat rides on the blue and clear water or just have fun with the toboggan run at the top station of the cable car. Several hotels around the lake offer rooms in summer. Restaurants are open in winter and summer. The region belongs to the Unesco heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.5
779 reviews
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Dannielle W
Southampton, UK111 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Absolutely beautiful place and one of the highlights of our family holiday (husband and I, and two boys) to Switzerland. We drove and parked in the car park at the bottom (seemed to be quite a lot of parking available).
We took the gondola up to the top and then had 3 rides on the mountain rollercoaster (right next to the station at the top). You control the speed, so it's not scary and we took our toddler on one of the goes.
We then did the 30ish minutes walk to the lake. It was gravel surface, so a bit bumpy, but I'd say pushchair friendly (we took ours which only has small wheels and it was fine). The walk is hilly, but manageable and we got there and back without too much complaining from our 6 year old.
When you arrive you are treated to the most stunning views of the lake - it looks like an actual postcard.
We ate at the restaurant. Food was okay and the portions were large, but we paid about 70 for 2 adults meals, 1 kids meal + 2 drinks. If I went again I'd take a picnic. We didn't eat out much during our time in Switzerland.
We went paddling in the lake and although a little cool, it was much warmer than Lake Bachalpsee where we had been a few days before. I really regret not taking our swim stuff as we would have loved to go for a proper swim.
We then walked back to the gondola station. They had a cafe there, so we stopped for a refreshing drink with more lovely views before getting the gondola back down. I had a frozen iced coffee which was absolutely delicious (perfect level of sweetness) and I thought the price was reasonable (4 CHF). I'd love to go back purely for that drink!
We dropped our stuff back at the car and retrieved our swim stuff before an easy ten minute walk to Kandersteg outdoor pool and enjoyed more pretty views along the way. Really recommend!
We took the gondola up to the top and then had 3 rides on the mountain rollercoaster (right next to the station at the top). You control the speed, so it's not scary and we took our toddler on one of the goes.
We then did the 30ish minutes walk to the lake. It was gravel surface, so a bit bumpy, but I'd say pushchair friendly (we took ours which only has small wheels and it was fine). The walk is hilly, but manageable and we got there and back without too much complaining from our 6 year old.
When you arrive you are treated to the most stunning views of the lake - it looks like an actual postcard.
We ate at the restaurant. Food was okay and the portions were large, but we paid about 70 for 2 adults meals, 1 kids meal + 2 drinks. If I went again I'd take a picnic. We didn't eat out much during our time in Switzerland.
We went paddling in the lake and although a little cool, it was much warmer than Lake Bachalpsee where we had been a few days before. I really regret not taking our swim stuff as we would have loved to go for a proper swim.
We then walked back to the gondola station. They had a cafe there, so we stopped for a refreshing drink with more lovely views before getting the gondola back down. I had a frozen iced coffee which was absolutely delicious (perfect level of sweetness) and I thought the price was reasonable (4 CHF). I'd love to go back purely for that drink!
We dropped our stuff back at the car and retrieved our swim stuff before an easy ten minute walk to Kandersteg outdoor pool and enjoyed more pretty views along the way. Really recommend!
Written August 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BienZh
Zurich, Switzerland1,339 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
A beautiful lake, which is of course well visited. We were there early and there weren't that many people. It's completely understandable that many tourists want to visit this natural beauty and you shouldn't be annoyed by the crowds.
I thought it was great that there were lots of trash cans, toilets and information about how to behave.
Simply beautiful nature.
I thought it was great that there were lots of trash cans, toilets and information about how to behave.
Simply beautiful nature.
Written June 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris_KO
Koblenz, Germany3,750 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Even the cable car ride up the mountain offers spectacular views. Once at the top, you can either walk to the lake or use a shuttle (10 Fr. per way). If you walk, you can enjoy the view on the easy-to-walk, approximately 2 km long path. The lake itself is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Crystal clear water in a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Swimming in the lake is possible in summer. Of course, you are not alone in such a beautiful place, sometimes it is quite crowded. Four restaurants are available on the way for refreshment. There are toilets at the mountain station and at the lake.
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Written August 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
samzam15
Sydney, Australia136 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
This was a pretty magical lake. To get their you need to get a train to Kandersteg. Then it's a 10 min walk through the town and out to bottom of mountain. Then a gondola to the top which costs CHF90. With Swiss Travel Pass you get 50% discount. Once at the top it is a 30 min walk downhill to the lake. When we went there were low clouds so lake was misty. The 30 min walk uphill on the way back is tough. We noted a bus going up and down so maybe that is a paid option. Nice walk down through cows with cow bells. Would recommend the visit to the lake although our experience wasn't as good due to weather. Cafe and toilets at lake. Once back at the top, gondola down, then walk back into town. Coop supermarket for refreshments and some pubs and cafes if you want to sit down.
Written July 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie P
Rolle, Switzerland138 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
A breathtaking panorama! The ultimate Instagrammable spot!! Several hiking trails are possible, with optional access by cable car. But ideally take the Heuberg panoramic trail (4 hours of walking, walking required!) from the village of Kandersteg for spectacular views! We were 3 women and we took advantage of the streams at the beginning of September to cool off and an unforgettable swim in the lake...
Written April 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VirginiaP
Montpellier, France82 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Beautiful and absolutely worth the effort! We hiked up from the parking (3.5km from parking to lake) with our dog, which was relatively easy for us. We spent most of the day hiking higher into the hills and then returned for late lunch and ice cream at the restaurant. It's very doable for kids and anyone with a base level of fitness and no major mobility issues to make the full trek, although I'd probably not take a stroller/pram on the parking lot hike (take the cable car instead). Very dog-friendly and our pup had a lot of fun swimming in the lake, saying hello to people and rolling in the grass.
Written August 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ondřej L
Liberec Region, Czech Republic111 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We were there in 2022. Oeschinen Lake is absolutely stunning, surrounded by breathtaking nature and crystal-clear waters. The scenery is picturesque, with towering mountains framing the lake, and the water is perfect for swimming. It’s a refreshing and serene spot, ideal for anyone looking to enjoy Switzerland’s natural beauty at its finest.
Written November 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Swissdiver
Geneva, Switzerland7,803 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Hiking around the lake in currently impossible. But there is beautiful way that starts along the lake before going up on the left (400m elevation gain) and coming back above it, offering incredible panoramas (see pictures). This is what I did, with an incredible pleasure. Mind this is a T2 hike, requiring some experience and the appropriate gear.
Written November 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Svenja D
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
A beautiful trip. By train up, even disabled and elderly people can easily reach the lake. Although the ascent is said to be family-friendly, it is very strenuous and far and recommended only for sturdy footwear. You better go up there and walk up there with the kids.
At 32 degrees, many have forced their completely exhausted dogs to climb, the poor animals! Better leave these at home. There are hardly any shadows.
At 32 degrees, many have forced their completely exhausted dogs to climb, the poor animals! Better leave these at home. There are hardly any shadows.
Automatically translated
Written August 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lilli
116 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Absolutely stunning! The lake is visible from multiple viewpoints, all of which are beautiful. There are many options for trails to take, making it easy to get around. Also, small boat rentals and a small alpine slide! Accessible by train (take to Kandersteg station), then short walk to cable car, then a little bit of a longer walk to the lake. There are a couple of restaurants up there as well. We went mid-May and waited for a sunny day to go. The trails were mostly dry even though it had rained the day before! This was definitely the highlight of our trip. Even the walk to the cable car was breathtaking. Definitely take the time to do this if you’re a nature lover!
Written May 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it worth travelling to this lake in late March? Appreciate the gondola will be closed but assume it’s still accessible by foot? Is it worth the trek?
Written January 12, 2025
Hi! If the gondola is closed during end March, is there any shuttle bus that is available to take us to Oeschinen Lake? As we are traveling to Switzerland only during that period and would love to head to the lake , also is the row boat open during that period? Thank you
Written February 12, 2024
Hi I’m planning a trip to Switzerland-with kdis and super stuck in itenarary .. would appreciate a local or expert who travelled and can guide how to cover all of below:
Zurrich
Rheinfalls (I don’t know if it’s really worthy)
Mount pilatus
Titlis
Kandersteg for that oeschanniese slide and lake
Jungfrau
Gonderwald
I have 7 days for all of thsi n then need to head to Milan so ky last station should be accessible for heading ahead .. kindly get back quick guide
Written April 4, 2022
Bonjour à tous 😊 j’aimerais faire cette randonnée ce week-end avec ma copine, est elle accessible en novembre??
Merci à tous pour vos réponse
Written November 19, 2020
Je pense que le téléphérique est maintenant fermé. Il doit déjà y avoir de la neige créant un risque sur la montée.
Written November 20, 2020
Bonjour, comment est le lac fin Octobre ? J'aimerais y aller aux alentours du 20 octobre, est-ce une bonne idée ? Merci pour vos conseils.
Written August 31, 2020
En octobre, je ne sais pas, car je n'y étais que récemment.
Written September 1, 2020
Are you allowed to bring your own paddle board? We have inflatable ones. Thanks!
Written July 18, 2020
Unfortunatelly this is not possible and dagerous due to the very low water temperatures. There are legal restirictions, private boating such as SUP are not allowed.
Written July 19, 2020
Bonjour
Est ce que cest ouvert avec la crise du covid ? Est ce que les télécabine et la navette sont disponibles?
Written July 1, 2020
Do you need to secure a boat rental in advance? Or is this available upon arrival? I’m interested in a canoe, kayak or row boat.
Written June 15, 2020
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