Oeschinensee is a gorgeous alpine lake surrounded by tall mountain peaks. It’s easy to reach the lake with a gondola ride, then easy 30 min walk on a wide dirt path.

Trail stats: easy • 1h30 • 4 km round trip • 110m up and down • See trail map

Open: mid May thru October

Conditions: trail status • webcams • weather

At the lakeshore, you’ll find picnic areas, restaurants, and even row boats to rent. Near the gondola station, there is a summer toboggan ride. This is a great option for casual walkers and families with small children.

➡️Learn more on SwissFamilyFun.com

If you like to hike, we suggest also doing the spectacular panorama trail that traverses the mountain above the lake.

How to get there

This is a loop trail starting and ending at the top of the Kandersteg-Oeschinensee gondola.

Address: Oeschistrasse 50, 3718 Kandersteg. Metered parking next to gondola.

Trail station: Kandersteg, Bahnhof station, about 1h15 from Interlaken. Then a 15 min walk to the gondola station. Follow the signs and other people walking there.

Tickets

❗Note: starting summer 2025, you can reserve a timeslot for the Oeschinensee gondola. Check website for details.

To reach the trail, you'll need a return ticket on the Kandersteg-Oeschinensee gondola. See website for current prices.

It's best to purchase tickets online before your visit to avoid longer waits. You can also purchase them onsite at a machine and ticket office.

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

Trail description

From the top of the gondola, follow signs to Oeschinensee, starting on a wide dirt service road.

If you have a stroller or limited mobility, best to stay on the service road all the way to the lake.

If you prefer a quieter trail, you can branch onto a footpath that wanders through the forest and descends on some switchbacks before reaching the lakeshore. See map on Komoot.

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

💡Tip: If you prefer not to walk to the lake, you can pay to ride a little shuttle bus to the lakeshore or back. The shuttle gives priority to those with reduced mobility. It can accommodate wheelchair users.