Oeschinensee, nestled in the Bernese Alps near Kandersteg, is a stunning turquoise gem surrounded by majestic mountains. Accessible by cable car or a scenic hike, this picturesque spot offers activities like hiking, swimming in icy blue waters, boating, fishing for trout, With breathtaking views and plenty of outdoor adventures, this is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Oeschinen Lake is accessible via a cable car from Kandersteg. Assuming you are coming from Interlaken Ost, you will take a train till Spiez, then do a transfer to Kandersteg.

I highly recommend opting for the cable car rather than hiking to the lake, as it will save you a significant amount of time and energy. The hike is notably steep, and taking the cable car allows you to allocate your resources for exploring the most picturesque areas.

Ticket prices:

• The round-trip ticket for the gondola costs 30 CHF for adults and 15 CHF for children aged 6 and above.

• For the most current rates and operating hours, refer to the website here

• If you possess the Swiss Travel Pass, you are entitled to a 50% discount.

• Pro tip: If you're staying in Kandersteg, inquire about a 'guest card' at your accommodation, which offers a slight reduction on the cable car fare.

Upon reaching the top cable car station, there's a small electric bus available for transport to Oeschinen Lake. While this service comes at an additional cost and the walk is only 20 minutes, it's an excellent option for individuals with limited mobility seeking to experience the beauty of Oeschinen Lake.

What to do at Oeschinensee:

• If you are just a beginner, your best option is to hang around the lake. You can simply walk along the shores of the lake, rent a rowing boat, or have lunch or adrink at one of the restaurants enjoying the most spectacular views around you.

• In summer (From May to October) there is also an alpine coaster open, and it is very fun! It costs 6 CHF for a single ride. You can buy your ticket for mountain coaster online here and use the QR code on your mobile phone to go directly through the turnstile to mountain coaster.

• For outdoor adventure seekers and intermediate hiker, you should definitely do the Oeschinensee Panorama Hike. Please read this detailed blog article here for more information about the hiking route. You should factor in 3.5 to 5 hours for this hike, so this would already take up your entire day, so if you plan to do this hike, make this your single activity for the day. Note that this hike is NOT EASY, and is steep at certain parts, but highly worth it because the views are insanely beautiful, and I daresay one of the most beautiful in the region.