#Magic

WINTER AM OESCHINENSEE

Arrive, recharge your batteries, experience, breathe, calm down, enjoy - feel nature.

Welcome to the winter recreation area on Oeschinensee! Experience magical moments and enjoy the unique winter conditions. The Oeschinensee has everything to make the hearts of winter sports and nature enthusiasts beat faster - whether winter hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding or ice fishing. The Oeschiland beginners' park offers plenty of variety, fun and exercise, especially for children.

INFOBOX

Cable car Kandersteg-Oeschinensee The Cable car is open daily from 09:00 - 17:00.
Oeschiland open - all Installations and attractions in operation - 09:15 to 16:30
Ice fishing open from 09:00 to 16:00 - Note: no downhill run with the sledge possible - 17:00 last run Cable car or use the snowshoe trail (A)
Snowshoe trail (A) valley station - Oeschinensee open - hiking time approx. 90 min. - the winter hiking trail to Oeschinensee is only accessible with snowshoes - no hiking trail to Oeschinensee!
Ice Walk (L) open - 9:00 to 16:00 - good winter shoes recommended
Enter Oeschinensee: Danger level 1 - enter at your own risk from 9.00 to 16.00 hrs

Cable car timetable:

  • Until March 16, 2025, open from 09:00-17:00.
  • Closed from March 17, 2025 to May 9, 2025.
  • Summer operation incl. mountain coaster from May 10, 2025.

ICE FISHING

THE OESCHINENSEE IS OPEN FOR ICE FISHING.
OPEN

WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

For magical winter experiences.

ON FOOT

Come for the hike.

CULINARY DELIGHTS IN THE REGION

With delicious offers in a breathtaking mountain setting.

magical experiences

No award symbolizes sustainability as impressively as UNESCO World Heritage status. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Lake Oeschinen. Whether hiking, skiing and snowboarding, family adventures, culinary delights or marveling at the majestic Blüemlisalp massif - unforgettable experiences await you. Discover the wide range of activities and let yourself be enchanted by the unique magic of Lake Oeschinen.

LEARN MORE

Arrive, feel nature.

Off to new adventures.
LEARN MORE
Summit for families.
LEARN MORE
Tobogganing fun
LEARN MORE
Rowboats
LEARN MORE
Hikes & Tours
LEARN MORE
Fireplaces
LEARN MORE
Good time place in Chalet Arva
LEARN MORE

OPERATING INFORMATION

Up-to-date, live and compact.

Operation Cable car

Cable car Kandersteg-Oeschinensee The Cable car is open daily from 09:00 - 17:00.

Ski lifts
Bire ski lift open - 09:15 to 16:30 - slope check 16:45
Wittenen ski lift open - 09:30 to 16:15 - slope check 16:45

Beginners' paradise Oeschiland
Oeschiland open - all Installations and attractions in operation - 09:15 to 16:30

sledge run open in Oeschiland

Oeschipark - Snowpark open for beginners - 09:15 to 16:15

Slopes

Piste 1 (blue) closed - due to natural hazards, the piste down the valley will remain closed for winter 2024/25.
Piste 2 Bire (blue) open
Piste 3 Wittenen (red) open
Piste 4 mountain station-Bire (blue) open

Runway 5 warehouse (blue) closed

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country ski trail Oeschinensee - open - skating and classic - condition: good


Short toboggan run to the Oeschinensee

sledge run 6 Mountain station open to Oeschinensee , return on foot 30 minutes

Ice fishing open from 09:00 to 16:00 - Note: no downhill run with the sledge possible - 17:00 last run Cable car or use the snowshoe trail (A)

Ice Walk (L) open - 9:00 to 16:00 - good winter shoes recommended

Enter Oeschinensee: Danger level 1 - enter at your own risk from 9.00 to 16.00 hrs


Restaurant Bergstübli (mountain station) - open from 09:00 to 16:00
Restaurant Oeschinensee - open, 09.30 - 16 h
Cafebar at Oeschinensee - closed
  • Guest service : daily from 08:30-17h for you under 0041 33 675 11 18 Cable car@ oeschinensee.ch and reachable.
  • In an emergency, call the rescue service on 1414 (Rega / SAR).
  • The SOS rooms and 2 defibrillators are located at the toilets of the valley station and at the exit of the mountain station.
Picnic room mountain station 1st floor open from 09:00 to 16:00

At the mountain station on the 1st floor (take the footpath around the building).

  • No reservation possible
  • Capacity max. 40 persons
Valley station lockers - open from 08:30 to 17:30
Mountain station lockers - in operation

Lockers are available in three sizes at the valley and mountain stations. Payment can be made by card (debit/credit card) or in cash.

Size S: 60 min. CHF 2.- / 24 hrs. CHF 4.-
Size M: 30 min. CHF 2.- / 24 hrs. CHF 5.-
Size L: 120 min. CHF 4.- / 24 hrs. CHF 8.-

Locker passes can also be purchased at the ticket office (7 days, 14 days, whole season). There are also changing facilities at the valley station.

Safe storage without lugging. The "Ski Racks" offer the possibility to store 1 pair of skis. "Ski racks are available at the bottom station (1st floor next to the toilets) and at the exit of the top station.

Skis can be stored for CHF 2 for 24 hours. The first 15 minutes are free of charge.

Oeschinensee
Webcam Oeschinensee
Mountain station / Oeschiland beginners' paradise
Webcam Oeschinensee

Hiking trail Kandersteg - Oeschinensee (500 vertical meters)

Snowshoe trail (A) valley station - Oeschinensee open - hiking time approx. 90 min. - the winter hiking trail to Oeschinensee is only accessible with snowshoes - no hiking trail to Oeschinensee!


Hiking trails in the area

Winter hiking trail (C) - mountain station -Oeschinensee directly open - winter hiking trail to Oeschinensee - 30 minutes
Winter hiking trail (D) mountain station - Oeschinensee via Läger open - 45 minutes
Winter hiking trail (K) along the Oeschinensee open - 10 minutes
Ice Walk (L) open - 9:00 to 16:00 - good winter shoes recommended

Jobs

FIND YOUR DREAM JOB AT THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE.
WE HIRE!

Arrive, feel nature.

FAQ

What you should know.

Can you go ice fishing at Oeschinensee ?

Yes, ice fishing is normally possible from January 1st. Check our website before you arrive to find out whether the lake is open for ice fishing. An individual assessment of the situation must always be carried out on site (consult the SLF avalanche bulletin, check ice thickness, etc.). Entering Lake Oeschinen is at your own risk; please also observe the info screens, information boards and barriers.

What outdoor guidelines apply to winter or ice swimming?

Be careful when swimming in water temperatures around freezing point, do not underestimate the cold! Ice holes must be at least 50 m away from the tracked "Ice Walk". In addition, the SOS patroller must be informed about the ice hole (+41 79 481 01 12). Do not enter or stay in the restricted zones (see signaling, fencing, yellow buoys). The frozen lake may only be entered when it has been officially cleared and only from 09:00-16:00. The area must be left before dark, note the last cable car ride from the mountain station.

How do I travel by public transport?

From Spiez and Brig you can reach Kandersteg by train (BLS). From Adelboden and Frutigen there is a bus (AFA) to Kandersteg. The walk from the station takes about 10 minutes. A local bus runs from the station to the valley station for every arrival/departure from June to October.

What means of payment can I use?

You can pay at the ticket machines and at the ticket office with all major credit and debit cards as well as with Twint. Cash and REKA checks are also accepted. Payment with REKA checks is only possible at the ticket counter.

Can I buy my day ticket online?

Day tickets are easy to purchase via our webshop. Load the day pass onto a key card or your SwissPass. Alternatively, day tickets can also be purchased easily and conveniently at the valley station from our ticket machines or at the ticket office.

Do children travel free of charge on Cable car?

Yes, children under the age of 6 travel free on the Cable car. The SBB Junior Card is valid, please show it at the ticket office or at the turnstile.

Where can I park my car?

The number of parking spaces in Kandersteg is limited. We recommend traveling by public transport. Paid parking spaces are available at the valley station of the Cable car in Kandersteg. Other paid parking spaces are located in the village (school building, municipality, train station, Cher).

Can I skate on Oeschinensee ?

No, in order for Oeschinensee to be opened for ice skating, the lake must freeze "black". This happens extremely rarely; if it does, you will be informed on our website. Entering the Oeschinensee is at your own risk and you must also observe the information screens, information boards and barriers. There is no infrastructure on site, such as changing rooms or similar, and no skate rental. If the ice is covered with snow, skating is not possible.

Can commercial events, photo shoots, wedding shoots etc. be held at Oeschinensee ?

No, Oeschinensee is located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is surrounded by various protected areas, including plant conservation areas, dry meadows and wildlife rest areas. Due to these special protective measures, all commercial events and drone flights are prohibited by law. Compliance with these rules is monitored by rangers. However, we welcome visitors who respect nature and enjoy the flora and fauna with care.

What outdoor guidelines apply to drone flying?

Flying drones and model aircraft is prohibited in Oeschinensee. There is a judicial ban, overriding the national (FOCA) and cantonal area flight zones. In this way we protect nature and wildlife and do not disturb other guests. As a drone pilot, you are obliged to find out about the applicable area restrictions before every drone flight. Some drone manufacturers have created their own geofencings. The areas shown there are specified solely by the manufacturer and do not necessarily have to comply with the legally prescribed restrictions at Oeschinensee .

Which outdoor guidelines should be observed when providing first aid?

In an emergency, call the rescue service immediately (telephone number 1414). You should also inform the ranger (079 603 28 78) in summer and the SOS patroller (079 481 01 12) in winter. There is an SOS room in the mountain station. Defibrillators are located at the mountain and valley stations and at the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant, near the lakeshore.

Oeschinensee

We provide unique and unforgettable moments in the imposing mountain world in front of the Blüemlisalp massif.