#mountain spring

SPRING AT OESCHINENSEE

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

Welcome to the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Oeschinensee! Experience magical moments and enjoy the unique natural surroundings. The Oeschinensee has everything to make nature lovers' hearts beat faster. Spring is here and nature is awakening in the Bernese Oberland. The meadows are blossoming, the trees are budding and the fresh, clear air invites you to take unforgettable walks. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of the landscape and enjoy the warm rays of sunshine! 

ACCESSIBILITY

Things to know about your journey.

BLS
ARRIVAL BY TRAIN
For a stress-free journey, we recommend using public transport. Whether through the Kandertal valley or from the Valais through the Lötschberg tunnel - you can easily reach Kandersteg by train.

From the train station, a footpath (approx. 15 min.) leads directly to the valley station of the Oeschinensee Cable car . From here you can either take the Cable car or walk up to the shore of Lake Oeschinen.

With an SBB Half-Fare Card/GA or a Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel on the Cable car at half price. Not valid for ski day tickets. Buy your ticket directly in our ticket store.

Oeschinensee
ON THE ROAD BY CAR
The journey by car takes you through the village of Kandersteg directly to the Cable car valley station. We recommend arriving early, especially in the high season and at weekends when many visitors are expected.

If you are visiting Oeschinensee by car, it is best to follow the signs on the main road in the direction of Kandersteg. Directly after the small bridge, opposite Käthy Sport + Mode, turn left and follow the road along the stream to the parking lot at the valley station.

Parking spaces in Kandersteg are limited at weekends and during the summer season. We recommend that you travel by public transport. Paid parking spaces are available at the valley station. There are further paid parking spaces in the village. Please follow the parking guidance system and the instructions of the on-site sales service.

Eight 11kW electric charging stations are available in our "P2" parking lot at the valley station. Entry is also possible when the parking lot is occupied - simply press the button on the entry column. Charging cables can be borrowed from the ticket office.

Please only park in the designated and signposted parking spaces or parking bays. The access roads must not be blocked.

Oeschinensee
SMART TICKETING
To make your journey with the Cable car as pleasant as possible, we recommend buying your ticket online in advance in the ticket store. The boarding pass is included in the price, so you can also secure a preferred time slot for the ascent so that you can start your ascent at the desired time, relaxed and without long waiting times.

If your plans change, you can rebook your time slot free of charge. Further information and tickets can be found directly in our ticket store.

Alternatively, you can also purchase tickets from the ticket machines at the valley station. Please note that the purchase of mountain rides is only possible if there is still availability for the desired time slot.

Operating information

Cable car Oeschinensee: 'In operation' Runs daily from 08h30 - 18h00
Oeschinensee mountain restaurant: 'Open' daily from 09h30 - 16h00
mountain coaster: Closed for safety reasons due to wet conditions.
Rowing boats: 'Open' daily from 10h00 - 17h00
Electric cab: 'In operation' First trip (10h45) from the mountain station, last trip (17h45) from the mountain restaurant
Hiking trail (A) valley Oeschinensee: 'Open' The hike takes around 90′
Mountain hiking trail Läger-Heuberg-Obergli (G): 'CLOSED' avalanche danger = danger to life! Opens in June

Weather today: 11C° sleet Sleet Weather tomorrow: 11Cloudy Cloudy

Cable car timetable:
Summer: May 10 - September 21, 2025, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Autumn: September 22 - November 9, 2025, open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

HIGHLIGHTS

Unforgettable highlights await you in spring.

SPRING AT EVERY TURN

Your walking and hiking trails in spring.

Buy tickets online

To make your journey with the Cable car Oeschinensee as pleasant as possible, we recommend that you buy your ticket online in advance. With the Boarding Pass, you also secure a preferred time slot for the ascent so that you can start your ascent at the desired time without having to wait long. This means you have planned your trip in advance and can enjoy your stay in the breathtaking natural surroundings of Lake Oeschinen right from the start. Further information can be found in the ticket store - get your ticket now!

Ticket Shop

LEARN MORE

Arrive, feel nature.

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.

OPERATING INFORMATION

Up-to-date, live and compact.

Gondola lift operation

Cable car Oeschinensee: 'In operation' Runs daily from 08h30 - 18h00


mountain coaster (at the mountain station)

mountain coaster: Closed for safety reasons due to wet conditions.


Electric cab (mountain station-Bergrestaurant Oeschinensee)

Electric cab: 'In operation' First trip (10h45) from the mountain station, last trip (17h45) from the mountain restaurant


Rowing boat rental

Rowing boats: 'Open' daily from 10h00 - 17h00

Restaurants

Oeschinensee mountain restaurant: 'Open' daily from 09h30 - 16h00
Restaurant Bergstübli (mountain station): 'Open' Open daily from 09h00 - 16h00
Chalet Arva: 'Closed'


Snacks, for the small appetite

Café-Bar (on the shore of Lake Oeschinen) 'Open' Food, snacks, drinks etc.


Mountain huts

To the Sennhütte: 'Open' Only open in good weather

Berghaus Underbärgli: 'Open' only in good weather from 09h00 - 17h00
Berghaus Oberbärgli (kiosk): 'Closed' Opens approx. from June 2025

We are here for you!

Guest Service
E-Mail: Cable caroeschinensee
Infoline: Tel. +41 33 675 11 18
Picnic room mountain station: 'Closed'
The picnic room in the mountain station (1st floor) is only open in the winter season.

Doldenhornhütte 1915 m above sea level: 'Closed' Summer season 2025 no operation due to renovation
Blüemlisalphütte 2835 m above sea level: 'Only winter room open' Opening expected mid-June (access only possible via Kiental)
Fründenhütte 2562 m above sea level: 'Closed' season opening on June 14, 2025

Lockers valley station - open from 08h30-22h00
Mountain station lockers - in operation
Lockers Large, medium and small lockers are available at the valley and mountain stations. Ski depots are located at the valley and mountain stations. A changing room is also available at the valley station. Payment by card, cash or cell phone possible.
Locker subscriptions can be purchased at the cash desk (7 days, 14 days, season)Locker price list:
Short term
1 day until 22:00
Depot M
30 min / Fr. 2.00
Fr. 5.00
Depot S
60 min / Fr. 2.00
Fr. 4.00
Depot L
120 min / Fr. 4.00
Fr. 8.00
  • In an emergency, call the emergency services immediately (telephone number 1414).
  • In summer, you can also contact the ranger (079 603 28 78).
  • 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.

Walkways

Hiking trail mountain station - Oeschinensee directly (C) - open - approx. 25′ - possible with baby carriages.
Hiking trail (D) mountain Oeschinensee via Läger - open Duration approx. 35′ (accessible with baby carriages)
Hiking trail (K) along Oeschinensee - open - duration approx. 10′ (accessible with baby carriages)


Hiking trails

Hiking trail (A) valley Oeschinensee: 'Open' The hike takes around 90′
Mountain hiking trail Huble valley station - mountain station (B) - closed due to construction site. Please observe the signalization.


Mountain trails

Mountain hiking trail Läger-Heuberg-Obergli (G): 'CLOSED' avalanche danger = danger to life! Opens in June
Mountain hiking trail Oberbergli - Hohtürli (H) - CLOSED: avalanche danger = danger to life! Opening in June.
Mountain hiking trail Kandersteg - Doldenhornhütte via Waldhotel (J) - open - approx. 2 h 20′ - challenging mountain hiking trail - only with mountain hiking equipment!
Mountain hiking trail valley station - Wetterbach (F) - open (approx. 2h), only with mountain hiking equipment!


Alpine path

Alpine trail Underbärgli - Fründenhütte (I): Alpine trail Fründschnuer to Fründenhütte (challenging). Snow from 2000 m. Fründenhütte closed.
Oeschinensee
Webcam Oeschinensee
 
Mountain station
Webcam Oeschinensee
 
mountain coaster (at the mountain station)
Webcam Oeschinensee

The current weather at Oeschinensee

Today
Tomorrow
The day after tomorrow
11 °C
11 °C
13 °C
Sleet
Cloudy
Mostly sunny
Sleet
Cloudy
Mostly sunny

Arrive, feel nature.

FAQ

What you should know.

TOP 5 FAQ

How do I travel by public transport?

You can reach Kandersteg by train from Spiez and Brig. From Adelboden and Frutigen there is a bus (AFA) to Kandersteg. The walk from the station takes approx. 10-15 minutes. A local bus runs from the station to the valley station for every train arrival/departure from June to October.

Where can I park my car?

The number of parking spaces in Kandersteg is limited at weekends and during the summer season. We recommend that you travel by public transport. Paid parking spaces are available at the Cable car valley station in Kandersteg. There are further paid parking spaces in the village. Please follow the parking guidance system and the instructions of the local sales service.

Is my SBB Half-Fare Card/GA valid for the Cable car ?

With an SBB Half-Fare Card/GA or a Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel on the Cable car at half price. Not valid for ski day tickets. Buy your ticket directly in our ticket store.

What are the outdoor guidelines for making a fire/grilling?

Only use the official barbecue sites to make a fire. Due to the risk of forest fires, fires are only permitted at official barbecue sites. Cutting down trees, branches etc. from the wild is prohibited. Firewood "grill bags" can be purchased at the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant, near the lakeshore, or the wood can be brought from home.

What outdoor guidelines should I follow when hiking?

Stay on the official hiking trails for your own safety. Before every hike, check the level of difficulty and equipment (footwear, clothing, food, etc.) and inform yourself in detail about the weather and the current danger situation. Avoid hiking at dusk and at night. Do not enter restricted areas and protected zones.

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Ticket booking

How does the ticket system work?

To make your journey on the Cable car as pleasant as possible, we recommend buying your ticket online in advance in the ticket store. With the Boarding Pass, which is included with the purchase of tickets, you also secure a preferred time slot for the ascent, so that you can start your ascent at the desired time, relaxed and without long waiting times. Further information and tickets can be found directly in our ticket store.

How do I make a group reservation?

Groups are best advised to book via the SBB Contactcenter on 0848 44 66 88, where payment by invoice, personal advice and flexible adjustments are possible. To purchase tickets at the ticket office on site, you must register in advance using the form. Please note that only cash or card payment is possible on site (invoice only via SBB Contact Center). Please note that we do not enter into any contractual agreements or cooperations with third-party providers. For group bookings, only the above-mentioned official channel via SBB Contact Center is available.

What should I bear in mind when traveling by public transport?

If you are traveling by public transport, we recommend reserving a time slot (boarding pass) for the ascent. You can find information on this in the SBB app and in the timetable. Reservations are strongly recommended, as waiting times may occur without a boarding pass.

Is it possible to change/cancel an online booking?

Yes, from the date of validity you can rebook your ticket free of charge and online via the ticket store to a later date, provided seats are available. The link is included in the e-mail with your ticket; it is not possible to cancel. Thank you for your understanding. Further information and tickets can be found directly in our ticket store.

Can gondola lift tickets be purchased on site?

We generally recommend that you buy your ticket conveniently online in our ticket store. Alternatively, you can also purchase tickets from the ticket machines at the valley and mountain stations. Please note that it is only possible to purchase ascent tickets if there is still availability for the desired time slot. Further information on available capacities and tickets can be found directly in our ticket store.

Is a reservation required for the Bernese Oberland Pass?

Yes - guests with the Bernese Oberland Pass are recommended to book a boarding pass for the ascent in the ticket store. In this way, you can secure your time slot for the ascent and can start the ascent at the desired time without long waiting times.

What booking options are available for the descent?

Book your ticket conveniently online - without a time slot for the descent. Or secure a discounted connecting ticket at the mountain station. Your return journey? As flexible as your day on the mountain. You can find more information and tickets directly in our ticket store.

What are the advantages of booking online?

You can buy your ticket easily and conveniently in our ticket store. Your ticket comes with a fixed period (boarding pass) for your ascent. A relaxed journey awaits you without long waiting times at the valley station. If your plans change, you can rebook your time slot free of charge. Further information and tickets can be found directly in our ticket store.

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Timetable and fares

What advantages do guests with a guest card have?

Guests with a guest card and locals resident in Adelboden, Frutigen, Kandergrund, Kandersteg and Reichenbach receive a 10% discount on the gondola ride. No boarding pass is required for them.

Is my SBB Half-Fare Card/GA valid for the Cable car ?

With an SBB Half-Fare Card/GA or a Swiss Travel Pass, you can travel on the Cable car at half price. Not valid for ski day tickets. Buy your ticket directly in our ticket store.

Is the Bernese Oberland Pass accepted?

Yes, the BEO pass is accepted and the gondola ride is included. To avoid waiting times, we strongly recommend reserving a time slot for the ascent in the ticket store. This will give you a boarding pass with priority boarding at the desired time.

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 entrance to the Cable car .

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. Further information and tickets can be found directly in our ticket store.

Do dogs travel free of charge on the Cable car?

No, the day ticket costs CHF 8. The SBB dog pass is accepted on the Cable car Oeschinensee .

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Arrival and parking

How do I travel by public transport?

You can reach Kandersteg by train from Spiez and Brig. From Adelboden and Frutigen there is a bus (AFA) to Kandersteg. The walk from the station takes approx. 10-15 minutes. A local bus runs from the station to the valley station for every train arrival/departure from June to October.

Where can I park my car?

The number of parking spaces in Kandersteg is limited at weekends and during the summer season. We recommend that you travel by public transport. Paid parking spaces are available at the Cable car valley station in Kandersteg. There are further paid parking spaces in the village. Please follow the parking guidance system and the instructions of the local sales service.

How do I get from the mountain station to the shore of Lake Oeschinen?

Oeschinensee can be reached on foot in around 30 minutes and is also easily accessible with baby carriages. In summer, a chargeable shuttle bus runs from the mountain station to the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant near the lakeshore and back every half hour or at full capacity. Guests with reduced mobility have priority on the shuttle bus.

Can Oeschinensee be reached by car?

The private road to the Oeschinensee is closed to cars and bicycles (e-bikes, mountain bikes, etc.).

What are the outdoor guidelines for cycling?

Cycling of any kind is prohibited in the Oeschinensee area. Out of consideration for our guests, nature and for safety reasons, Oeschinensee can only be visited on foot. There is a judicial ban on cycling (mountain biking, e-biking, etc.). In addition, many forest trails lead through ecologically sensitive areas, i.e. rare and shy wild animals use these areas as retreats and quiet zones.

Are there charging stations for electric cars?

Eight 11kW electric charging stations are available in our "P2" parking lot at the valley station. Entry is also possible when the parking lot is occupied - simply press the button on the entry column. Charging cables can be borrowed from the ticket office.

Where can coaches park?

There are no parking spaces for coaches at the Cable car valley station in Kandersteg. These can be found at various locations in the village. At the valley station, only a short stop for loading and unloading is permitted at the bus stop.

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Gastronomy / Overnight stay

What are the gastronomic offerings?

In the Oeschinensee area there are various gastronomic options available to you. These include the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant and Chalet Arva on the lakeshore and the Bergstübli at the mountain station. Here you can enjoy a variety of food and drinks and experience the magnificent view of the mountain landscape. To the offer.

Which SAC huts are located in the Oeschinensee area?

In the Oeschinensee area you will find the SAC hut Doldenhorn, the SAC hut Blüemlisalp and the SAC hut Fründenhütte.

Where can I get snacks or something to satisfy my hunger?

If you are hungry or have a small appetite, you will find a selection of hot and cold snacks as well as a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the kiosk at the mountain station and in the café-bar by the lake.

Is there accommodation available at Oeschinensee ?

During the summer season you can only stay overnight in Chalet Arva. A reservation is mandatory. Camping is only permitted at the Rendez-vous campsite at the valley station (open all year round). There are also three SAC huts in the Oeschinensee area.

What catering options are available for groups in the Oeschinensee area?

Inquiries for group offers can be sent to oeschinensee. In the mountain restaurant on the shores of Lake Oeschinen we offer special menus for groups, which can be enjoyed both in the cozy Bergstübli inside and on the sunny terrace outside.

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General information

Is there accommodation available at Oeschinensee ?

During the summer season you can only stay overnight in Chalet Arva. A reservation is mandatory. Camping is only permitted at the Rendez-vous campsite at the valley station (open all year round). There are also three SAC huts in the Oeschinensee area.

Which outdoor guidelines should be observed when providing first aid?

In an emergency, call the rescue service immediately (telephone number 1414). In winter, the SOS patrolman (+41 79 481 01 12) should also be informed. 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.

Where are the toilets located in the Oeschinensee area?

The public toilets are located at the mountain and valley stations and at the mountain restaurant on the lake shore. There are more toilets in Oeschinensee. Going to the toilet in nature should be avoided. However, if you do need to use the "natural toilet", please do not leave any paper, tissues or wet wipes behind.

What outdoor guidelines apply to the "Spitze Stei" exclusion zone?

A large part of the south-eastern shore of Oeschinensee has been declared a restricted area by the Canton of Bern due to rockfall and the risk of falling rocks. There is an absolute ban on entering here! There is a danger to life! Please also draw the attention of others who wish to enter the area and/or call the ranger on +41 79 603 28 78. More information at: Spitze Stei - Municipality of Kandersteg.

Are lockers available at the top or bottom station?

Yes, there are lockers and ski racks at the top and bottom stations. Payment can be made digitally by debit card, Visa/Mastercard, Twint or cash. Weekly and season passes for lockers and ski racks are available at the ticket office.

Are commercial events such as weddings or similar allowed to take place in the Oeschinensee area?

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.

Is the Cable car to Oeschinensee wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the mountain station can be reached with the wheelchair-accessible Cable car . During the summer season, a chargeable shuttle bus runs every half hour from there to the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant, near the lakeshore, and back. One wheelchair can be transported per trip.

What applies to guests with limited mobility?

The public facilitiesCable car, lockers, restaurants and toilets) are barrier-free, as are the main hiking trails to Oeschinensee. A chargeable electric shuttle bus takes guests on request from the mountain station to the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant, near the lakeshore, and back.

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Oeschinensee

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