#Treasury

Ice Fishing

Come to rest, feel nature.

Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site up close! The Oeschinensee also offers magical moments for anglers in winter. Anglers from all over the world come together here to enjoy the unique ice fishing experience - a very special adventure for fishing enthusiasts. Whether in sunshine or snow flurries, you will experience unforgettable days at around 1,600 m above sea level. Here you can find all the information about ice fishing and the associated regulations.

INFOBOX

Cable car Kandersteg-Oeschinensee The Cable car is currently not in operation
Ice fishing closed - end of season - the lake may no longer be entered - ice fishing no longer possible this season
Hiking trail (A) valley station - Oeschinensee open - approx. 90'. Upper part snow-covered. Snowshoes / hiking boots recommended.
Enter Oeschinensee: Danger level 3 - No trespassing

PETRI HEAL

Key Facts

Ice fishing usually starts on January 1 and is possible until around mid-March. Check whether the lake is open for ice fishing before you arrive.

It is advisable to carry out an individual assessment of the situation on site (check the avalanche bulletin and weather forecast, ice thickness, etc.). Entering the Oeschinensee is at your own risk. Further information can be found on the info screens and information boards on site.

Don't forget to dress warmly, as the temperature drops noticeably as soon as you enter the lake basin.

Status ice fishing

Ice fishing closed - end of season - the lake may no longer be entered - ice fishing no longer possible this season


Enter Oeschinensee: Danger level 3 - No trespassing

  • In each case from 09:00-16:00.
  • At 16:50, the last descent takes place with the Cable car.
  • All ice fishermen must have left the Oeschinensee before the slope check (17:00). It is forbidden to stay longer on the lake or in the area.
  • The way back from the lake to the mountain station takes about 30-45 minutes.
  • The Oeschinensee is a cantonal body of water. Entering the lake is always at your own risk. 
  • An individual assessment of the situation is required before entering the ice.
  • The ice thickness and the avalanche bulletin must always be checked in advance.
  • The avalanche and ice specialists of the municipality of Kandersteg give a recommendation on the current avalanche situation.
  • The average ice thickness is approx. 30-50 cm.

All necessary fishing equipment must be brought along. In Oeschinensee, no equipment such as drills or rods etc. are rented or sold. In Kandersteg, however, it is possible to hire augers.

Contact:
Bernhard Lauber, Innere Dorfstrasse 88, 3718 Kandersteg, Tel. 079 282 14 67 (from 18:30-20:00). Advance booking and reservation required!

Sale of day passes: at the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant, or at the Tourist Center Kandersteg.

  • Adults: CHF 32.-
  • Young people up to 16 years: CHF 20.
  • Trainees 17-25 years: CHF 26.
 

Note:

  • A maximum of two fishing rods per person are permitted when ice fishing.
  • Information on the fishing license of the Canton of Bern can be found here.
  • Information on fishing, based on the Bernese Cantonal Fisheries Act, can be found here.

Distance to winter hiking trails:

  • Boreholes must be at least 50 meters away from hiking trails and especially from the Ice Walk.
  • Water can get onto the ice through the drilled holes. This makes it difficult to machine the ice walk on Oeschinensee.

 

Clothing recommendation:

  • Very good and warm winter clothing.
  • Very warm and above all waterproof winter shoes.
  • Wind and waterproof trousers and jacket.
  • Gloves and headgear.

Reports on ice fishing

OUR HIGHLIGHTS

For magical experiences.

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.

Outdoor Guidelines
SAFE ICE FISHING.
  • Adhere strictly to the fishing regulations.
  • Observe permitted fishing gear, closed seasons, minimum weights, etc.
  • When ice fishing, always observe the ice clearance and the avalanche bulletin. Information on this can be found on our website, the info screens and the information boards in the area.
  • Dispose of all waste such as line or leader material, fish waste and packaging in the official waste stations.
  • Respect your fellow human beings and the area by keeping the fishing spot tidy.

LEARN MORE

Arrive, feel nature.

Come to rest, feel nature

FAQ

What you should know.

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 outdoor guidelines apply to the use of toilets?

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(see map). 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.

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.

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.

Can I buy my ski day pass online?

Ski day passes 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.

What outdoor guidelines apply to waste collection and separation?

Collect the waste and dispose of it in the waste stations. Waste separation stations are located at the mountain and valley stations, at the mountain coaster and along the main hiking trails.

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).

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.

How is the piste and rescue service provided?

The daily monitoring of the marked and open pistes and trails ends with the final check at 17:00. Outside of lift operating hours, all pistes and trails are closed and not secured against any dangers such as avalanche blasting, snow groomers, etc. In the event of incidents, the SOS patroller (079 481 01 12) must be contacted.

Where do I buy the fishing license?

You can obtain the fishing license at the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant and at Chalet Arva on the shores of Lake Oeschinensee or at the Tourist Center in Kandersteg, as well as online.

Oeschinensee

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