#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 Oeschinensee: In operation daily 09h00-17h00 -
Winter hiking from the mountain station to the Oeschinensee.
Ice fishing - closed - the lake is not frozen - ice fishing possible from around the beginning of January
Snowshoe trail (A) valley Oeschinensee: - open - approx. 90' - snow-covered. Snowshoes / hiking boots recommended.
Entering Oeschinensee: - Oeschinensee is not yet frozen over

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 - the lake is not frozen - ice fishing possible from around the beginning of January


Entering Oeschinensee: - Oeschinensee is not yet frozen over

  • 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

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.

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 train (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. From June to October, a local bus runs from the station to the valley station for every train arrival/departure.

Are the SBB Half-Fare travelcard, GA travelcard or Swiss Travel Pass valid?

Yes, with an SBB Half-Fare Card/GA and the Swiss Travel Pass you benefit from a 50% discount on the gondola ride. Please note that this discount does not apply to ski day tickets. If you are traveling by public transport, we recommend that you book a time slot for the ascent in advance in the ticket store. This will secure a fixed time slot for your ascent and avoid long waiting times. The SBB Saver Day Pass does not include cable car rides or discounts on tickets. Reduced fares are only available for holders of a Half-Fare Card, GA Travelcard or Swiss Travel Pass.

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.

What outdoor guidelines apply to the use of toilets?

Public toilets are located at the mountain and valley stations and at the mountain restaurant on the lake shore. Further toilets are available 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.

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.

Which outdoor guidelines should be observed when providing first aid?

In an emergency, call the 1414 rescue service immediately. In winter, the SOS patrolman (0041 79 481 01 12) should also be informed. There is an SOS room at the mountain and valley stations. Defibrillators are located at the mountain and valley stations and at the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant, near the lakeshore.

How is the piste and rescue service provided?

The daily monitoring of the marked and open pistes and paths ends with the final check at 17:00. Outside the operating hours, all slopes and winter hiking trails are closed and not secured against dangers such as avalanche blasting, snow groomers, etc. In the event of incidents during operating hours, please contact the SOS patroller +41 481 01 12. Outside operating hours, call REGA 1414.

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.

Where and how can I fish on Oeschinensee ?

In principle, fishing is permitted with a fishing license for the patented waters in the canton of Bern at Oeschinensee .

You can purchase the fishing license in the café bar on the shore of Lake Oeschinen or directly from the boat hire. You can also buy the fishing license before your arrival at the tourist office in Kandersteg or online.

  • Prices adults: CHF 32.-
  • Prices for children (up to 16 years): CHF 20.-
  • Prices for young people (17-25 years): CHF 26.-

Note: A maximum of two fishing rods are allowed per person.

Oeschinensee

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