#Respect

OUTDOOR GUIDELINES

Your lasting experience.

Nature conservation, cleanliness and safety are important to us. In the Bernese Oberland region, above Kandersteg, nature is undisturbed and idyllic. From native flowers such as gentian, edelweiss and alpine rose to Swiss wild animals and birds, you can discover Swiss flora and fauna here.

Good to know

More and more people are drawn to the mountains, lakes and forests. The pressure on nature has increased, but at the same time the understanding of nature has decreased. There is a lack of understanding of ecological relationships and the needs of animals and plants.This is why the Outdoor Guidelines in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Oeschinensee area are so important and must always be observed.

magical experiences

No other award is as exemplary of sustainability as the UNESCO World Heritage designation. Immerse yourself in the magical world of Lake Oeschinen. Whether hiking, skiing and snowboarding, family adventures, culinary delights or the majestic Blüemlisalp massif - here you can experience magical moments and unforgettable adventures. Discover the wide range of activities and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Lake Oeschinen.

Outdoor Guidelines

Your sustainable behavior in Oeschinensee.

What outdoor guidelines apply to drone flying?

Flying drones and model aircraft is prohibited around Oeschinensee . A judicial ban applies, overriding the national (FOCA) and cantonal area flight zones. This protects nature and wildlife, and other guests are not disturbed. 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 correspond to the restrictions at Oeschinensee .

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

Due to the risk of forest fires, fires may only be lit 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 obtain detailed information about the weather and the current danger situation. Avoid hiking at dusk and at night. Do not enter restricted areas and protected zones.

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.

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.

What are the outdoor guidelines for camping and bivouacking?

Wild camping and overnight stays in the great outdoors are prohibited. Camping, bivouacking and spending the night in hammocks or similar is prohibited by law. Oeschinensee patrol the area. Wild animals must not be disturbed at night. There is a campsite at the valley station in Kandersteg. From 10 p.m. onwards, the rule of quiet at night applies.

What outdoor guidelines should be observed for animals?

Keep a sufficient distance from animals. Walk quietly and inconspicuously past the animals without disturbing them. The animals may be observed, but not fed or touched. Farm animals and wild animals may be used to human noises, but they are disturbed by noise and proximity as well as the smell of people and dogs. The animals are grateful if you don't leave any garbage for them to eat, so take everything with you and don't leave anything lying around.

What outdoor guidelines apply to dogs?

Dogs must be kept on a lead. Dogs must be kept on a lead in wildlife rest and protection zones and during the grazing season (cows, sheep, etc.). Please always dispose of dog excrement at the waste separation stations.

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.

What outdoor guidelines must be observed in wildlife rest areas and protected areas?

It is not permitted to enter wildlife rest areas, plant protection areas and restricted zones. Signposts mark the protected area zones where special rules apply. Never leave the marked paths and tracks and always follow the signs on site. Plants may not be dug up, picked or trampled.

Respect, 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.

Where can I park and can I reserve a parking space?

Unfortunately, parking spaces cannot be reserved at the moment. Parking spaces in Kandersteg are limited at weekends and in summer. From around 12:00, there may be no more parking spaces available - we recommend arriving early. Parking spaces are available at the valley station from 06h00 until the evening. Hikers who are on their way to Oeschinensee should use the hiking parking lots in the village (lower hiking parking rates). No entry is possible at night. Entry is limited to max. 5m length, 2m height. Paid parking spaces and parking spaces for larger vehicles are located in the village and at the Schützenhaus.

What outdoor guidelines apply to drone flying?

Flying drones and model aircraft is prohibited around Oeschinensee . A judicial ban applies, overriding the national (FOCA) and cantonal area flight zones. This protects nature and wildlife, and other guests are not disturbed. 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 correspond to the restrictions at Oeschinensee .

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 the path is also easily accessible with baby carriages. In the summer season, a chargeable electric cab runs from the mountain station to the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant near the lakeshore and back every half hour or when full. Guests with reduced mobility have priority in the electric cab.

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.

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.

Do children travel free of charge, is the SBB Junior Card/Swiss Family Card valid?

Yes, children under the age of 6 travel free on the Cable car. Also children with an SBB Junior Card or a Swiss Family Card. Please exchange these for a corresponding Cable car at the Infocenter at the valley station - a time slot reservation is not necessary, children with a Junior Card/Swiss Family Card have access to the same time slot as the accompanying person.

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.

What are the outdoor guidelines for camping and bivouacking?

Wild camping and overnight stays in the great outdoors are prohibited. Camping, bivouacking and spending the night in hammocks or similar is prohibited by law. Oeschinensee patrol the area. Wild animals must not be disturbed at night. There is a campsite at the valley station in Kandersteg. From 10 p.m. onwards, the rule of quiet at night applies.

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.

Oeschinensee

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