#Panta-Rhei

Rowing on the oeschinensee

Come to rest, feel nature.

Welcome to the Oeschinensee. Glide over the smooth surface of the lake in a rowing boat, surrounded by the unique Alpine panorama and the picturesque landscape of the Bernese Oberland. The Oeschinensee reflects all shades of color from green to blue, offering you a unique and spectacular boat trip. Find out more about rowing on the Oeschinensee. 

Good to know

Gliding almost silently over the water amidst the fantastic mountain scenery, the regular stroke of the oar in your ear - rowing on a mountain lake is a special experience. Whether as a short breather or as a refreshing reward after exertion - jumping into the cool water is invigorating! The water temperatures are rather cool, but in summer the water can be up to 20 degrees. Perfect for swimming at Oeschinensee!

INFOBOX

Cable car Kandersteg-Oeschinensee - in operation from 8:30 - 17:00
Boat rental: in operation from 10:00 to 16:30, in bad weather on request
Electric cab in operation first trip 10:45 from the mountain station, last trip 16:30 from the lake

Key Facts

A boat trip on one of our iconic wooden rowing boats has become an integral part of every summer excursion to Oeschinensee - and rightly so. Because there are few places in the world where you can row across calm, crystal-clear water surrounded by such a mountain backdrop.

Motivated and always with a friendly smile - our staff are there to help you and will do their best to make your boat trip an unforgettable experience.

Your safety is our top priority. Our employees are trained and also trained for emergency operations.

Rowboats
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We offer various products for you to experience the boat trip. 

  • 1 hour: CHF 32.-
  • Half hour: CHF 20.-
  • Each additional 1/4 hour or part thereof: CHF 10.


Payment:
In cash or by credit/debit card

The opening hours will be temporarily adjusted depending on the weather and any weather changes.

  • Boat rental: in operation from 10:00 to 16:30, in bad weather on request
  • No rowing boats are rented out in dense fog, foehn storms or similar 
  • In the high season there can be waiting times of up to 2 hours
  • Prices fishing boat, see here
  • The reservation of rowing boats is not possible
  • There is room for a maximum of 5 people in one boat
  • Each child counts as one person (i.e. a maximum of 5 people including children)
  • No, unfortunately you can't rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard

Restaurant Chalet Arva
Located directly at Oeschinensee
Tel.: +41 33 675 11 66

Or enquire directly on the lake shore at the rowing boats.

Outdoor Guidelines
Safety rules

Weather changeover If there is fog, a foehn storm or a thunderstorm, the boats must return to the harbor immediately. The fog horn then usually sounds.

Foghorn In the event of fog, a foehn storm or thunderstorm, you must return to the landing stage immediately. Please pay attention to the foghorn.

Shore zone Due to the risk of falling rocks, a distance of 100 meters from the rock faces on the lake shore must be maintained.

Safety For your own safety, do not leave the shore zone (up to 300 meters from the shore) without a life jacket or life belt.

Risk The boat rental is at your own risk.

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. There is a local bus from the station for every arrival/departure from June to October <-> Valley station.

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, except American Express. Cash and REKA are also accepted. Payment with TWINT and REKA is only possible at the ticket counter.

Do children travel free of charge on Cable car?

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

Where can I find toilets in the Oeschinensee area?

The public toilets are located at the mountain and valley stations and at the Berghotel am See. There are more toilets in the Oeschinensee area (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.

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

A large part of the south-eastern bank at Oeschinensee has been declared a restricted area by the canton of Bern due to rockfalls. It is absolutely forbidden to enter here! There is a danger to life! Please also make people who want to enter the area aware of this and/or call the ranger on 079 481 01 12. More information at: www.gemeindekandersteg.ch/spitze-stei

Which outdoor guidelines apply to watercraft and sports equipment on Oeschinensee?

Please note that Cable car Kandersteg-Oeschinensee does not transport summer sports equipment (SUPs, folding boats, foil boards, etc.). You can hire rowing boats on the lake. The noise of motorized vehicles on the lake and on land disturbs wildlife. These vehicles are therefore prohibited. You must carry your own muscle-powered vehicles (SUPs, folding boats, foil boards, etc.) up the mountain on foot. Always observe the rules of conduct on the waters of the Bern cantonal police.

What outdoor guidelines apply to waste collection and separation?

Dispose of waste in the official waste separation stations. Waste separation stations are located at the mountain and valley stations, at the mountain hotel by the lake, at the restaurants and along the main hiking trails. Respect nature and take everything - even the smallest bits and pieces, tissues, leftover food and cigarette butts - back down to the valley or separate the waste and dispose of it in the waste separation stations provided.

What outdoor guidelines apply to drone flying?

Flying drones and model aircraft is prohibited in the Oeschinensee area. There is a judicial ban, which takes precedence over 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 inform yourself 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 .

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. Wild animals must not be disturbed at night. There is a campsite at the valley station in Kandersteg. Unauthorized vehicles have no access to Oeschinensee. The night-time quiet rule applies (from 10.00 pm).

Which outdoor guidelines should be observed when providing first aid?

Everyone is obliged to provide first aid. In an emergency, call the rescue service immediately on 1414 and inform the ranger or patrolman (ski season) on 079 481 01 12. The SOS rooms and 2 defibrillators (at the toilets of the valley station and at the exit of the mountain station) are marked on the map of Lake Oeschinen.

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