#breathtaking

RENT ROWING BOATS

Breathe in, feel nature.

Welcome to Oeschinensee. Glide across the smooth surface of the lake in a rowing boat, surrounded by a unique Alpine panorama and the picturesque landscape of the Bernese Oberland. Oeschinensee reflects all shades of color from green to blue, offering a unique and spectacular boat trip. You can find all the information about hiring rowing boats on this page and on the boat hire page.

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. So it's perfect for swimming at Oeschinensee.

INFOBOX

Cable car Oeschinensee: In operation daily 09h00-17h00 -
Winter hiking from the mountain station to the Oeschinensee.
Rowing boats: 'CLOSED' (end of season) Start of season from May 2026
Electric cab: 'Out of service' No cab service in winter
Chalet Arva: 'CLOSED' (end of season) season start from May 2026
Winter hiking trail (C) mountain Oeschinensee direct: - open - approx. 35′ - snow-covered - hiking boots recommended.

Key Facts

To enjoy the Oeschinensee and the view of the three-thousand-metre peaks - Blüemlisalphorn, Oeschinenhorn, Fründenhorn and Doldenhorn - from the water, take a rowing boat trip. Depending on the light, wind and season, the approximately one and a half square kilometer lake, the waterfalls and the rock faces look different, but always breathtaking.

A rowing boat trip around the whole of Oeschinensee takes a good hour, depending on your physical condition and the wind.

In the event of bad weather, fog and strong winds, the rowing boat rental remains closed.

RENTAL
  • Boat hire is available by the hour.
  • Price: CHF 38.00 per boat.
  • Payment: In cash or by credit/debit card.
  • Further information about the rowing boats can be found here.
  • The rowing boat rental is closed from November 03, 2025.
  • The opening hours for 2026 will be announced at a later date.
  • In case of foehn, thunderstorms or fog, the rental remains closed (see information board at the valley and mountain station of the Cable car Oeschinensee).
  • It is not possible to reserve rowing boats.
  • There is room for a maximum of 4 people in a rowing boat.
  • Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Children under the age of 12 must wear a life jacket.
  • You can find more information on the Boat Hire 1578 website.
  • Please contact us at: oeschinensee
  • Or enquire directly at the sales stand on the lakeshore by the boats.

Weather changeover If fog, a foehn storm or a thunderstorm occurs, 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. Our employees are trained and also trained for emergency operations.

Risk The boat rental is at your own risk.

LEARN MORE 

Arrive, feel nature.

Breathe in, feel nature.

FAQ

What you should know.

Rent rowing boats

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.

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.

What outdoor guidelines apply to rockfall?

After rainfall and strong temperature fluctuations (day/night), the risk of rockfall, wet avalanches, debris flow and rockfall increases. Alarm signs are fresh impact marks, rock deposits and outcrops. The more exposed the path, the higher the risk. In such places, it is important to move on quickly. Hiking is always at your own risk. Many rockfalls are often caused by other hikers, mountaineers or animals. Avoid throwing any stones, as you do not know who is below you in the terrain.

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.

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 the risk of falling rocks and rockslides. There is an absolute ban on access 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 0041 79 603 28 78. More information at: Spitze Stei - Municipality of Kandersteg.

How are rowing boats hired out?

Rowing boats can only be hired directly on the lakeshore. A limited number are equipped with fish boxes. Please enquire directly on site at the rowing boat sales stand. Waiting times are to be expected at weekends, in the high season and in fine weather. You can find out more on this page and on the boat rental page.

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

Please note that the Oeschinensee Cable car does not transport water sports equipment (SUPs, folding boats, foil boards, etc.). Rowing boats can be hired on the lake.

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Ticket booking

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, cancelations are not possible. Further information can be found directly in our Ticket Shop.

Can a ticket be canceled or refunded?

Cancellation or refund of tickets is generally excluded. In exceptional cases, a voucher can be issued for a later visitCable caroeschinensee. A processing fee of CHF 10 per booking may apply. A payout is excluded. Note: A rebooking to another time slot within the current season is possible up to three times free of charge.

Can a ticket with a boarding pass be changed to an earlier date?

Rebooking to an earlier date is not possible online. In exceptional cases, please contact the helpdesk oeschinensee Cable car . Ticket exchanges are only possible on-site at the Info Center.

How does the ticket system work?

For a pleasant journey on the Cable car, it is best to buy your tickets in advance from the ticket store. With the time slot reservation included with your ticket purchase, you can secure a preferred time slot for the ascent and start your journey relaxed and without long waiting times. You can find more information directly in our ticket store.

What are the advantages of booking online?

You can buy your ticket online in the ticket store. A time slot reservation for your ascent is included with your ticket. 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 in the ticket store.

Is a combination ticket (Parking+CableCable car) available?

The offer is currently not available.

What booking options are available for the descent?

Book your ticket conveniently online - without a time slot for the descent. Or get a discounted connecting ticket at the mountain station. You can find more information and tickets directly in our ticket store.

What is the smart ticketing system at Oeschinensee?

The smart ticketing system is an intelligent visitor guidance system introduced in 2025 that manages visitor flows efficiently, sustainably and in a resource-saving manner. The aim is to enable all guests to enjoy a relaxed and stress-free nature experience. When purchasing online, you choose a time slot for your ascent - your personal boarding pass. In this way, visitors are evenly distributed throughout the day, waiting times at the valley station are reduced and the nature experience is harmonized. You benefit from convenient online booking, flexible free rebooking of your time slot and a free choice of descent time. The system ensures that every guest can enjoy Oeschinensee at its best.

How do I make a group reservation?

Group travel is limited and requires a reservation. If you arrive by train, we recommend booking via the SBB Contactcenter on 0041 848 44 66 88, where you can pay by invoice, receive advice and make adjustments. To purchase tickets on site, you must register in advance by e-mailing Cable caroeschinensee (no option to pay by invoice). Smaller groups can purchase individual tickets at the regular rate in the ticket store. Groups arriving spontaneously can often no longer be transported due to capacity restrictions. There are no contractual agreements or cooperations with third-party providers. Groups visiting the restaurants in the area will receive additional information in advance.

How can a voucher be redeemed?

Select the desired product in the ticket store and add it to the shopping cart. When paying, select "Add voucher" from the payment methods and enter your voucher code.

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Timetable and fares

What advantages does the guest card offer?

Guests with a guest card from Kandersteg, Adelboden, Frutigen, Kandergrund and Reichenbach receive a 10% discount on the gondola ride. You do not need to reserve a timeslot. Enter your guest card number here to receive discounts on mountain railway tickets in the ticket store. The guest card is also accepted at the ticket machines on site (simply scan the QR code).

Are savings, tandem, community or Friends day passes valid?

No, the SBB day passes are not valid for the Cable car Oeschinensee. Discounts are available with a valid GA travelcard, Half-Fare travelcard, Swiss Travel Pass or a guest card from Kandersteg, Kandergrund, Frutigen, Adelboden and Reichenbach.

What transportation requirements apply to bicycles, SUPs, sports equipment, scooters and children's bikes?

No bicycles, mountain bikes, children's bikes, scooters, SUPs (stand-up paddles) or other potentially dangerous sports equipment are transported.

Can a ticket also be purchased on site?

We recommend buying your ticket in advance via our ticket store. Only a limited number of remaining tickets are available on site at the ticket machines. Please note: Mountain rides can only be booked on site if there are still free seats available for the desired time slot. If the time slot is already fully booked, transportation is unfortunately not possible. Further information can be found directly in the ticket store.

Do dogs travel free of charge on the Cable car?

No, the day ticket costs CHF 8.00. The SBB dog pass is accepted on the Cable car Oeschinensee .

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.

Is the Bernese Oberland Pass accepted?

No, the BEO Pass will no longer be accepted from January 2026 and there will be no discount on the gondola ride.

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Arrival and parking

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.

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.

Can Oeschinensee be reached by car?

The private road to Oeschinensee is closed to all motorized traffic and bicycles. Oeschinensee cannot be reached by car, e-bike, mountain bike or other vehicles.

Where can campers, motorhomes etc. park?

There are no parking spaces for campers at the Cable car valley station, as the entrance height is limited to a maximum of 2 meters. Further parking spaces are available at various locations in the village. Parking spaces are available at the Nordic Arena and at the Bären (near Sunnbüel). Parking spaces without height restrictions are located at the Schützenhaus or at the town hall.

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.

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.

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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Outdoor Guidelines (Top Ten)

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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Oeschinensee

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