The deep blue color of the lake, bubbling waterfalls, an impressive panorama, chirping birds and the tangy scent of the forest - nature in the Bernese Oberland is simply breathtaking! The best way to explore it is on foot on a hike. Find out more about hiking here.
Whether you start in Kandersteg or take the Cable car to the Oeschinensee mountain station first and then lace up your hiking boots is up to you. From family-friendly trails and hikes with dogs to challenging, longer routes, there is a hiking trail for every level. Simply follow the signposts, et voilà. The most important thing is to enjoy nature to the full, leave the stress of everyday life behind and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Cable car
Walkways
Hiking trails
Mountain trails
Whether in spring, summer, on an autumn hike or in the white of winter - the magnificent view of the Blümlisalp massif and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking at any time of year. It's a good thing that (almost) all our hikes are panoramic routes. Whether you are motivated by pleasure or ambition - if you follow the yellow and blue arrows, you will find your way. Once you arrive at the mountain station, there is a suitable walking and hiking route for every level of difficulty.
Helpful links (plan route)
The best hiking experiences
The "Direttissima" (C) from the mountain
mountain station directly to Oeschinensee.
The wide gravel and partly
asphalted path is suitable for everyone
even with baby carriages.
In 20 minutes you can easily reach
the shore of Lake Oeschinen.
On the panoramic trail (D) from the
mountain station to the shore of
Oeschinensee you are accompanied by flowering
alpine meadows and an impressive mountain
mountain panorama - from the vantage point
you can also enjoy the perfect view
view of the lake and the mountain peaks.
The Heuberg (G) circular trail via
Oberbärgli and along the lake.
A narrow mountain path offers a
breathtaking view of the
Oeschinensee. The mountain hike is
for experienced hikers with a head for heights
hikers with very good stamina.
To the SAC-Fründenhütte (I) via
Underbärgli, lower Fründschnuer.
This alpine hike is for experienced and
and ambitious mountain hikers as well as
high alpinists. The hike is particularly attractive
particularly attractive for really sure-footed hikers
and those with a head for heights with a via ferrata set.
Various routes (A, B, F) lead to the
to Oeschinensee or back.
Be it the hiking trail in the forest
high above the Öschibach (A) or the
two mountain trails (B, F) along the
Cable car with perfect
views of the Kandertal valley.
The easy trails are particularly suitable for families with children. If you are traveling with small children, take the Cable car from Kandersteg and walk down to Oeschinensee for around 25 minutes on a path suitable for baby carriages. Native flowers, wild animals and a fantastic panorama are on the program here. And a delicious Oeschi-Glacé awaits little hiking fans at the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant.
For those who like it a little faster, there is the mountain coaster next to the mountain station, while those who prefer a quieter ride can enjoy a relaxing rowing boat trip on the lake.
Good to know: If you would like to barbecue at one of the official fireplaces on the lake, you can buy firewood from the café bar at the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant or bring your own.
Arrive, feel nature.
Secure your ticket in advance in our ticket store at
! Your boarding
pass also gives you a time slot for the gondola ride to the mountain station.
Here you can find all current
information about Oeschinensee
on the interactive panoramic map in
in real time and at a glance.
Visit the area of the
Lake Oeschinen with the virtual reality
tour in the 360° panoramic view and
explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
All current information on the
Installations and services such as
catering, toilets, lockers
etc. are clearly listed here.
Yellow, white-red-white or white-blue-white - what do these colors mean? Depending on your personal requirements and desired level of difficulty, you can choose from three different trail categories when planning your route, which are marked in different colors.
PATH Easier paths often run along wide paths. Nevertheless, narrow and uneven passages can also occur, as well as secured steps and railings.
REQUIREMENTS Hikers do not need any special requirements, good physical condition is an advantage.
EQUIPMENT Weatherproof equipment and sufficient fluids for the duration of the hike are always mandatory. The paths are accessible with sturdy sneakers and usually with baby carriages.
WEG Mountain hiking trails sometimes open up impassable terrain and are usually steep, narrow and sometimes exposed. Particularly difficult passages are secured with ropes or chains.
REQUIREMENTS Hikers must be sure-footed, free from giddiness and in good physical condition as well as aware of the dangers in the mountains (falling rocks, avalanches, danger of slipping and falling, weather changes).
EQUIPMENT We recommend wearing sturdy shoes with a non-slip sole, appropriate equipment for the weather and topographical maps.
PATH Alpine hiking trails lead partly over snow fields, glaciers or scree slopes and through rocks with short climbing sections; partly pathless. Structural precautions cannot be assumed.
REQUIREMENTS Hikers must be sure-footed, have a head for heights, be in very good physical condition and be very familiar with the dangers in the mountains.
EQUIPMENT In addition to equipment for mountain hiking trails, a compass, rope, ice axe, helmet, climbing harness and crampons or via ferrata set may be necessary.
If you decide to go on a multi-day hike, there are various accommodation options. Whether as a day or overnight guest, as a family, sportsman or pleasure hiker - there is something for everyone to experience in and around the SAC huts in the region and sleep is twice as restful in the cool mountain air.
at 2562 m above sea level
Oeschinensee - Fründenhütte SAC via Untere Fründschnuer.
Open for the 2025 season.
at 2840 m above sea level.
Hohtürli - Blüemlisalphütte SAC; pass to Kiental.
Open for the 2025 season.
at 1915 m above sea level
Kandersteg - Doldenhornhütte SAC via Undere - upper Biberg.
Season 2025 closed!
The Doldenhornhütte is getting fit for the future!
In order to meet the increasing demands for sustainability, comfort and functionality, the popular hut is receiving a comprehensive update. During the 2025 season, the SAC Doldenhornhütte will remain closed due to the construction work - the hosts look forward to welcoming you in new splendor afterwards!
More about the renovation of the Doldenhornhütte
A large part of the south-eastern shore of Oeschinensee has been declared a restricted area by the Canton of Bern due to rockfall and the risk of falling rocks. There is an absolute ban on entering 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 +41 79 603 28 78. More information at: Spitze Stei - Municipality of Kandersteg.
Find out in advance about the current local conditions, in particular closures, hazards and weather conditions. Our outdoor guidelines, information boards and status displays will help you find your way around. Adjust your goals and leisure activities according to your fitness and equipment - you are partly in high mountains. Plan enough time for your hike, take sufficient provisions with you and check your equipment.
Wear shoes suitable for the hike - preferably hiking boots. Bring a rucksack and walking poles. Clothing suitable for the season and sun protection: glasses, headgear, sun cream. Spare clothes are an advantage. Food and enough to drink. Hiking map or our free overview map, which is available at the mountain and valley stations. Charged cell phone with emergency numbers (limited network connection in parts of the Oeschinensee). Emergency first-aid kit and pocket knife.
In an emergency, call the rescue service immediately (telephone number 1414). In winter, the SOS patrolman (+41 79 481 01 12) should also be informed. 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.
You have the option of calling the ranger on +41 79 603 28 78. Alternatively, you can also speak to him in person while he is carrying out his inspection tour in the area. Do not hesitate to contact him to clarify any questions or exchange information.
Behave calmly, do not startle the animals and do not frighten them. Always close the gate and follow the footpath. In general, cows are curious and harmless. Whether large or small, cows and cattle always classify your dog as a predator. Keep your dog on a short lead and keep him under control.
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.
In the Oeschinensee area there are various gastronomic options available to you. These include the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant and Chalet Arva on the lakeshore and the Bergstübli at the mountain station. Here you can enjoy a variety of food and drinks and experience the magnificent view of the mountain landscape. To the offer.
If you are hungry or have a small appetite, you will find a selection of hot and cold snacks as well as a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the kiosk at the mountain station and in the café bar on the shore of the lake.
During the summer season you can only stay overnight in Chalet Arva . A reservation is mandatory. Camping is only permitted at the Rendez-Vous campsite at the valley station (open all year round). There are also three SAC huts in the Oeschinensee area and various pitches in Kandersteg.
The SAC-Doldenhornhütte, the SAC-Blüemlisalphütte and the SAC-Fründenhütte are located in the Oeschinensee area. The SAC-Doldenhornhütte is closed in the 2025 summer season due to renovation work.
Inquiries for group offers can be sent to oeschinensee. In the mountain restaurant on the shores of Lake Oeschinen we offer special menus for groups, which can be enjoyed both in the cozy Bergstübli inside and on the sunny terrace outside.
To make your journey on the Cable car as pleasant as possible, we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance online in the ticket store. With the Boarding Pass, which is included with the purchase of tickets, you also secure a preferred time slot for the ascent so that you can start your ascent relaxed and without long waiting times at the desired time. Further information and tickets can be found directly in our ticket store.
Group travel is limited and requires a reservation. If you arrive by train, we recommend booking via the SBB Contactcenter on +41 (0)848 44 66 88, where you can pay by invoice, receive advice and make adjustments. To buy 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.
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; it is not possible to cancel. Thank you for your understanding. Further information and tickets can be found directly in our ticket store.
Book your ticket conveniently online - without a time slot for the descent. Or secure a discounted connecting ticket at the mountain station. Your return journey? As flexible as your day on the mountain. You can find more information and tickets directly in our ticket store.
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.
You can buy your ticket easily and conveniently in our ticket store. Your ticket comes with a fixed time period (boarding pass) for your ascent . 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 directly in our ticket store.
First select the desired product in the online ticket store and add it to the shopping cart. When paying, you can select the option "Add voucher" under the payment methods and enter your voucher code.
Guests with a guest card and locals resident in Adelboden, Frutigen, Kandergrund, Kandersteg and Reichenbach receive a 10% discount on the gondola ride. No boarding pass is required for you. 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 (simply scan the QR code).
We recommend buying your ticket in advance via our ticket store (online). Only a limited number of remaining tickets are available 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.
No, unfortunately the SBB day passes are not valid for the Cable car Oeschinensee. Discounts are available with a valid GA, Half-Fare Card, Swiss Travel Pass or Kandersteg Guest Card.
No, the day ticket costs CHF 8.00. The SBB dog pass is accepted on the Cable car Oeschinensee .
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.
Yes, the BEO Pass is accepted until 31.12.2025 and the gondola ride is included. To avoid waiting times, we recommend reserving a time slot for the ascent in the ticket store. You will then receive a boarding pass with priority boarding at the desired time.
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. A local bus runs from the station to the valley station for every train arrival/departure from June to October.
Parking in Kandersteg is limited at weekends and in summer. Paid parking spaces are available at the valley station (open from 07:00 until the evening). No entry is possible at night. Entry is limited to max. 5m length, 2m height. Paid parking spaces and parking lots are located in the village and at the Schützenhaus.
There are no parking spaces for campers at the Cable car valley station in Kandersteg. These can be found at various locations in the village. There are parking spaces at the Nordic Arena and at the Bären (near Sunnbüel). Parking spaces without height restrictions can also be found at Schützenweg or at the town hall.
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 fully booked. Guests with reduced mobility have priority in the electric cab
The private road to the Oeschinensee is closed to cars and bicycles (e-bikes, mountain bikes, etc.).
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.
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.
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.
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 does not disturb other guests. 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 .
Only use the official barbecue sites to make a fire. Due to the risk of forest fires, fires are only permitted 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.
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 inform yourself in detail about the weather and the current danger situation. Avoid hiking at dusk and at night. Do not enter restricted areas and protected zones.
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.
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. The wild animals must not be disturbed at night. There is a campsite at the valley station in Kandersteg. The night-time quiet rule applies (from 22:00).
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. 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.
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.
Do not enter wildlife rest areas, plant protection areas and restricted zones. Signposts mark the protected areas where special rules apply. Never leave the marked paths and tracks and always follow the signs on site. Plants must not be dug up, picked or trampled.
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 feel disturbed by the 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.
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.
We provide unique and unforgettable moments in the imposing mountain world in front of the Blüemlisalp massif.
Cable car Oeschinensee AG
Oeschistrasse 50
3718 Kandersteg
Last updated: 15.07.2025 - 17:27:03