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 Oeschinensee - out of service - from May 10, 2025 daily from 08:30 - 18:00 in operation.
Hiking trail (A) valley station - Oeschinensee - open - approx. 90′Mountain hiking trail Läger - Heuberg - Oberbergli (G) - CLOSED: avalanche danger = danger to life! Opening in June.
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.
Plan route / Helpful links
The best hiking experiences
Various routes (A, B, F) lead to the
to Oeschinensee.
Be it the hiking trail in the forest
high above the Öschibach (A) or the two mountain
the two mountain trails (B, F) along the
Cable car with perfect
views of the Kandertal valley.
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 perfect
perfect view of the Oeschinensee.
The mountain hike is for experienced hikers,
mountain hikers with a head for heights
with mountain boots and 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.
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 the little hikers 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.
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).
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We provide unique and unforgettable moments in the imposing mountain world in front of the Blüemlisalp massif.
Cable car Kandersteg-Oeschinensee AG
Oeschistrasse 50
3718 Kandersteg
Last updated: 22.04.2025 - 07:37:03