#Exploring

WINTER HIKING

Recharge your batteries, feel nature.

Welcome to the winter hiking paradise on Oeschinensee! After the cable car ride to the mountain station, discover all the winter hiking trails in Oeschinensee. Whichever path you choose, you can be sure of a wonderful view of the three-thousand-metre peaks of the Blüemlisalp massif. Here you can find information about winter hiking.

Good to know

The area around Oeschinensee offers everything for a magical stay, whether for snow hares or mountain foxes. Winter hiking, snowshoeing, skiing or tobogganing - an absolute nature experience! In winter, there are two culinary options to choose from around Oeschinensee : the self-service restaurant "Bergstübli", right next to the Oeschiland beginners' park, and the mountain restaurant "Oeschinensee", down on the lakeshore. Indoors in cold weather or on the terrace in the sunshine - enjoyment is guaranteed!

INFOBOX

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′
Hiking trail (C) - mountain Oeschinensee direct - open - approx. 30′ - partly snow-covered.
Hiking trail (D) mountain station - Oeschinensee via Läger - open - approx. 40′ - snow-covered - hiking boots recommended.
Hiking trail (K) along the Oeschinensee - open - approx. 10′ - snow-covered.
Ice Walk (L) closed - end of season

Winter hiking

Key Facts

The best place to start your expeditions through the silent white is from the mountain station. In winter, only one snowshoe trail (A) leads from Kandersteg (mountain railroad valley station) to the Oeschinensee area.

There are winter hiking trails for every fitness level in the Oeschinensee area. You can find the right winter hiking trail on our digital map.

It's a good thing that (almost) all of our winter hikes are panoramic routes. Whether you are motivated by pleasure or ambition, if you follow the signposts, you will find your way. Enjoyment guaranteed, including culinary delights. Because the sun terraces of the mountain restaurants are oases of relaxation - relaxation guaranteed.

Virtual 360° tour of Oeschinensee

Explore the Oeschinensee with the virtual reality tour in 360° panoramic view and discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The virtual summer 360° tour is currently being prepared for you to get you in the perfect mood for your summer experience in 2025.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

The most beautiful winter hiking routes in the area.

  • Stay on the official winter hiking trails and the marked routes.
  • Respect the legally binding and marked restricted areas and wildlife rest areas.
  • Avoid touring at dusk and at night.
  • Please note the opening hours of the cable car.
  • Take weather conditions into account and adapt the equipment to the conditions.
  • Keep dogs on a short lead - wild animals avoid areas where dogs have been.
  • Avoid forest edges and snow-free areas.
  • Take all leftover food and waste back home with you or dispose of it in the official waste separation stations.

OUR GASTRONOMY

For magical enjoyment.

LEARN MORE

Arrive, feel nature.

Recharge your batteries, feel nature.

FAQ

What you should know.

What outdoor guidelines apply to the use of toilets?

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.

Is it possible to enter Oeschinensee in winter?

If the ice is thick enough and there is enough snow on Oeschinensee , the "Ice Walk" is prepared on the lake. This is open to all pedestrians. Good, warm winter hiking boots are required. On the "Ice Walk", it is important to observe the clearance for walking on the frozen lake and the avalanche bulletin on site.

Can you go winter hiking in the Oeschinensee area?

Yes, you can take a beautiful winter hike from the mountain station to the shores of Lake Oeschinen. We recommend trail D via the Läger to the viewpoint and then the direct trail C from the lake back to the mountain station. When open, the Ice Walk on the frozen lake offers an additional special winter hiking opportunity. Good, warm winter hiking boots or snowshoes are required.

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.

Are lockers available at the top or bottom station?

Yes, there are lockers and ski racks at the top and bottom stations. Payment can be made digitally by debit card, Visa/Mastercard, Twint or cash. Weekly and season passes for lockers and ski racks are available at the ticket office.

Is it possible to snowshoe in the Oeschinensee area?

Yes, a snowshoe trail leads from the valley station directly to the shore of Lake Oeschinen. Duration of the hike approx. 1.5 hours. Depending on the weather conditions, the snowshoe trail is only suitable for experienced snowshoers. Alternatively, you have the option of snowshoeing from the mountain station on the official winter hiking trails.

Can I hire sledges somewhere?

Yes, sledges can be hired at the Oeschinensee mountain station for CHF 20 per day. There is a short toboggan run from the mountain station to the shore of Lake Oeschinen. The way back to the mountain station is on foot. Duration: approx. 30 minutes. Sledging is also permitted in the Oeschiland beginners' park.

What outdoor guidelines apply to winter hikes and the "Ice Walk"?

Stay safely on the marked and open winter hiking trails and avoid shortcuts. This also applies to snowshoe hikers. Check the level of difficulty and your equipment carefully for each hike. Be aware that you will be crossing the ski slopes and using them in places. During the "Ice Walk", it is important to observe the clearance of the frozen lake and the avalanche bulletin (SLF), see info screens and information boards in the area.

How is the piste and rescue service provided?

The daily monitoring of the marked and open pistes and paths ends with the final check at 17:00. Outside the operating hours, all pistes and winter hiking trails are closed and are not secured against dangers such as avalanche blasting, snow groomers, etc. In the event of incidents during operating hours, please contact the SOS patroller +41 481 01 12. Outside operating hours (REGA 1414).

Oeschinensee

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