3 Magical Reasons Oeschinensee Hike Will Absolutely Steal Your Heart
Last Hike Before Welcoming Our First Child
Oeschinensee is a stunning lake located in the Canton of Bern. It is widely famous for its extreme beauty, making it one of the most breathtaking alpine lakes in Switzerland. We visited this incredible destination in 2021 and decided to complete a short loop to fully soak in the scenery. To start our adventure, we used the gondola to reach the lake area. At the time, the return ticket cost 40 CHF per person.
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Arriving in Bern
- Via Train or Bus: Bern is centrally located with fast, direct rail connections from Zurich, Basel, and Geneva. To check schedules and book your ticket, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Zurich or Geneva Airport and take a train to arrive at Oeschinensee. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Switzerland
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
The Oeschinensee Hike Experience
Our circuit hike around the lake took about 90 minutes to complete. The trail offered a perfect balance, featuring an easy to moderate difficulty level that allowed us to comfortably enjoy the dramatic mountain backdrops.
Sitting by the Lake
As we finished our hike, we came across a scenic site where rowboats were being rented out to visitors. Sitting by the shore and taking in the panoramic landscape was the perfect way to wind down after our walk.
Rowing across Oeschinensee
Intrigued by the perspective from the water, we rented a rowboat for an hour for 32 CHF. Spending that hour rowing across the turquoise water while enjoying the mountain views was an absolute highlight. The entire experience felt extremely relaxing and therapeutic.
Final Remarks
We visited Oeschinensee almost 60 days before welcoming our first child into the world. This was one of our last excursions as a family of two and is to-date one of my favourite hikes in Switzerland.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Oeschinensee lake?
You can take a train to Kandersteg and then walk or take a bus to the Oeschinensee gondola station. The gondola takes you up near the lake area.
How much does the Oeschinensee gondola cost?
During our visit, the return ticket for the gondola cost 40 CHF. Prices can vary depending on the season and whether you hold a Swiss Half Fare Card or General Abonnement (GA).
How long is the hike around Oeschinensee?
The loop circuit directly around the lake area takes approximately 90 minutes. It is an easy to moderate trail suitable for most casual hikers and families.
