Oeschinen Lake

#24 among destinations in Switzerland

Nature, Natural attraction, Lake, Top attraction

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Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Günter Seggebäing, Coesfeld / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Fxxu / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Max Karmazin / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Lukas.t.s / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Nanar1317 / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Fxxu / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hp.Baumeler / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Oeschinen Lake is a natural marvel that captivates visitors with its serene beauty and pristine waters. Situated at an elevation of 1,578 meters, the lake is easily accessible from the nearby town of Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland region. It is a favorite destination for both adventure seekers and those looking to unwind amidst nature.

Oeschinen Lake, formed by the retreat of glaciers, is renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters that reflect the surrounding peaks in a breathtaking display. The lake spans approximately 1.5 kilometers in length and is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, including the towering Blüemlisalp massif.

During the summer months, Oeschinen Lake is a hive of activity. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels lead to panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding alpine landscape, making it a paradise for trekkers. For those looking to relax, rowboats are available for rent, allowing for a peaceful excursion on the water. Fishing enthusiasts can also indulge in their hobby, as the lake is home to a variety of fish species.

Winter transforms the area into a wonderland, with the frozen lake serving as a base for ice fishing, skating, and even walking tours. The nearby ski slopes and toboggan runs provide additional winter sports opportunities, ensuring that Oeschinen Lake is a year-round destination.

The lake has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site owing to its unique environment and the exemplary representation of the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps. It is also part of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch protected area, highlighting the importance of its preservation for future generations.

For those looking to extend their stay, there are several mountain huts and restaurants in the vicinity, offering local Swiss cuisine and cozy accommodations with stunning views.

Local name: Oeschinensee Area: 0.42 mi²Length: 5249 ftWidth: 3281 ftMaximum depth: 184 ftElevation: 5177 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°29'54"N, 7°43'35"E

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BernSwitzerland

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Day trips

Oeschinen Lake – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Blausee, Tschingelsee, Blüemlisalp, Felsenburg.

3.8 miNW
Tiny, scenic lake with a hotel and trout
Blausee
97 min walk • Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Blausee is an enchanting natural lake renowned for its stunning, crystal-clear blue water. This small but mesmerizing body of water is a hidden gem located in the Kander Valley, in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland.
3.8 miN
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Tschingelsee
97 min walk • Tschingelsee is a lake in the valley Kiental of the Canton of Berne, Switzerland. The lake formed on Tschingelalp in 1972 after severe weather. Since 1987 the area has been a nature preserve.
2.3 miE
Snowy mountain with panoramic views
Blüemlisalp
59 min walk • The Blüemlisalp is a massif of the Bernese Alps, in the territory of the municipalities of Kandersteg and Reichenbach im Kandertal.
3.4 miNW
Forts and castles
Felsenburg
88 min walk • Felsenburg Castle is a ruined castle in the municipality of Kandergrund of the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
4.7 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Bütlasse
120 min walk • The Bütlasse is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, located north of the Gspaltenhorn in the canton of Bern. The Vorderi Bütlasse is a minor summit situated north of the Bütlasse. The closest localities are Griesalp and Gimmelwald.
2.5 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Wildi Frau
65 min walk • The Wildi Frau is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, overlooking the Hohtürli Pass in the Bernese Oberland. It lies between the valleys of Kandersteg and Kiental, north of the Blüemlisalp. It lies 60 km at the southwest of the capital, Bern.
4 miW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
First
102 min walk • The First is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, overlooking Kandersteg in the canton of Bern. Its summit can be reached by trail from Adelboden or Kandersteg.
2.1 miS
Dramatic peak for hiking and skiing
Doldenhorn
54 min walk • The Doldenhorn is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, overlooking Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland. On its north side is Lake Oeschinen.
4.3 miSE
Natural attraction, Mountain
Birghorn, Lötschental
110 min walk • The Birghorn is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, located on the border between the Swiss cantons of Bern and Valais. It lies on the range connecting the Lötschen Pass from the Tschingelhorn, separating the upper Gasterntal from the Lötschental.
2.2 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Oeschinenhorn
57 min walk • The Oeschinenhorn is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, overlooking Lake Oeschinen in the Bernese Oberland. It lies just west of the Blüemlisalp.
4.7 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Petersgrat
119 min walk • The Petersgrat is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, located on the border between the Swiss cantons of Bern and Valais. It consists of a large ridge, which is entirely covered by ice. The northern side belongs to the basin of the large Kander Glacier. On the southern side the glacier is smaller and is named Tellingletscher.