Above Kandersteg, Oeschinensee sits beneath a dramatic wall of the Bernese Alps. Waterfalls spill down the cliffs, the lake shifts between shades of blue and green, and the shoreline invites you to linger. Take the cable car up from the valley, walk down to the water and rent a rowing boat for an unhurried view of the peaks. On the lake, the noise of the village falls away and the scale of the mountains takes over.
From the cable car to the shore
The lakeshore is about a half-hour walk from the upper cable-car station, making the boat outing part of a longer mountain visit. Cable-car tickets bought through the official shop include an ascent time slot; if you buy elsewhere, check whether you still need to reserve one. Rowing boats are rented at the shore and cannot be booked ahead, so be ready to enjoy the lake from the trail if there is a wait.
View in GoExploringRenting a rowing boat
Boats fit up to four people and are available from May, weather permitting. Fog, thunderstorms and strong winds can close the rental, and popular days may mean a wait. Children under 16 need an adult on board; those under 12 must wear a life jacket. If the boats are not running, the walk to the shore still brings you face to face with one of the region’s most beautiful mountain lakes.
For another Swiss mountain day with dramatic views and rail access, explore our Gornergrat and Riffelsee guide.