NEW UPDATE : As of May 2025 you must have a booked reservation for the Kandersteg-Cable Car reaching the Oeschinensee. Visitors arriving without a pre-booked ticket may have to wait until a free place occurs or simply will not get access to the cable car.
Alternatively you can hike up the trail (90 minutes) to the lake. Please find more information on the Oeschinensee Website whether the trail is open.
The stunning hike to Lake Oeschinensee above Kandersteg is another must do when visiting the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland.
Experience an unforgettable Swiss mountain lake hike with kids to one of the most renowned and stunning mountain lakes in Switzerland – The Oeschinensee. Situated above the town of Kandersteg in the Canton of Bern, lying within powerful dramatic mountains – some covered with the eternal snow- you will find this magical mountain lake Oeschinensee.
The lake and its surroundings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jungfrau Region for a good reason.
Numerous hikes with incredible vistas, adapted to your children’s and family ability, will make the Oeschinensee hike a Family hike in the Swiss alps to remember. This hike is NOT the Oeschinensee Panorama trail but the easy accessible trail to the Oeschinensee vis the Oeschinensee Läger viewpoint.
How to get to Lake Oeschinensee?
The easiest way to reach the Oeschinensee lake is to jump on the gondola, which is located in Kandersteg. To ensure a space in the cable car, as of 2025 you now have to pre-book your slot online. Check out prices and opening hours.
By car: You can add in your GPS the exact address of the cable car station in Kandersteg. A large payable car park is located right there.
By public transport: Take the train to Kandersteg, followed by a 1km walk through the town to the cable car.
Hike through unspoiled nature on one of the many family friendly hiking trails at the Oeschinensee. Experience incredible 360° views as you would expect to view on high-altitude mountaineering routes. Already when you arrive at the bottom of the cable car in Kandersteg some of the most impressive mountain sceneries are presented in front of you.
Hiking up: If you haven’t booked your slot in the cable car and there is no more opening for the day, you can hike up to Oeschinensee from Kandersteg. It is a 4.5km uphill trail with an ascent of 421 metres. Click on the map to get full access to the hiking map, and here you find informations on whether the trail is open.
Ticket Prices
in 2025 a return ticket on the Kandersteg Cable Car to Oeschinensee top station is:
- Adult Chf 36.-
- Child Chf 16.- (6-15 years of age)
- Children younger and with junior SBB card are travelling for free.
Swiss Travel Pass holder get 50% discount like with a GA and Half Fare Travel card.
Where to stay
This is such a beautiful area and spending some time here will not disappoint. Browse the map to find the best accommodation and hotel at Oeschinensee or the Kander Valley.
Hiking to the Oeschinensee with Kids
Which route is best to see the Oeschinensee viewpoint & pushchair-friendly
When you get your tickets at the cable car station grab a trail map. I strongly suggest you take hike number two via Läger and then head down to the lake. Otherwise if you go only to the lakeshore you will miss the stunning view point of the Oeschinensee which is featured in this blog. And this would be such a shame.
Hiking Map Oeschinensee Hike with Kids
Click on the map to get full access.
Photos on the Oeschinensee lake hike with kids
The trail No2, is more or less flat and pushchair-friendly. Apart from a slight uphill at the beginning in the forest you should not have any trouble whilst hiking to the Oeschinensee.
When we did the Oeschinensee hike with kids it was during October, which meant colourful trees and clear views. In numerous locations, we saw dried-out streams. I can imagine if you hike here during the late spring or summer, you will experience waterfalls and streams along the path and can drink some of the purest mountain ice-cold water.
After around 40 minutes, of walking – with kids, you arrive at the viewpoint Läger. Be prepared for one of the most impressive Swiss mountain lake views you can imagine.
The area has a restaurant, with a children’s playground. But this view is so mesmerising and unique that you will probably find yourself sitting at the edge overlooking the lake and telling the kids that the playground is out of order today.
Next to the restaurant is the path down to the lake shore. A great area where you can make a fire if the weather permits, grill your Swiss sausage, have a swim, oh yes you can go for a brave, fresh mountain water swim, or just as in so many places in Switzerland enjoy the peace and tranquility this place has to offer.
You will also find the Oeschinensee Restaurant right at the lake shore. If making your own fire and getting the smoky smell in your nose is not your favourite way of enjoying lunch, they offer delicious local dishes. This option of the Oeschinensee hike with kids still gives you epic views all around and a perfect day guaranteed.
How to get back from the Oeschinensee?
If you spend too long enjoying the views and incredible scenery by the lake you can take a ride back to the cablecar station with the Oeschinensee Shuttle service. It is a chf 8.- fee per person (maybe more in 2025) or you can walk the 30-40 min back on trail number one. It is slightly uphill back and no problems with the pushchair.
The area of the Oeschinensee offers many other hikes including a high trail above the lake- The Oeschinensee Panoramic Trail. But for us with our 3-year-old twins’, trail number two and back on number one, was simply perfect. It gives a roundtrip of 3.4km in total with a 110m altitude change in both directions. But should you be hiking with older kids here is a full description of the beautiful panorama hike in detail.
Summer Toboggan Run at Oeschinensee
A must is the summer sledding run at the station. You can simply not depart the mountain without at least having done one run. The younger kids can ride with you and it is safe as you are the pilot. Our two enjoyed it so much we had to go twice. The sled area is right next to the cable car station, very conveniently placed. You can leave your bags next to the ticket office without any problem, so there is no excuse. A perfect mountain family activity to end the day at the Oeschinensee.
Other things to do at the Oeschinensee
If you do not want to hike at all to the best viewpoint at the Oeschinensee, you can take the electric bus already from the top cable car station to the lake shore of the Oeschinensee and back.
For the very sporty ones, you can hike up the 400m altitude change from Kandersteg to the lake find out more about the different hikes.
Travel advice to visit the Oeschinensee Lake
Although this hike is in the Canton of Bern it is very much possible to pencil it in even if your holiday base is in the Canton of Valais. There is a car-train from Goppenstein – Valais which will bring you through the mountain and out in Kandersteg. Just check when the last train leaves Kandersteg to Goppenstein.
As always bring warm jackets as the weather can turn quickly in the mountains. For this trip you may want to bring your swimming suits J. Check out the cable car timetable so you do not miss the last ride down.
Good to know
- There is the possibility to bring your bike and cycle down for families with older kids.
Check with the station for possibilities and prices on bringing your bike - Many more different hikes just waiting to be discovered by you. Example the Oeschinensee Panorama hike
- If you would like a unique experience you can overnight at the lake.
- Discover Lake Oeschinensee from a completely new perspective and rent a rowing boat. More information on their local website.
More family-friendly activities in Switzerland
- Adleboden – Vogellisi Hike and more
- Bachalpsee – A Beautiful Hike from Grindelwald-First (winter edition)
- 17 Best activities & things to see in Lauterbrunnen
- Lake Blausee – How best to visit
- Swiss Altitude to 3300m with kids
- Nendaz Village – Why it is the best family resort in Valais
- Tseuzier Lake:: Best family-friendly hike with little kids
- Easy Hike around Lake Sanetsch in Valais
If you like the look of the Oeschinensee mountain lake, then Pin’it. And should you need any more information Get in touch with us.
30 thoughts on “Oeschinensee Hike with Kids (2025)”
This lake region looks so beautiful! It actually reminds me a lot of Canada.
Hi Jody, this is so funny you’re saying that it reminds you of Canada. We’re planning an epic Canadian -USA trip next May and quite ofter we ask ourselves if our region looks like Canada.. well I guess you have given us the answer.
The views are so amazing! Would love to go as well.
We love this hike and visit here every time we’re near Kandersteg. We were here just this past summer, and it’s always such a great place to visit and enjoy the view! Our kids have even dipped into the lake for a swim, though it’s quite bracing. 😉
Hi Claudia, I am so glad you know this gem as well. I can only imagine that the swim was rather cold 🙂
Easily my favorite place to hike. We’ve got to get back there. Thanks for sharing your dreamy photos, now I’ll be thinking of Switzerland all day!
hi, ah good you know this little paradise. And keep on dreaming about Switzerland…. it is a nice dream:)
Wow! Wow! Wow!! What else is there to say? These images are stunning!!! The perfect combination of the water color and the verboding cliffs make this mesmerizing as you said! This would be a dream come true to see it one day.
Hi Amanda, thank you so much for your comment. You absolutely right it is just simply the perfect spot. So tranquille yet so powerful and strong. I hope you can visit Switzerland one day, let me know if this comes true and I will give you lot’s more suggestions. But also have a peak on our blog I will upload a lot more amazing places in Switzerland especially the Valais region of the winter!
take care Corina
Ha the sledding looks crazy! I would love to have a go though. I’ve only been to Switzerland twice and it was to Bodensee so I really want to head back and visit the mountains, they’re so beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration, it’s good to know you can take bikes and cycle there too!
hi Kitiara, this place definitely is a great change from Bodensee (which is nice s well) and if you love a challenge then yes, bike up to the lake… bravo
Great post, amazing pics! You had such a great experience 😀 Overnight at the lake sounds like a challenge hahah
Hi July, thanks for commenting, the overnight at the lake would be in a nice cosy Swiss cabine 🙂
I can’t believe how beautiful this place is – your photos are amazing! My fiance and I are avid hikers, and this looks like something we would enjoy. However, I think we’d spend more time taking photos than actually walking 🙂
Hi Daniela, 🙂 well do need to rush though Nature with your heads down, this lace is the picture perfect area, and as you can shorten your paths on several areas depending on how many photos you’re taking it makes it even more perfect. I am looking forward to go back when the snow has melted and the waterfalls are cascading again.
Such an informative post and also your photos are amazing!!!! It makes me appreciate how beautiful Switzerland is, and it is definitely making me want to return to hike
thank you it means a lot if my photos are appreciated 🙂
Hi Usha, oh on which glaciers where you on? Thank you for the comments on the Photos it means a lot.
SUCH stunning images! The blue of that water is unreal, putting it straight on the list for 2019!
Dear Helen , Thank you so much for your comment always means a lot when people like my/ours photos.
Hike isn’t really my thing. However seeing your kids made it, made me think twice. A view as beautiful as that is really worth the hike. I’m taking notes about this place as well as your tips.We might consider this during our next visit to Switzerland.
Hi Joy, honestly this is not really a hike more an amazing stroll to an even more amazing viewpoint. An absolute must. And don’t forget you can always take the electric bus which will bring you to the lake shore direct.
What a stunning emerald-blue lake! I’d love to hike in the Swiss Alps. Grilling sausages on the lakeshore sounds like an amazing idea for a picnic.
hi and thank you for your comment. there is nothing better then a grilled sausages on a lakeshore
This place looks like a dream! Might just have to make a trip there soon 😉 And the fact it’s suitable for kids is perfect for me cause I’m such a lazy hiker haha.
hi Stephanie, oh yes this is definitely one for you… knowing the view you will get on the other side will make every lazy hiker a keen one. 🙂
THANKS FOR THE POST. Amazingly clear post about exploring the lake. Me like many others greatly benefited from this post.
Glad that your kinds love the outdoors too!
Julian
Hi, thank you so much, I am glad you found it informative and that it may help you planning your trip.
We will be traveling there with young kids soon and I was hoping to find a way to get good views without the panorama trail- thank you!
Hi Jenessa
If you haven’t yet been at Oeschinensee I hope this message is not too late. You can go to the Lägern viewpoint like stated in this blog post without doing the Panorama trail you get nicht views over the ale as well.
And than of course by the lake.
Hope this helps
Corina