Lake Oeschinensee is a breathtaking lake nestled in the mountains near Kanderstag, Switzerland. In this post I will be telling you, step by step, how to visit this stunning place.
Background
I discovered this hike while scrolling on Instagram about a year ago. I never saved the reels, because I didn’t think I’d ever find myself in Switzerland. All my European friends told me it was too expensive, and Austria was just as pretty. However, I found myself in Munich with no plans on where to go, so I bought a cheap bus ticket to Zurich. It was during this bus ride that I booked an 80€ train to Interlaken, and a couple nights stay at a Hostel there.
While I was at this hostel, I spoke with numerous people who visited Lake Oeschinensee. It was then that I realized I was only a 45 min train ride away. So I hopped on a train the next day and explored this beautiful place.
How to Get There
As mentioned above, I was already in Interlaken. I simply took a train to Spiez, and then another train south to Kanderstag. This took about an hour total. I do not remember the total cost of the trains (I was so excited), but I’m guessing it was about 40€ round-trip.
From Zurich:
If you are starting from Zurich, you will need to take a train to Spiez. I recommend getting a train with only one switch (in Bern). This will take about 2 1/2 hours and cost 80€ for a one way ticket. (There are deals for trains and public transport in Switzerland that you can look into).
From Spiez:
Once you make it to Spiez, you will need to take a train south to Kanderstag. This train costs about $20 (round trip), and takes 30 min.
From Kanderstag:
Once you make it to Kanderstag, you’re just a hike (or ski lift ride) away.
The Hike
Although a ski-lift is faster and easier, I highly recommend hiking if you are able! I’d consider it a moderate hike (given the elevation) but it is well maintained and only takes a little over an hour.
To Begin, head towards the ski lift. You can see the ski-lift from the train station, so head that direction. Once you make it to the ski lift, follow signs towards Lake Oeschinensee
At the beginning, the trail runs along a river and is paved. As the elevation increases, so does the tree coverage.
As you enter the trees, the pavement discontinues, but it appears again as you near the top. There are a few view points along the trail that are absolutely breathtaking, even if there are clouds covering the tops of the mountains.
The Lake
As you have seen in pictures, the lake is absolutely stunning. I personally took over 200 photos–I just couldn’t stop! There is a restaurant at the top if you’re hungry but I personally didn’t try it. I recommend heading to the left and hiking along the edge of the lake. I was there in early June after a week of rain and there were multiple waterfalls. 
There are more trails at the top that provide different views of the lake, but many of them were closed when I went due to avalanches (Although I think the rain washed most of the snow away). Regardless, I had an amazing time just doing the trail nearest the lake.
I was also able to hike to the little Chateau nestled up off the left side of the lake. They don’t accept card payment
and they only have snacks. If you do buy something, you are able to use their bathroom and their lounge chairs, which I took advantage of for quite some time.
Overall
Pictures do not do this beautiful place justice. Every time I look back at these photos, I feel the need to take a big breath of fresh air.
If you ever have the chance to visit, spend some money on train tickets and go. Switzerland is an expensive country, but in my opinion, they have the right to be.
