Interlaken: Private Hiking Tour Oeschinen Lake & Blue Lake
Frutigen-Niedersimmental, Zurich
Enjoy the breathtaking panorama while hiking at deep blue Oeschinen Lake. Choose routes suitable for your fitness level. An optional visit to Blue Lake at the end of the tour is included.
This guided hiking tour starts in Kandersteg, Switzerland, and suits all fitness levels seeking Alpine nature and lake exploration.
Highlights
- Hike around Oeschinen Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Alpine lake
- Experience Swiss Alps hiking trails with diverse wildlife and alpine plants
- Relax at Blue Lake (Blausee) after the hike
Description
Your tour begins with private car pickup from nearly anywhere in Switzerland, followed by a drive to Kandersteg. From there, take a gondola up to Oeschinen Lake. A gentle 30-minute walk across pastures and pine forest leads to the lake.
Oeschinen Lake is a deep-blue mountain lake fed by glaciers from nearby peaks like Blüemlisalp and Doldenhorn. Activities here include hiking, rowing, and in summer, swimming when the water reaches up to 20°C (bring swimwear if you wish to swim).
The main hike offers various paths around the lake at different altitudes, suitable for all fitness levels. You will pass alpine flower meadows and may spot wildlife such as birds and ibex. After about 45 minutes, you reach Berghaus Unterbärgli, an alpine hut with simple restaurant facilities for a rest.
If desired, you can extend your hike to higher mountain huts with additional views. When ready, return to the gondola station and continue to Blausee (Blue Lake). A short 200-meter walk through a pristine nature park leads to this small lake known for its clear, blue waters and peaceful surroundings.
Blausee features the Grand Hotel with spa facilities and a restaurant recognized by the Gault&Millau guide.
This tour can be booked without hiking. Instead of walking to the lakeshore, a horse carriage (ticket not included) can take you from the gondola station to Oeschinen Lake. In this case, you spend more time at the shore and can explore other recommended nearby sights with your guide.
Includes
- Local tour guide and driver (Swiss or expat)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- VAT and all taxes
Excludes
- Food and drinks (supermarket stops possible; bring your own on Sundays as shops are closed)
- Return gondola ticket Kandersteg - Oeschinen Lake (CHF 30 adults, CHF 15 children or free with Swiss Pass)
- Blue Lake entrance ticket (CHF 11 adults, CHF 7 children)
- Tips
Important Information
- Late bookings may find cable car tickets sold out; an alternative destination will be offered if needed.
- Non-hiking option includes horse carriage ride to the lake shore, skipping mountain hut hikes, with time for other local sightseeing.
- Booking one day prior may limit availability of guides speaking your preferred language; English guides are provided if unavailable.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
For best experience, book early to secure cable car tickets and bring suitable hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and swimwear if swimming. Early summer to early autumn offers ideal weather conditions.
