Oeschinen Lake revisited

On a sunny Sunday in June I’ve visited gorgeous Oeschinen Lake (Oeschinensee) for the second time. Some of you might remember, I’ve already been there previous summer and I loved the area. When friends invited us to go hiking there, my husband and I didn’t hesitate long before we accepted the invitation to this stunning alpine lake in the midst of the Swiss Alps.

Amazing Oeschinen Lake

Same as last year, we drove to Kadersteg in the Oeschinen Valley. We left our car at the parking space by the cable car station and took the gondola lift to the upper station. From there we followed the hiking path in the direction of the Oeschinen lake. We didn’t went straight to the lake, as my husband and I did last year – instead we followed the hiking trail no. 7 – the circular hiking trail above the Oeschinen Lake.

Map of hiking trails by the Oeschinen Lake ©Oeschinensee.ch

Somewhere on the way, we’ve met a herd of goats. Curious creatures soon came to us, begging us for food. After they saw we don’t have any, they continued grazing on the wast mountain meadows, while we continued with our hike.

Friendly goats we’ve met while hiking

The landscape by the Oeschinen Lake was as beautiful as I remembered from our last trip. In such gorgeous scenic place is was not hard for me to push myself to conquer the hiking trail. Sadly, not all of our group felt the same. After 20 minutes of ascent, one of our friends gave up. Whether was the reason her being scared of heights, improper footwear or just the lack of physical fitness, I don’t know. Because we weren’t sure about how demanding the trail ahead of us was, we decided it would be best if we don’t push her to continue hiking. She and her husband rather turned back and took the easy trail straight to the Oeschinen lake. My husband and I continued with the hike alone.

The trail we hiked wasn’t particularly demanding for our level of fitness and was definitely one of the most scenic I’ve ever hiked. Scenery was breathtaking at every single part of the trail: majestic mountains, cliffs, glaciers and pine woods surrounding the emerald lake. Creeks, waterfalls, and green pastures with cows and sheep peacefully grazing. I have no words to describe the beauty of this place.

Hiking with a view

When we’ve reached the mountain hut, where we’ve had delicious lunch last year, we sadly discovered it was closed. Instead, we found our spot by the creek and relaxed there.

Relaxing by the creek

We dipped our sore feet in freezing-cold clear creek water and ate and drink the last of the food and beverages we brought with. Rested and refreshed we’ve continued our descent to the lake. On our way down, we’ve bumped into our friends who just began ascending this part of the trail. Even though we would be happy to join them, they didn’t feel like walking further up. Together we’ve returned to the shore of the lake.

The level of the water of the Oeschinen Lake was much lower than it was on our last visit. We were able to walk the paths that were then under water. We found our spot by the lake and rested.

Tiny waterfall

The day was warm and I was all sweaty from the hike. The refreshing water of the lake tempted me to jump in. I didn’t hesitate long before I decided to cool myself in the lake. My husband and a friends weren’t convinced to go in the water, but after boys saw me going in, they didn’t want to risk their manhood to be challenged and they joined me in the water.

View from our spot by the lake

After we’ve spent some time relaxing by the lake, we went to one of the restaurants near the lake. We had delicious lunch there, then we walked back to the cable car station. After a short scenic ride, we were back in the valley and soon on our way back home.

Till next time Oeschinen Lake…

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

INFO ABOUT THE TRAIL:

According to my Polar watch:

• Cc. 7 km long
• Ascent: cc. 350m
• Time to complete the trail: 3 hours (2 hours of walking)

HOW TO GET TO OESCHINEN LAKE?

By public transport:

By train & bus:
Take the train to Kandersteg. From the Kandersteg train follow the signs to the Oeschinensee (Oeschinen Lake).

By car:
Drive to Kandersteg, then follow the signs to the lower station of the Oeschinensee cable car.