Val Di Funes, Santa Maddalena and Chiesetta di San Giovanni, Dolomites
The Lake Oeschinen Panorama Hike is a popular trail in the Swiss Alps that includes an incredible circular path offering elevated views of the stunning turquoise lake below. This hike truly lives up to the hype and had me completely blown away with how beautiful it was. If you can only visit one place in the entirety of Switzerland this would be at the top of my list!
Hike Overview and Map
Trailhead: Follow signs from the Oeschinen cable car station “Panorama Trail” | Google Maps
Total Hiking Distance: 8.5 km
Total Hiking Duration: 3 hour hike | round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 2,000 meters above sea level
Highlights: Views of Lake Oeschinen and the surrounding Blüemlisalp Massif, Doldenhorn, and Oeschinenhorn
Note: there are several amazing viewpoints along the hike. My favourite is on the hillside directly behind the “main” lookout, from here you can sit on the grass and get an incredible view of the entire lake.
Getting There
From Central Kandersteg:
Bus - Kandersteg, Victoria to Kandersteg Talstat (242)
5-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 20 minutes
Price: 3 CHF per person one-way
Earliest around 9:20AM and last trip 16:45PM
Book on the SBB app
Cable Car - Gondelbahn Kandersteg-Oeschinensee
10-minute duration one way
Runs approximately every 20 minutes
Price: 24 CHF per person one-way or 32 CHF per person return
Earliest around 8:30 AM and last descent 18:30 PM
Book in advance on the website or at the ticket station at the base of the gondola
Note: Would strongly suggest walking to the base of the cable car rather than waiting for the first bus
Overview of Lake Oeschinen (Drone)
General Tips
To complete this hike without feeling rushed with time I would suggest staying in Kandersteg and give yourself an entire day hiking around the lake, getting lunch and potentially going on a paddle boat.
There are options to travel to the lake just for the day from Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken but I believe its a far better experience actually staying in the small town.
Walk to the base of the cable car rather than waiting for the first bus, if possible as this will allow you get there prior to the first gondola departure.
Try and get to the ticket station half an hour before the first departure at 8:30AM as its extremely popular and can become crowded quickly.
As soon as you get to the lake start the top section of the Panorama Hike. This will allow you to beat the crowds, provide the best lighting as the sun comes across the lake, and means that you tackle the hardest part of the hike first while the temperature is cooler.
The Swiss Half Fare card will get you a 50% discount on the gondola journey.
Sections of the hike are quite steep, or have a narrow pathway with no railing on either side preventing a fall, so make sure you take your time and ensure that you are wearing sturdy footwear.
There are several restaurants along the journey where you can stop in for lunch, alternatively down by the water side has some amazing picnic locations.
Bring your bathers and a towel for an extremely refreshing dip at the end of the hike.
Viewpoint - Initial Ascent
Viewpoint - Primary Lookout
Viewpoint - Hillside Behind Main Lookout
Viewpoint - Hillside Behind the Main Lookout
Viewpoint - Paraglider
Viewpoint - Hillside Behind Main Lookout
Overview of Oeschinen (Drone)
Viewpoint - Mountain Restaurant Eastside of Lake
Viewpoint - Cows Grazing Along Panorama Hike
Viewpoint - East Side Of The Lake Start Of The Descent
Overview of Oeschinen (Drone)
Activities at Lake Oeschinen
Boat Rental:
Available at designated stations near the main restaurant area by the waters edge
Open between 10:30AM and 17:00PM
The cost will vary but expect to pay around 20 CHF for half an hour and 32 CHF per hour
Rowers are required to keep a distance of 100m from any rock faces
A nice way to relax over the water in the afternoon
Mountain Coaster:
Available directly adjacent to the top cable car station
Like a toboggan on wheels, which zips down a dedicated path with a series of tight bends
Cost 6 CHF for a single ride, 11.50 CHF for 2 trips or 17 CHF for 3 trips
Note that you are not allowed to have your phone out recording while descending
Viewpoint - Main Shoreline Picnic Area
Where to Next
Jungfrau Region:
Only two hours by train away from Kandersteg is the beautiful Swiss town of Lauterbrunnen, a gateway to the wider Jungfrau region. Base yourself here for a few days to adequately explore the area.
Zermatt:
Alternatively just over 2 hours train ride from Kandersteg is Zermatt, This town is famous for skiing in the winter time and incredible hikes throughout the summer all of which are centered around the Matterhorn.
Zermatt Itinerary
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