OESCHINENSEE, Lake Oeschinen, Switzerland
OESCHINEN LAKE in the summertime is a completely different experience as in the wintertime. The last time we visited was for the Ice Walk – fantastic! But this time it was without snow and together with good friends. Again, with the cable car from Kandersteg to the mountain station and then just 1,4 km almost flat hike to one of the restaurants, the Zur Sennhütte, with fabulous views over the lake from the terrace. Hardcore hikers can even hike around the lake via the Fründenschnur, a narrow but steep and exposed route, secured with steel wires, 200 meters above the lake (see the picture with the arrow)! OK, we didn’t try it. Returning to the cable car is another 1,5 km uphill but it is also possible to catch a shuttle back. A visit to Lake Oeschinen is a must-see, beautiful in whatever direction you look.
After a delicious lunch, we continued steep downhill to the banks of the lake with lots of picnic and campfire options. By the mountain hotel and restaurant, Berghaus am Oeshinensee, it is even possible to get firewood and barbecue baskets as well as picnic baskets to enjoy while relaxing with tremendous views over the lake and to the mountains. Rowboats can be rented as well, and the lake is only about 1,1 km2 so it is difficult to get lost.
The Fründenschnur hike:
