Kandersteg and Oeschinensee: A Fairy-Tale Day in Switzerland

Hello everyone. Today, we traveled to a place 200 kilometers away from the city where we live. This is a town in Switzerland called Kandersteg and we discovered a lake nestled in the mountains called "Oeschinensee." Public transportation also reaches this area.

The last time I came here alone, I hiked up the slope you see over there. It was very impressive. The mountain is very steep, as you can tell even from here. Back then, I climbed it with my backpack. But today, we planned to take a walk. This time, we decided to take the cable car up instead of hiking. While hiking has its unique thrill, it can be a bit challenging. With the cable car though, it’s just an enjoyable ride.

The weather was quite pleasant and we hoped it would stay that way. However, looking at the mountains, we noticed it was slightly foggy. Luckily the sun was shining here, we were fortunate. There was a parking lot right across from the cable car station, so we parked our car there. We bought our tickets, which cost a total of 64 Swiss francs for two people.

As we boarded the cable car, we noticed some fun details around us. There’s even a felt-covered sled track here, which looks like so much fun.We got on the cable car and gradually ascended. The town shrinks below as you go higher. People come here with their caravans to camp and there are special parking areas for them. From the cable car, you can even spot the hiking trails below. Along the way, the people around us were chatting about the stunning views. This place feels like a new discovery every time you visit.

As we ascended, we passed over trees and pine forests. Hiking up would have been quite challenging, but even in the summer heat, it would’ve been a delightful experience. Along the way, there are slopes covered in mushrooms, snow-capped mountains and flowing waterfalls.

A bit further on, there are buses that take people to the lake. However, we decided to walk to the lake instead. The trail is about 1.5–2 kilometers long. Along the way, there’s a small restaurant and tables where you can sit and have a snack.

The light fog partially obscured the view today, but it added a mysterious atmosphere to the place. The mist created an enchanting appearance for the mountains. We decided to learn more about how the sled track works. A ride costs 6 Swiss francs. People sit on sleds here and they are pulled up using a cable-car-like system, after which they slide down for a fun experience.

We took the cable car up and this place is amazing. We definitely need to return in summer and glide through the air here again. We set off toward the lake. The trail isn’t very long, so we continued on foot. If you prefer, you can take a bus to the lake for 10 Swiss francs per person. The majestic mountains surrounding us were truly breathtaking. It was just you and nature,although there were plenty of tourists speaking various languages all around.

In winter this area transforms into a magical wonderland. There’s a special cable car for both kids and adults, designed specifically for sledding. It allows you to easily ascend the mountain with your sled and enjoy a thrilling ride back down. Along the hiking trail, you’ll find benches where you can sit and soak in the stunning views. The weather isn’t too cold right now, about 12 degrees Celsius and the crisp mountain air is incredibly refreshing.

As we walked toward the lake, the trail sloped downward, but we had to climb back up on our return. I didn’t mind, though it gave me a chance to get some physical activity in today.

The mountain peaks were dusted with snow, their white caps seemingly blending into the sky. At one point, we began to see the edge of the lake and its incredible turquoise hue caught our attention. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. The lake reminded me of Big Almaty Lake in Kazakhstan, with its similar colors and natural charm.

When we reached the lake, we found a small restaurant along the shore. They serve coffee and delicious desserts, perfect for enjoying the view. Many tourists were savoring the scenery and we quickly snapped some photos to capture the moment.

You can’t fully circle the lake, but you can approach the shore from both sides. The water is an unbelievable shade of turquoise, as if it belongs in a fairy tale. The lake is fed by rivers originating from surrounding glaciers, giving it its striking color. Along the way, we spotted a colorful bus transporting tourists from the cable car station to the lake. A one-way ticket costs 10 Swiss francs.

Some people were exploring the lake by boat. Nearby, there’s a hotel and restaurant that has been operating since 1880. They even serve fresh milk sourced from the surrounding mountains. The restaurant’s decor is charming, with old-fashioned windows and natural accents that add to the ambiance.

In a quiet corner of the lake, we noticed a visitor playing the flute. The melodies, combined with the serene surroundings, transported us to another world. When we reached the water’s edge, we were mesmerized by the vibrant turquoise color. The mist rolling down from the mountains created an enchanting atmosphere, adding to the lake’s magical allure. Thinking about how this natural beauty is shaped by glaciers flowing from the mountains was humbling.

This place is a slice of paradise. Switzerland’s stunning landscapes have a way of making you smile and filling you with awe every time you visit.

Every corner here feels like a postcard. Wherever you point your camera, you’re met with beauty. The vivid blue of the water, the softness of the clouds and the majesty of the mountains. Switzerland is unparalleled.

There are signs everywhere prohibiting camping, but we noticed something surprising: barbecues are allowed. Special areas have been set up for open fires. My friend suggested we come back in the summer with a group of friends to enjoy a barbecue. Everyone here seems to be relishing nature. We found a bench, unpacked our snacks and sat down to take in the view. The bench was perched right at the edge of a cliff, with no railings allowing you to feel fully immersed in the wild beauty of nature.

As we walked toward the lake, we breathed in the fresh mountain air. The silence was so profound that we didn’t want to disturb it. Seeing the rivers flowing from the glaciers into the lake, creating that stunning shade of blue, was captivating. My friend ventured down to a river flowing from the mountain to feel the water. He said it was ice-cold and the stones along the riverbank sparkled like diamonds. Every detail here offers a glimpse into nature’s magnificence.

On our way back, we stopped by a Swiss village. The rivers running through it looked like enchanting milk rivers. Historic buildings, 18th-century hotels, elegant restaurants and lush greenery complemented one another perfectly. Some homes were adorned with vibrant flowers, making you wish you could live here and wake up to this beauty every day.

Today felt like a storybook adventure. The turquoise waters of Schönen Lake and the surrounding splendor left us deeply moved. Switzerland’s enchanting nature and tranquil atmosphere provide an unmatched experience. We hope you enjoyed joining us on this journey. See you next time.😊