I’ll admit, sometimes you wish Lake Oeschinen was still a true hidden gem and you could have the shore all to yourself. The reality is often quite different: the place is popular and, as a result, bustling. But when you stand before this indescribable turquoise water, framed by the imposing rock faces, for the first time, you immediately understand why everyone wants to come here. It is simply breathtaking.
We generally like to take the first gondola, but at Lake Oeschinen, it’s practically a must for us. Not just for the photos, but because we want to avoid the crowds as much as possible with our two dogs.
Planning is everything: insider tips for dog owners
Since Lake Oeschinen isn’t exactly a hidden gem, I asked the cable car company how to make the trip as stress-free as possible with two dogs. Thomas Graf from Gondelbahn Kandersteg-Oeschinensee AG gave me some valuable tips.
- The reservation system: You can book gondola rides in advance, which helps spread out the crowds during peak times and avoids long waits in line with your dogs.
- Timing: If you go during the first hour of operation (or stay after 6:00 p.m.), you’ll have a much quieter experience.
- Budget tip: The dog day pass costs CHF 8.00, but, and many people don’t know this, the SBB dog pass is accepted here.
- The alternative route (Trail F): If the gondola isn’t an option for your dogs, Trail F leads from the valley to the mountain station (marked only on the spring, summer, and fall maps). It’s less crowded and ideal for a relaxed hike.
The gondola ride and the new system
In the past, getting to the base station in Kandersteg during peak times could be a real test of patience. The fact that you can now reserve gondola rides is a real game-changer for us when we can’t make it during off-peak hours. It noticeably evens out the flow of visitors and ensures that we don’t have to wait in line amid a restless crowd.
Water, swimming areas, and nature conservation
Since the lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I wanted to know what the rules were regarding swimming. Thomas Graf from the mountain railway gave the all-clear: there are no special restrictions for dogs. As long as you stay outside the fenced-off restricted areas and show consideration for swimmers, dogs are allowed in the water.
Delia isn’t exactly a natural swimmer, but she clearly enjoys cooling her paws and sniffing the breeze; Domino, too, keeps just his paws in the water.
The reality on the mountain: grazing livestock and a leash
It’s important to remember that the Lake Oeschinen region is an open grazing area. From late May through late September, cattle and sheep are out on the alpine pastures. Since there are no alternative routes that completely bypass the pastures, it’s essential to plan ahead. (Read my article here on how to behave when encountering cows).
For us, this means: As soon as we enter pastureland with cows, I always put the dogs on a leash. Outside these areas, we let them run free whenever the situation allows. Especially with a dog like Domino, a livestock guardian dog mix who closely scans his surroundings and assesses them independently, my approach is crucial here. You can read about how Domino and I became a team in my story about the Domino Effect.
Good to know about Kandersteg:
In the canton of Bern, your dog is theoretically allowed to run freely in the woods, provided the area is not designated as a protected zone. But please note: Since we are in the Lake Oeschinen area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many wildlife sanctuaries, special local regulations apply here. As a general rule, follow the markings on the geoportal.
My recommended route for those seeking peace and quiet
The classic loop trail right along the lake is often very crowded. If you’re looking for a quieter spot for nature photography, I recommend the trail to the Sennhütte (Läger). You’ll get a great view of the lake from above without having to stand in the thick of the crowd. Afterward, head back to the lake for a well-deserved dip.
Note: The very high-altitude hikes are alpine and, in my opinion, not suitable for most dogs.
For those who prefer to hike up instead of taking the gondola: Trail F (marked only on the spring, summer, and fall maps) leads from the valley to the mountain station. It’s less crowded and offers a great opportunity to burn off some energy and let the dogs run around before reaching the lake panorama.
We were here with Domino and his brother, Loki.
Bottom line: a must-see, but you need a strategy
When I moved to Switzerland in 2020, Lake Oeschinen was at the top of my list. Today, a few years later, I know this: You should approach the hike a bit more strategically. It’s not a secluded mountain lake for meditative quiet at midday, but it’s a prime example of dog-friendly tourism in the Alps. The fact that the SBB dog pass is accepted and the reservation system reduces stress makes it a worthwhile destination for me, despite the crowds.
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