Getting There
The Oeschinen region can be reached in just seven minutes by cablecar from the valley station at Kandersteg. At the top, the well-made footpath will take you to Lake Oeschinen in 30 minutes.
Experience
The 750-metre long summer toboggan run winds its way past the mountain station through the alpine meadows and guarantees a speedy descent with the best views. A trip on the glacial lake with a rowing boat is also a pleasant experience.
Walk to the Edelweiss Bench
The Edelweiss bench is a 30-minute walk from the mountain station.
Best View
Directly opposite the bench, impressive waterfalls gush out of the cliff at the foot of the Blüemlisalp. You can also watch the mountain climbers cross the distant glacier field on their way to the summit
Tip
There’s one thing that you shouldn’t forget to take with you on a visit to the Blüemlisalp: your swimming costume. Then you can take a dip in Lake Oeschinen!
Restaurant / Hotel
Restaurant zur Sennhütte next to the Edelweiss bench is an inviting place to take a break. And the Berghotel Oeschinensee is a convenient place for an overnight stop. The hotel also offers a picnic or barbecue service at the lake.
The Edelweiss Bench
Five Must-Dos in the Blüemlisalp Holiday Region
Situated in the heart of the Bernese Alps, the idyllic holiday resorts of Kandersteg, Blausee and Kiental-Reichenbach seduce visitors with a wonderful web of hiking and walking trails.
1. A Visit to Oeschinen Lake
Immerse yourself and enjoy. The cerulean Oeschinen Lake lies at the foot of the Blüemlisalp, nestled between glaciers and old pine forests. As one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Alpine region, it is, unsurprisingly, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best view of this natural beauty is to be had from our Edelweiss bench situated near the Oeschinensee mountain hotel. Take a seat and be mesmerised!
2. Mountain Hut Hiking
The Kander valley and the neighbouring regions are home to a string of rustic mountain huts within close distance of each other. The best way to discover these individually unique and cosy alpine gems is on a multi-day hiking tour through the Kander valley. Staying in the Alps couldn’t be more romantic!
3. Cycle down the Sunnbüel freeride trail
The bike trail stretching from Sunnbüel to Kandersteg is roughly three miles long (4.7 km) and a definite highlight for downhill aces and all-rounders. Featuring jumps, steep bends and wooden ramps, thrills and adrenaline rushes are guaranteed.
4. The Allmenalp Climbing Route
The most spectacular and demanding climbing route in the Swiss Alps takes climbers past waterfalls, over turntable ladders and Nepalese-style footbridges up to the upper Allmenalp (cable car) station.
5. A ride on Europe’s steepest postal route
The steepest postbus route in Europe has a gradient of up to 28%. The journey from Reichenbach to Griesalp not only impresses with its extreme gradient, but also with its unique natural surroundings. It's worth getting on board!
