Blausee, Summer Day Trip, Day 2

Continuing from the previous Kandersteg and Oeschinensee blog, we are now headed to Blausee.

It should be after 5pm when you arrive, possibly almost 6pm. This is only feasible in the summer months when they are open until 9pm. In off season they close at 5pm.

The Blausee literally translates to "Blue Lake" and blue it most certainly is.

Blausee is an amazing spot, especially given that admission to the Nature Park is only CHF 8! That includes a free glass bottom boat ride over the mythical lake. Here you will find a children's playground, an organic trout farm, trout gift shop, restaurants, spa, picnic areas, romantic walks, a hotel, and of course the crystal blue Blausee.

The Blausee is not too big. You can easily walk around its entirety in less than 20 minutes, which you should definitely do.

After walking around the beauty that is the Blausee, hop aboard a glass bottom boat that is included in your admission.

Keep an eye out for the lady of the lake.

Legend has it that this is where a young woman spent many hours with her lover. After his sudden death, of which she couldn't come to terms with, she retuned to lake every night and cried for him until she died from grief itself. The blueness of the lake is supposedly caused by her tears that she shed into it every night.

A statue appears in the lake in memory of the beautiful young girl that died here. The lady of the "Blue Lake."

The Lady of the Blue Lake

Not only is Blausee known for its blue water, it is known for what inhabits it. Trout. There is no doubt, you will be seeing many happily swimming in the lake. To see even more, you can visit their organic trout farm, which is also included in your admission.

They also have a trout gift shop where you will find many fish related food items and merchandise. Pick up a bag of smoked trout or salmon for the train ride and maybe a couple other things to bring back home. The shop is pretty amazing, and it was hard not to splurge there. 

If you are still in the mood for more trout, their restaurant has many exceptional dishes, and you can't get it any fresher. The fish they catch are literally within walking distance outside the very restaurant you are eating. They are quite expensive though, so keep that in mind. 

The only other restaurant in Blausee is a pizzeria that is located toward the front of the park, situated in a quaint, sunny spot. The pizzas are made in a wood oven and are perfect for an uncomplicated meal, especially if you have picky eaters in tow! They offer an assortment of pasta dishes as well and a nice sun terrace that overlooks the park. Although they are still pretty expensive, it is a cheaper option than the latter restaurant.

As I said above, there is also an a hotel and spa. If you decide to stay that the hotel (starting at CHF 266 for a double) admission to the spa is included. If you do want to visit the spa it is CHF 39 for non guests. 

Or if you are like me, head back to the station in Kandersteg and head to the next town were you will be staying! 

Kandersteg & Oeschinensee, Day 1 & 2, Summer. (FANCY)

    

    Must Pack!

1. Camera
2. Extra Camera batteries 
3. Extra Camera Memory 
4. GoPro
5. Book 
6. Hiking Boots
7. Fishing gear (trout)
8. Swimsuit
9. Clothing 
10. Hygiene Essentials

Day 1

Morning

Arrive in Kandersteg via railway.

From the train station in Kandersteg, take a 15 minute stroll through town to the Oeschinen Valley Station Gondola. There are signs pointing you toward Oeschinensee through the entire walk.

Address:
Gondola lift Kandersteg Oeschinensee AG 
3718 Kandersteg 


The Gondola ride to costs CHF 18 for one-way and CHF 26 back.  The tickets are bought on site and cannot be reserved in advance.

After the scenic 8 minute gondola ride you will arrive at the Top Mountain Station.

There is also the available free option of hiking from the Valley Station to Top Mountain Station. Without baggage and in good conditions, the hike should take about 1h15m.

Having now arrived at the Top Mountain Station you can choose to dine at their restaurant or take a ride (or multiple rides!) on the Toboggan Run "Mountain Coaster." If you are staying at the Historic Berghotel, you can call in advance and they will take your bags to your hotel for free via their Electric Bus. If you plan on partaking in the following activities upon arrival, this is highly suggested!

The Toboggan Run, for adults, cost CHF 4 for 1 trip, CHF 20 for 5 trips, and CHF 35 for 10 trips. There is also a newer morning option from 9:30am to 11:00am at 10 trips for CHF 30, which is something to consider if you have arrived at that time and want a bargain. Cheaper options for children are available.


  Youtube Link: The Oeschinensee Mountain Coaster

Whether you choose to go once or 10 times, the Toboggan run is an absolute must. Nothing will compare to the amazing view you will see as you speed through The Alps on the 750 meter long toboggan run! If you have a GoPro, I highly suggest strapping that on for this activity. Head to Youtube and search ''swiss mountain coaster, " you wont be disappointed.

After having your fun and your food, it's time to continue towards Lake Oeschinen. You have the option to either hike from this point or take their Electric Bus. If you don't have much baggage, and depending which hike you chose (see 1 & 2), it will take you between 25-40 minutes to arrive at the lake. Strollers are feasible on route 1.

Summer Hiking Trails of Oeschinensee

On these hikes you will see some of the best that Switzerland has to offer. If you are traveling in the Spring and early Summer, you will witness their amazing flora, such as Wild Orchids, Gentian, and Edelweiss. In this season you will also get to see tricking streams and sunlight waterfalls. In Spring, the mountains sparkle from the melting glacial bodies of the Blüemlisalp Mountain Chain. I like to take a small book with me for hikes such as these to press the occasional leaf or flower. Don't forget to bring a camera!

If you choose to forgo the hike and take the Electric Bus instead, it will cost you CHF 8 per trip but will definitely be a shorter travel time than if you were to hike and easier transport if you are carrying much. The bus leaves Oeschinensee at 11:30am and arrives at the mountain station at 12 noon, arriving at both locations every 30 minutes. Final departure from Oeschinensee is at 4:30pm (5:30pm in high season.)

Now at the main destination, Lake Oeschinen, you can head to the Berghotel, check-in and get situated. The Electric bus stops right in front of the two hotels that are situated right next to each other. If you partook in the above activities and opted for the scenic routes it should be mid to late day. Still time to take in some Oeschinensee sights!

Day 1, Mid Day.

Personally, around this time of day and given my recent activities throughout it, I opted for a scenic little stroll and little dip for my now aching feet in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Nothing too active or stressful, just a calm evening.

Now it's time for one of my favorite parts of traveling....Eating! What better way to end your day than to gorge on some of the freshest Swiss food imaginable? At the Berghotel Restaurant you can do just that, perfectly situated in the very hotel I was staying. The restaurant and hotel was built in 1892 and is full of historic charm and swiss coziness. There is a large panoramic terrace that overlooks the lake. Here (or inside if you prefer) you can dine on their hearty, swiss meals. 

Seating Area Outside the Berghotel

Their Lamb meat comes straight from an organic farm in Kandersteg. Their bread and cakes are freshly baked everyday. There are options available for vegetarians and allergy suffers (gluten & lactose.) All food in the restaurant is hand-made with all ingredients from Switzerland, much locally sourced. The restaurant opens at 8am and closes at 6pm in the Summer.

Every day they bake fruit tarts with homemade pure spelt dough, chocolate tart with pure spelt, or apple strudel. These are accompanied by their homemade vanilla ice cream and authentic “Niidle” (whipped mountain cream). In the summertime you’ll find a selection of soft ice cream coupes and homemade glacé in different aromas. You will see lots of people enjoying the ice cream along with the scenery.


Day 1, Night.

The Berghotel.

All rooms are equipped with a sink, but showers and toilets are shared. Shower trays are located in separate shower cubicles. All rooms are equipped with hand and shower towels, except for the 8 and 12 bed rooms. However, this is possible for an extra charge. The 12-bed room has three compartments with four beds, pillows and sleeping bags. The toilet and the shower are integrated in the room. All other rooms have Nordic duvets and fireplaces. They are all cozy beyond measure and he epitome of Hygge with their fireplaces roaring. There is no wifi and they have little cell service...leave that stress in the lowlands and take a break. Hang out on the terrace with a drink, reading a book and wrapped up in one of wool blanket they offer. The tourist have left, it is now only the guests and the sound of the nature that surrounds you. The Berghotel isn't too bad for the budget either, double rooms start at CHF 140. It is definitely worth the cost. Make sure to book in advance, they fill up fast. Dogs are allowed, free of charge.

The Berghotel

Room Prices

Day 2, Morning.

Take your luggage, check out, and ask the front desk to hold it for you.

Have some breakfast at the hotel, or one of the restaurants nearby.

 If getting breakfast at The Berghotel, order a picnic basket along with your breakfast meal. They are between CHF 33-49 depending on what you want it filled with. The more expensive basket has a lot more value for its cost. There are other food options available if a swiss picnic doesn't fit in your traveling plan for the day. 

After eating, go to the front desk and get a fishing license and information about fishing boat rentals. The license is CHF 28 and can be purchased for just the day or for an entire week. Pick up your picnic basket and possibly some of their other treats and head to the fishing boat rentals along the left side of the lake. 

Fishing boat rentals are CHF 65 for a full day (daylight) and CHF 35 for a half day (opening up to noon or 3pm to dusk.) If not wanting to fish, there are 1/2hr- 1hr rowboat rentals which are a much cheaper option. Choosing the half day, morning option, set out in your row boat and get to sightseeing and fishing around the gorgeous lake. Lake Oeschinen offers habitat for rainbow trout, lake trout, and Canadian lake trout. All taste amazing and there are barbecues along the lake to cook your catch if you opted out on getting the picnic basket. 

Rowboat rental on Lake Oeschinen

When you start to get hungry, either eat inside your row boat or come aground somewhere special and have yourself a picnic. Either way, you will be surrounded by the magnificent crystal blue waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

After your boating and fishing activity, it should be around noon. Return your basket and leave your fishing gear with your luggage.

Make sure to put on some good shoes and pack some water because it is time for a hike! Not just any hike, one of the best in the region. Awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide for its breathtaking views.

Not far from your hotel a path separates and leads left into a light forest up the mountain. Follow the direction of the signs that say "Heuberg Oberbärgli." 

The ascent up the mountain is leisurely, and you don't have to be too rugged to accomplish this hike. You will be seeing gorgeous views of the Oeschinensee and the UNESCO Welterbe from above. You won't be just seeing the flora, you will be smelling the refreshingly fragrant flowery slopes as you ascend this beauty. We can't forget the fauna after we mention the flora. Keep an eye out for eagles, bearded vultures, chamois, marmots, and the occasional wandering sheep and cattle.

Soon you will be upon the Egge Viewpoint, you will find two benches overlooking the panoramic view that is considered one of the most beautiful in the region. You are looking down, everything is so small especially in comparison to the gigantic mountains that enclose this small lake and village. It is also a wonderful place to take a rest and maybe have some late lunch if you hadn't already. You will also be finding a couple random restaurants along this hike, just in case you didn't pack something. They are quite expensive, so keep that in mind. 

Look at that view...

Continuing on the winding trail you will make your way up to the village of Obergbärgli. They still practice alpine farming here according to their ancient craftsmanship. Alpine farming is still practiced according to old craftsmanship. The people in the village are very happy folks and will gladly converse with you.

In total the hike will have taken 3 hours. If you are on schedule you should be back at the hotel before 4pm, hopefully enough time to be able to grab your luggage and catch the 4pm bus. Now, you also have the option to hike back to Kandersteg. This hike would take 1 hour, so not too bad. But if you want to fit in another activity for the day and you have a heavy pack, I suggest paying the money to head back down via the bus and gondola. The bus ride is 10 minutes and the gondola will be about 8 minutes. Hopefully you will be back down to Kandersteg in 20 minutes. 

You might wonder why we aren't checking out Kandersteg...In my opinion there isn't too much to see or do there. Don't get me wrong, is a very beautiful old village, but you can suck in most of it in the stroll from the train station to the gondola. Much of the activities for Kandersteg are actually listed not in the town, but around it...which bring us to our next adventure, Blausee.

Taste Of What's To Come...Blausee!

Bus ride to Blausee is 25 minutes, taxi is 8 minutes, and walking will take over an hour. Bus line should be number 230. But check to make sure, as it sometimes changes with the season. 

Head back to the train station to catch the bus or either rent a taxi. After Blausee we will hope aboard the train and head to our next swiss destination.