Lake Oeschinen trip: Cable car & alpine walk from Interlaken

Ride the cable car up, walk to the turquoise lake, and sit still in the Swiss Alps.

A half-day tour from Interlaken to Lake Oeschinen combines private minibus transport through the Bernese countryside, a scenic cable car ascent, and an easy 20–25 minute walk to the lakeshore. The tour includes hotel pickup, cable car access, entrance fees and bottled water. It suits travelers without a car who want to reach an alpine lake without a strenuous hike.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half day trip to Lake Oeschinen

• Private minibus from Interlaken
• Scenic drive to Kandersteg
• Cable car ride up to lake
• 20-25 minute walk to lakeshore
• Relax and enjoy lake views
• Cable car ride down
• Scenic drive back to Interlaken

The experience

How do you get to one of Switzerland's clearest alpine lakes without driving yourself? The minibus picks you up at your hotel in the Interlaken area and takes you through the Bernese countryside to Kandersteg, where the cable car begins. The cable car does the climbing for you: a scenic ride that lifts you to the lake area in minutes instead of hours on foot. Once you step out, a short, well-maintained trail leads down to the water in 20–25 minutes, easy enough for most fitness levels.

At the lakeshore, the day is yours. Sit by the turquoise water and look up at the peaks, take photos, or rent a boat if you want to be on the water instead of beside it. A toboggan run operates at 10am on dry-weather days if you want something more active. The cable car ride back down takes you the same way you came, and the minibus returns you to Interlaken by early afternoon.

The whole outing runs about four and a half hours from pickup to drop-off. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, drink bottled water along the way, and pay nothing extra at the gate. The entrance fee is already in the price. If you're traveling with an infant, specialized seats are available.

What’s included

• Private minibus transport from your Interlaken hotel.
• scenic cable car ride to the lake area.
• entrance fees.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to Sunday5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to8h before

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Tourvana Adventures

Is this one for you?If you're staying in Interlaken without a rental car, the private pickup solves the first problem. The minibus collects you at your hotel. The cable car lifts you past the steep climb, so you reach the alpine lake in a morning without hiking boots or a full day's effort.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the walk to Lake Oeschinen actually take?

The walk to the lakeshore is 20–25 minutes on a well-maintained trail, downhill all the way. It's graded easy and suits all fitness levels.

What's included in the price of the tour?

Private minibus transport from your hotel, the cable car ride up and down, entrance fees to the lake area, and bottled water are all included. Meals are not.

Can I do something besides walk and sit by the lake?

Yes. You can rent a boat to go out on the water, or try the toboggan run if you visit on a dry day when it operates at 10am. Both are optional and cost extra.

Does the minibus pick me up at my hotel?

Yes, pickup is included from your hotel in the Interlaken area. The driver will collect you and return you there at the end of the tour.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The tour runs about four and a half hours total. Exact start times depend on your hotel location and the operator's schedule. Confirm the pickup time when you book.