Reservation System at Oeschinen Lake (Essential Guide 2025)

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If you're planning to visit Oeschinen Lake this year, you need to be aware of an important new planning step. Starting with the season opening on May 10, 2025, Oeschinen Lake will require you to book your cable car tickets in advance.

No more showing up and praying for a spot on the crowded cable car. This change gives those of us who are truly serious a fair chance at a stress-free visit. By booking a cable car ticket to Oeschinen Lake online, you'll get a guaranteed time slot.

Why the Reservation System at Oeschinen Lake?

Here's the reality: Oeschinen Lake has achieved viral status on social media. The hashtag #oeschinensee has been used all over Instagram, and our Ultimate Oeschinen Lake Guide sees lots of hits. Given all of this attention, this precious gem of a lake has suffered from overtourism lately.

We've watched the klout of this lake soar over the years. And if you've visited recently, you know that the crowds can be overwhelming. In response to this rising foot traffic, the folks at Kandersteg-Oeschinen Lake have introduced an online reservation system.

The reservation system at Oeschinen Lake concept is simple and hits the zeitgeist. By controlling visitor flow and reducing congestion, we can all preserve this magical spot for generations to come.

Honestly, it's too late to put the cat back in the bag. So this change will only benefit Mother Nature - as well as the rest of us who care enough to plan ahead.

During the booking process, the new ticketing system even displays in real-time how much space is still available in a particular cable car. Love it!

Reservation System at Oeschinen Lake - Copyright Bryan Dijkhuizen

How To Secure Your Time Slot?

I know this might sound like a hassle if you're used to spontaneous visits, but trust me: it pays off. Here's how you can book your cable car tickets and plan a smooth visit:

Book (Way) in Advance: You'll need to plan ahead and choose a time slot for your ride from Kanderstep to Lake Oeschinen. Just visit the ticketing website, pick your time, and you're set. Pro tip: Book early, especially for weekend visits. These spots vanish quickly!
Flexible Options: Life happens. You can adjust your reservation up to three times per year if your plans change. It's reassuring to know you have flexibility if something unexpected occurs. But remember, the earlier you book, the better your chances of securing your preferred time slot.
Visiting with Friends? If you're planning to visit with a group, there's a separate booking process. You'll need to contact the SBB Contact Center for assistance. This ensures everyone in your group rides the same cable car. Definitely plan this well in advance, though.

Tips for Aceing your Oeschinen Lake Visit

Our Newly Swissed writers have visited Oeschinen Lake enough times to discover the little tricks that enhance the experience. Things to keep in mind:

Parking near the gondola station fills up quickly, especially on weekends, so leave your car at home. The Kandersteg train station offers excellent connections, and a shuttle bus will conveniently take you directly to the cable car.
Kids under six ride the cable car for free, and children aged 6-15 travel free with an SBB Junior Card. Just present the card at the ticket counter to receive their ticket.
If you have the Bernese Oberland Pass, congratulations! This regional pass covers all transportation costs to Oeschinensee, including both the train from Interlaken to Kandersteg and the cable car up the mountain.
Be aware that rangers now patrol the area to educate visitors about proper mountain behavior and safety protocols. (No flip-flops allowed!) Sadly, disregard for trail closure warnings lead to an avalanche incident in May 2024 that resulted in a death.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a cable car reservation mandatory?

No, it is not mandatory to make a reservation for the Oeschinen Lake cable car. However, it goes without saying that this destination is always very busy. And since you're going to journey all the way to Kandersteg, why not secure a spot on the cable car by making a reservation? I will, that's for sure.

Buy a ticket with a reservation

Is the cable car wheelchair accessible?

Yes! The cable car accomodates wheelchairs, and there's an accessible viewing platform near the mountain station. Keep in mind that the trail to the lake itself includes some gravel sections and moderate slopes that might challenge some wheelchair users. The Berghotel offers accessibility features, too.

And does the Swiss Travel Pass cover the Oeschinen Lake cable car?

No, the Oeschinen Lake cable car is not fully included, but Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a 50% discount. This pans out to paying CHF 16 vs. the full round-trip fare of CHF 32.

How does the Oeschinen Lake reservation system protect nature?

In fact, it does. By limiting the daily visitor numbers, the system directly addresses environmental concerns at this UNESCO World Heritage Site by:

- Reducing trail erosion from excessive foot traffic;
- Minimizing littering and overflowing trash bins that often plagued the area;
- Protecting local wildlife from constant human disturbance.

How can I avoid the crowds at Oeschinen Lake using the new reservation system?

Hands down, visit on weekdays rather than weekends! We've discovered that early morning (first gondola) or late afternoon slots see fewer visitors. The reservation system actually helps distribute crowds throughout the day, so midday might work well, too.

We always recommend hiking up instead of taking the gondola. Sure, it takes about two hours, but your effort is rewarded with Insta-worthy views, and no reservation is needed!

Pro tip for hikers: Time your descent so that you can still enjoy the sunset at the lake.