#relaxzone

OVERNIGHT STAY

Enjoy, feel the nature. 

Stay overnight, relax and enjoy the unique tranquillity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover dreamlike retreats to spend the night with family or friends in the Lake Oeschinen area. Oeschinensee is our home and yours too - for the time you take here for yourself: Many say that Oeschinensee is the most beautiful mountain lake in Europe and the most popular hiking region in Switzerland. Find out more about the official accommodation options during the summer season here!

Good to know

In summer, the Chalet Arva offers an unforgettable overnight experience at Oeschinensee. If you hike a little further, you will reach three SAC huts in the region around the Oeschinensee , which serve and accommodate their guests. There are numerous hotels and vacation apartments in Kandersteg. If you are traveling with a tent, you will find the Rendez-Vous campsite right next to the valley station of the Cable car Kandersteg Oeschinensee . Camping, bivouacs, tents etc. are not permitted in the Oeschinensee area.

INFOBOX

Cable car Oeschinensee: Only a few tickets (with boarding pass) are still available today. Buy tickets online or at the ticket machine.
Bergrestaurant Oeschinensee: 'Open' restaurant operation daily 09h30-16h00
Restaurant Bergstübli (mountain station): 'Open' self-service daily 09h00-16h00
Chalet Arva: 'Open' hotel and restaurant operations
Café-Bar (on the shore of Lake Oeschinen): 'Open' daily 10h00-16h00
Berghaus Underbärgli: 'CLOSED' (end of season)

Chalet Arva

Welcome, here in the midst of breathtaking nature above Kandersteg at Oeschinensee, where our great-great-grandparents once grazed cows in summer.

Chalet Arva has six individually designed double rooms with a bathroom and lake view. Two of the rooms have their own balcony. Here you can rest without a thousand options, wrapped in linen and feeling warm wood under your feet.

The garden with edible flowers, wild herbs and sun loungers is exclusively available to our guests.

Philosophy of calm

  • 6 double rooms with private bathroom.
  • Two rooms have their own balcony.


Note:

Chalet Arva does not have heating. If required, we will be happy to pre-warm your bed with a hot water bottle or provide an extra blanket.

Intensive

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the hotel restaurant.
  • The small menu offers something for both small and large appetites, for meat lovers and vegans. Almost all ingredients come from local suppliers in the immediate vicinity.
  • A wooden house is ring-hearted. That's why employees and guests at Chalet Arva celebrate the mountain quiet at 22:00. Everyone should be able to get a good night's sleep.

Come and stay

Open from May to October.

May/June/September/October:
Thursday-Sunday.

July/August:
Monday-Sunday.

Warm Welcome

We look forward to your call or e-mail. 

Chalet Arva
Located directly at Oeschinensee
Tel: +41 33 675 11 66
info@arva-oeschinensee.ch
www.arva-oeschinensee.ch 

Book a room
Click here for the reservation

SAC huts in the area

If you decide to go on a multi-day hike, there are various accommodation options. Whether as a day or overnight guest, as a family, sportsman or pleasure hiker - there is something for everyone to experience in and around the SAC huts in the region and sleep is twice as restful in the cool mountain air.

INFORMATION RENOVATION SAC DOLDENHORNHÜTTE

The Doldenhornhütte is getting fit for the future!
In order to meet the increasing demands for sustainability, comfort and functionality, the popular hut is receiving a comprehensive update. During the 2025 season, the SAC Doldenhornhütte will remain closed due to the construction work - the hosts look forward to welcoming you in new splendor afterwards!

More about the renovation of the Doldenhornhütte

Camping Rendez-Vous
DISCOVER NOW

Camping Rendez-Vous

The campsite is located in the tranquil mountain village of Kandersteg at 1200 m above sea level, in the midst of an enchanting mountain world.

The campsite is laid out in terraces on a slope. In summer you stay right next to the hiking trails, in winter right next to the cross-country ski trails.

Throughout the course you have a priceless view of the fascinating Kandersteg mountains.

We look forward to your visit!

 

Camping and tenting is possible at the Rendez-Vous campsite. The campsite can also be booked by motorhome.

The campsite
Discover now

Book a pitch
Book now

Code in the Bernese Oberland
Camper Code 

  • In the camping store you will find a small selection of groceries and fresh bread every morning.
  • Gas and camping gas is available on site.
  • Sanitary facilities and children's playground available.
  • Barbecue hut "Finel", lounge "Stall".
  • The Rendez-vous restaurant, right next to the campsite, serves traditional Swiss cuisine.
  • WLAN access for all guests.
  • Disposal station.

    ... and much more can be found on our campsite.

Our friendly reception team is always happy to receive your call or e-mail.

Camping Rendez-vous
Hubleweg
3718 Kandersteg
info@camping-kandersteg.ch
www.camping-kandersteg.ch
+41 33 675 15 34

We want to give you new feel-good moments every day that will put a smile on your face.

That's why we are there for you all year round!

Outdoor Guidelines

The entire area at Oeschinensee consists of individual protection zones, such as the plant conservation area, UNESCO World Heritage Site, dry meadows and wildlife rest areas. 

  • Wild camping and overnight stays in the great outdoors are prohibited.
  • Overnight stays in the area Camping, bivouacking and spending the night in hammocks or similar is prohibited by law.
  • Wild animals Wild animals must not be disturbed at night.  
  • Vehicles Unauthorized vehicles have no access to Oeschinensee.
  • Night's rest The rule of night rest applies (from 22:00).
  • Rangers Rangers are deployed to ensure compliance with the Outdoor Guidelines. 

Enjoy, feel the nature.

FAQ

What you should know.

Gastronomy / Overnight stay

What are the gastronomic offerings?

In the Oeschinensee area, you can choose from a variety of dining options. These include the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant and the Chalet Arva (both near the lake) as well as the Bergstübli at the mountain station. Here you can enjoy a variety of food and drinks and experience the magnificent view of the mountain landscape. To the offer.

Where can I get snacks or something to satisfy my hunger?

If you are hungry or have a small appetite, you will find a selection of hot and cold snacks as well as a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in the kiosk at the mountain station and in the café bar on the shore of the lake.

Is there accommodation available at Oeschinensee ?

During the summer season you can only stay overnight in Chalet Arva . A reservation is mandatory. Three SAC huts in the Oeschinensee area offer further overnight accommodation. Camping is only permitted at Camping Rendez-Vous at the valley station or at the ski jump (open all year round). There are also various pitches in Kandersteg.

Which SAC huts are located in the Oeschinensee area?

The SAC-Doldenhornhütte, the SAC-Blüemlisalphütte and the SAC-Fründenhütte are located in the Oeschinensee area.

Are there gastronomic offers for groups in the Oeschinensee area?

Inquiries for group offers can be sent to oeschinensee. In the mountain restaurant on the shores of Lake Oeschinen we offer special menus for groups, which can be enjoyed both in the cozy Bergstübli inside and on the sunny terrace outside.

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Arrival and parking

How do I travel by train (public transport)?

You can reach Kandersteg by train from Spiez and Brig. From Adelboden and Frutigen there is a bus (AFA) to Kandersteg. The walk from the station takes approx. 10-15 minutes. From June to October, a local bus runs from the station to the valley station for every train arrival/departure.

Where can I park and can I reserve a parking space?

Unfortunately, parking spaces cannot be reserved at the moment. Parking spaces in Kandersteg are limited at weekends and in summer. From around 12:00, there may be no more parking spaces available - we recommend arriving early. Parking spaces are available at the valley station from 06h00 until the evening. Hikers who are on their way to Oeschinensee should use the hiking parking lots in the village (lower hiking parking rates). No entry is possible at night. Entry is limited to max. 5m length, 2m height. Paid parking spaces and parking spaces for larger vehicles are located in the village and at the Schützenhaus.

Can Oeschinensee be reached by car?

The private road to Oeschinensee is closed to all motorized traffic and bicycles. Oeschinensee cannot be reached by car, e-bike, mountain bike or other vehicles.

How do I get from the mountain station to the shore of Lake Oeschinen?

Oeschinensee can be reached on foot in around 30 minutes and the path is also easily accessible with baby carriages. In the summer season, a chargeable electric cab runs from the mountain station to the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant near the lakeshore and back every half hour or when full. Guests with reduced mobility have priority in the electric cab.

Where can campers, motorhomes etc. park?

There are no parking spaces for campers at the Cable car valley station, as the entrance height is limited to a maximum of 2 meters. Further parking spaces are available at various locations in the village. Parking spaces are available at the Nordic Arena and at the Bären (near Sunnbüel). Parking spaces without height restrictions are located at the Schützenhaus or at the town hall.

Are there charging stations for electric cars?

Eight 11kW electric charging stations are available in our "P2" parking lot at the valley station. Entry is also possible when the parking lot is occupied - simply press the button on the entry column. Charging cables can be borrowed from the ticket office.

What are the outdoor guidelines for cycling?

Cycling of any kind is prohibited in the Oeschinensee area. Out of consideration for our guests, nature and for safety reasons, Oeschinensee can only be visited on foot. There is a judicial ban on cycling (mountain biking, e-biking, etc.). In addition, many forest trails lead through ecologically sensitive areas, i.e. rare and shy wild animals use these areas as retreats and quiet zones.

Where can coaches park?

There are no parking spaces for coaches at the Cable car valley station in Kandersteg. These can be found at various locations in the village. At the valley station, only a short stop for loading and unloading is permitted at the bus stop.

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Ticket booking

What are the advantages of booking online?

You can buy your ticket online in the ticket store. A time slot reservation for your ascent is included with your ticket. A relaxed journey awaits you without long waiting times at the valley station. If your plans change, you can rebook your time slot free of charge. Further information and tickets can be found in the ticket store.

How does the ticket system work?

For a pleasant journey on the Cable car, it is best to buy your tickets in advance from the ticket store. With the time slot reservation included with your ticket purchase, you can secure a preferred time slot for the ascent and start your journey relaxed and without long waiting times. You can find more information directly in our ticket store.

How do I make a group reservation?

Group travel is limited and requires a reservation. If you arrive by train, we recommend booking via the SBB Contactcenter on 0041 848 44 66 88, where you can pay by invoice, receive advice and make adjustments. To purchase tickets on site, you must register in advance by e-mailing Cable caroeschinensee (no option to pay by invoice). Smaller groups can purchase individual tickets at the regular rate in the ticket store. Groups arriving spontaneously can often no longer be transported due to capacity restrictions. There are no contractual agreements or cooperations with third-party providers. Groups visiting the restaurants in the area will receive additional information in advance.

Is it possible to change/cancel an online booking?

Yes, from the date of validity you can rebook your ticket free of charge and online via the ticket store to a later date, provided seats are available. The link is included in the e-mail with your ticket, cancelations are not possible. Further information can be found directly in our Ticket Shop.

What booking options are available for the descent?

Book your ticket conveniently online - without a time slot for the descent. Or get a discounted connecting ticket at the mountain station. You can find more information and tickets directly in our ticket store.

Can a ticket with a boarding pass be changed to an earlier date?

Rebooking to an earlier date is not possible online. In exceptional cases, please contact the helpdesk oeschinensee Cable car . Ticket exchanges are only possible on-site at the Info Center.

Can a ticket be canceled or refunded?

Cancellation or refund of tickets is generally excluded. In exceptional cases, a voucher can be issued for a later visitCable caroeschinensee. A processing fee of CHF 10 per booking may apply. A payout is excluded. Note: A rebooking to another time slot within the current season is possible up to three times free of charge.

Is a combination ticket (Parking+CableCable car) available?

The offer is currently not available.

How can a voucher be redeemed?

Select the desired product in the ticket store and add it to the shopping cart. When paying, select "Add voucher" from the payment methods and enter your voucher code.

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Timetable and fares

What advantages does the guest card offer?

Guests with a guest card from Kandersteg, Adelboden, Frutigen, Kandergrund and Reichenbach receive a 10% discount on the gondola ride. You do not need to reserve a timeslot. Enter your guest card number here to receive discounts on mountain railway tickets in the ticket store. The guest card is also accepted at the ticket machines on site (simply scan the QR code).

Can a ticket also be purchased on site?

We recommend buying your ticket in advance via our ticket store. Only a limited number of remaining tickets are available on site at the ticket machines. Please note: Mountain rides can only be booked on site if there are still free seats available for the desired time slot. If the time slot is already fully booked, transportation is unfortunately not possible. Further information can be found directly in the ticket store.

Are savings, tandem, community or Friends day passes valid?

No, the SBB day passes are not valid for the Cable car Oeschinensee. Discounts are available with a valid GA travelcard, Half-Fare travelcard, Swiss Travel Pass or a guest card from Kandersteg, Kandergrund, Frutigen, Adelboden and Reichenbach.

What transportation conditions apply to bicycles, SUPs, sports equipment, scooters and children's bikes?

No bicycles, mountain bikes, children's bikes, scooters, SUPs (stand-up paddles) or other potentially dangerous sports equipment are transported.

Do dogs travel free of charge on the Cable car?

No, the day ticket costs CHF 8.00. The SBB dog pass is accepted on the Cable car Oeschinensee .

What means of payment can I use?

You can pay at the ticket machines and at the ticket office with all major credit and debit cards as well as with Twint. Cash and REKA checks are also accepted. Payment with REKA checks is only possible at the ticket counter. Further information and tickets can be found directly in our ticket store.

Is the Bernese Oberland Pass accepted?

Yes, the BEO Pass is accepted until 31.12.2025 and the gondola ride is included. To avoid waiting times, we also recommend reserving a time slot for the ascent in the ticket store, with priority boarding at the desired time.

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General information

Where are the toilets located in the Oeschinensee area?

The public toilets are located at the mountain and valley stations and at the mountain restaurant near the lakeshore. There are more toilets in Oeschinensee. Going to the toilet in nature should be avoided. However, if you do need to use the "natural toilet", please do not leave any paper, tissues or wet wipes behind.

Are lockers available at the top or bottom station?

Yes, there are lockers and ski racks at the top and bottom stations. Payment can be made digitally by debit card, Visa/Mastercard, Twint or cash. Weekly and season passes for lockers and ski racks are available at the ticket office.

Are events such as weddings or similar permitted in the Oeschinensee area?

No, Oeschinensee is located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is surrounded by various protected areas, including plant conservation areas, dry meadows and wildlife rest areas. Due to these special protective measures, all (commercial) events and drone flights are prohibited by law. Compliance with these rules is monitored by rangers.

Is the Cable car to Oeschinensee wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Cable car is wheelchair-accessible and offers a barrier-free ride to the mountain station. From there, a chargeable electric cab runs every half hour from 10:45 am during the summer season to the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant near the lakeshore and back again. One wheelchair can be taken per trip.

What applies to guests with limited mobility?

The public facilitiesCable car, lockers, restaurants and toilets) are barrier-free, as is the main hiking trail to Oeschinensee. A chargeable electric cab takes guests on request from the mountain station to the Oeschinensee mountain restaurant, near the lakeshore, and back.

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Oeschinensee

We provide unique and unforgettable moments in the imposing mountain world in front of the Blüemlisalp massif.