Interlaken: Private Hiking Tour Oeschinen Lake & Blue Lake

Discover the Stunning Oeschinen and Blue Lakes on a Private Swiss Hike

This private hiking tour in Interlaken offers an impressive combination of natural beauty, accessible adventures, and cultural highlights. For $823 per person, travelers enjoy a full-day trip that includes a gondola ride, scenic walks around Oeschinen Lake, and a relaxing visit to Blue Lake. The tour is led by a local guide and tailored to your fitness level, making it suitable whether you’re a casual walker or avid hiker.

What sets this experience apart is the focus on unspoiled Alpine scenery, with plenty of opportunities for photos, wildlife spotting, and relaxing at mountain huts. The inclusion of Blue Lake, considered a place of power, adds a peaceful end to an active day.

A notable consideration is the cost of gondola and lake entry tickets, which are not included in the base price. While transportation, guide, and taxes are covered, food, drinks, and gondola tickets are an additional expense. This tour is ideal for those who appreciate customizable hiking options, stunning vistas, and a mix of outdoor activity with moments of tranquility.

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Key Points

• Includes private guide and hotel pickup for a seamless experience across Switzerland
• Hiking at Oeschinen Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with options for all fitness levels
• Visit Blue Lake, a peaceful, crystal-clear spot known for its enchanting scenery
• Gondola ride from Kandersteg to Oeschinen Lake offers spectacular mountain views
• Opportunity to swim, row, or ride on summer toboggan runs at Oeschinen Lake (additional costs apply)
• Flexible options: skip hiking to visit Oeschinen Lake by horse carriage or explore other regional sights

How the Tour Starts: From Kandersteg to Oeschinen Lake

The journey begins with private pickup from your accommodation across Switzerland, making this tour highly convenient. Once in Kandersteg, a spectacular gondola ride takes you directly to the Oeschinen Lake area, renowned for its deep blue waters fed by glacial brooks from nearby peaks like Blüemlisalp and Doldenhorn.

The gondola ticket costs approximately 30 CHF for adults, and this expense is not included in the base price. The ride offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, setting the perfect scene for your hike. From the gondola station, a half-hour walk across pastures and through pine forests leads to the lake, providing a gentle start to the day.

Exploring Oeschinen Lake’s Natural Beauty

Oeschinen Lake is celebrated as Switzerland’s most beautiful Alpine Lake and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its deep blue waters shimmer against the backdrop of towering peaks like Oeschinenhorn and Fründenhorn, making it a favorite for photography.

The area offers more than just views; visitors can rent boats, row across the lake, or try the summer toboggan run if they’re seeking more activity. During the summer months, swimming is possible as the lake warms up to 20°C, so packing swimwear is encouraged.

The scenery is so picturesque that photography becomes a natural habit—every angle reveals a new stunning shot. The tranquility and beauty of the lake make it an ideal spot for a relaxing break or a quick picnic before continuing your adventure.

Hiking Around Oeschinen: Options for Every Fitness Level

The main hike takes you around Oeschinen Lake via various paths that ascend gradually, offering views of glaciers, high peaks, and wildflower meadows. The trail system allows for multiple routes at different altitudes, so you can choose a gentle walk or a more challenging ascent.

Along the way, you’ll spot Alpine flora—flower meadows bursting with color—and may catch sight of wildlife, such as birds or even Ibex, though spotting the latter requires some luck.

Approximately 45 minutes into the hike, you’ll reach Berghaus Unterbärgli, an Alpine hut where you can relax and enjoy refreshments. For those wanting more, the guide can lead you higher to another mountain hut that offers even more breathtaking views.

The flexibility to skip the mountain huts or extend the hike means this experience can be tailored to your energy and interest levels, making it suitable for a broad range of hikers.

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Visiting the Peaceful Blue Lake (Blausee)

After ascending from Oeschinen Lake, the tour continues to Blausee, often called a place of power. Just a short walk of 200 meters through a pristine nature park takes you to this famous crystal-clear lake known for its striking shades of blue.

The surroundings resemble a fairytale, with gnarled trees, moss-covered rocks, and lush greenery framing the lake’s tranquil waters. Here, visitors can relax and recharge amid serene nature, making it a perfect spot for reflection after a day of hiking.

The area includes the Grand Hotel, which features a spa and a cafe, and a nature park with fairy-tale-like scenery. For food lovers, the Gault&Millau-point cuisine at the hotel offers a refined dining experience, although that is not included in the tour price.

Alternative Options for Non-Hikers and Additional Sightseeing

If walking isn’t preferred, the tour offers an alternative method to reach Oeschinen Lake: a horse carriage ride from the gondola station, with tickets available for purchase. This allows visitors to spend more time at the lake or explore other nearby sights instead of hiking.

The guide can suggest additional sightseeing spots in the region if you wish to customize your experience. This flexibility ensures that the tour accommodates varying interests and physical conditions, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Practical Details: Transportation, Tickets, and What to Bring

Transportation is handled via private car, ensuring a comfortable and direct journey from your accommodation to the mountain area. The guide, either Swiss or an expatriate, leads the group and provides commentary along the way.

The cost of gondola tickets (around 30 CHF) and Blue Lake entry (11 CHF) are not included in the $823 price, so budget accordingly. Food and drinks are also extra; the guide can help you buy supplies at a supermarket or suggest options at mountain huts. Bringing comfortable shoes, a daypack, and swimwear is recommended.

This tour is available in multiple languages (English, German, French, Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Spanish), and operates as a private group, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, supporting flexible planning.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out: An All-in-One Alpine Experience

This private hiking tour excels in offering an accessible yet comprehensive exploration of the area’s most iconic sites. The combination of gondola rides, scenic walks, and tranquil lakes delivers a balanced mix of outdoor activity and peaceful retreats.

The focus on tailoring the hike to your fitness level means that even less experienced hikers can enjoy the stunning scenery without overexertion. The inclusion of Blue Lake, a less crowded and enchanting spot, adds a unique touch to this adventure.

While the cost may be high, the all-inclusive nature—guided tour, transportation, and flexible options—justifies the experience for those seeking a premium Swiss outdoor day.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Truly Enjoy This Tour

This tour is ideal for travelers who value scenic landscapes, flexible hiking options, and personalized guidance. It suits those interested in discovering UNESCO World Heritage sites and enjoying peaceful lakes in the Swiss Alps.

Those who prefer active adventures combined with moments of relaxation will find this experience rewarding. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a comprehensive day out in the mountains with the convenience of private transport and tailored activities.

The Interlaken: Private Hiking Tour Oeschinen Lake & Blue Lake offers a memorable glimpse into the natural beauty of Switzerland, complemented by comfortable logistics and optional extras to enhance the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the gondola tickets included in the tour price?
No, gondola tickets cost approximately 30 CHF for adults and are payable separately. The tour price covers transportation, guide, and taxes.

Can I skip the hike if I prefer not to walk?
Yes, it’s possible to reach Oeschinen Lake by horse carriage instead of walking. This option lets you spend more time at the lake or explore other sights.

What should I bring for the hike?
Comfortable shoes, a daypack, and swimwear are recommended. If you plan to swim at Oeschinen Lake, remember to bring your swimwear.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, the hiking options are adaptable to different fitness levels, with routes available for both casual walkers and more active hikers.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While the data does not specify seasons, the mention of swimming and open summer activities suggests it’s ideal during summer months when the lake warms to 20°C.

Can I customize the day with other sightseeing spots?
Yes, your guide can suggest alternative points of interest if you prefer not to hike or want to see more of the region.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. The guide can help you buy supplies or suggest local dining options.

What languages are available for the tour?
Tours are offered in English, German, French, Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for diverse groups.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby