Lake Oeschinen (Oeschinensee)

Oeschinensee lies above the village of Kandersteg in the Bernese Oberland, in a high basin at about 1,580 metres, and it is one of the most photographed lakes in Switzerland. The water is a deep turquoise, coloured by fine rock flour carried down from the glaciers above, and it is held in a natural bowl surrounded by steep cliffs and snow-capped peaks. The great wall of the Blüemlisalp massif, which rises to more than 3,600 metres, forms the backdrop, and its glaciers hang above the far shore, so the scene is a textbook mountain landscape. The lake and its surroundings belong to the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage area, which UNESCO listed in 2001.

Getting there is easy. A gondola lift runs from Kandersteg to a station above the valley, and from there a path of about half an hour leads gently down to the shore. Many visitors prefer to walk the whole way from the village, which takes about an hour and a half uphill on a wide path through forest and meadow, and which gives a good sense of the landscape. Because the lake is so popular, particularly on summer weekends, it can become crowded, and the lift sometimes has queues, so early arrival or a weekday visit is wise. Check the operator's current arrangements, as booking rules and timetables vary.

The lake itself has a notable feature: it has no visible outlet. Water leaves through cracks in the rock and flows underground, emerging lower down as springs, a phenomenon of limestone country. The level of the lake rises in summer with meltwater and falls in autumn, and the water is very cold, around ten degrees even in midsummer, so swimming is only for the hardy. Rowing boats can be hired on the shore, and they are the best way to see the cliffs from the water. A mountain restaurant stands by the lake, with a terrace facing the view, and there are picnic spots and a summer toboggan run near the upper lift station.

Walking is the main activity. A path leads around the lake in an hour or two, and others climb to higher viewpoints and to mountain huts. A demanding route continues toward the Blüemlisalp hut and the glaciers, and the higher trails need good boots, fitness and an eye on the weather. Alpine flowers are abundant in early summer, and chamois and marmots are often seen on the slopes. In winter the area is quiet, and there are snowshoe routes, though avalanche risk means care is needed and some paths are closed.

The lake is accessible to families, though the paths near the water can be steep and rocky in places, and children should be supervised near the shore. Weather in the mountains changes quickly, so bring layers, rain protection and sun cream. A visit takes three to five hours including the walk and a meal. The lake suits photographers, walkers and families. The village of Kandersteg, with its railway station, car-loading tunnel and many hotels, is easy to reach from Bern and Spiez, and the nearby Blausee, a small lake with clear blue water, makes a good second stop.