Up the Bluemlisalp to Oeschinensee in Kandersteg, Switzerland
The turquoise blue Oeschinensee is easy to reach from the center of Kandersteg on skis, by foot or lift, Winter or Summer. A great route no matter what manner of access you decide on. There are two hiking trails. One follows the Oeschinen stream on either side through the woods or hike up directly under the Oeschinen chair lift and follow the crowds to the very picturesque Oeschinensee at 1,578m/5,177'.
Past the Oeschinensee, the trails lead onwards and upwards to infinity and beyond. The Doldenhornhutte SAC, the teeny, weeny Frundehutte...View image... perched on a rock crag, immediately under the Frunden Glacier and overlooking Oeschinensee, and the Bluemlisalphutte with a world of glaciers on the north wall of the Bluemlisalp. The Swiss Alpine Club builds huts/cabins in the most improbable locations! It's frightening enough just standing at the Oeschinensee and looking up in the distance to see these huts standing in nothingness on spires of granite.
There is a hotel at the Oeschinensee at the far end of the lake, and it is possible rent pedalos and rowing boats, horse back riding, play tennis, and more in the Summer. While Winter up at the Oeschinensee brings sledding, cross-country skiing...View image, and ice fishing.
You may even decide to spend an overnight at the Berghaus Oeschinensee and spend peaceful and quality time in comfort alongside the beautiful lake. This section is a staple on the spectacular Alpine Pass Route through Europe on a grassy saddle which can't be said once you go above the Oeschinensee. The scenery instantly changes to steep and quite barren. The water comes directly from melted snow, but despite the frigid temperature, people still swim on warm days.
ex-Marine and I did venture a small distance on the hiking trails towards the Bluemlisalphutte, took a good look at what lay ahead of us, looked at each other and turned around without a word being said. The "easier" trails around Kandersteg were good enough for me and the route from Kandersteg up to the Oeschinensee is definitely doable by anyone. Go up and see for yourself.
