Intermediate Oeschinensee Trek

  • Duration
    Total 5 days
    Average 4h 55min
  • Distance
    Total 42.7 km
    Average 8.5 km
  • Ascent
    Total +3310 m
    Average +662 m
  • Descent
    Total -2720 m
    Average -680 m

> Hike over the iconic Hohtürli Pass with views of the Blüemlisalp Glacier
> Sleep in classic Swiss mountain huts like Gespaltenhornhütte and Blüemlisalphütte
> Experience wild Switzerland with glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine lakes

You’ll feel it the moment the trail opens up and Oeschinensee comes into view: a deep turquoise lake tucked beneath towering rock walls, with waterfalls spilling down from above. This is Switzerland as it should be. Lush meadows, steep glaciers, wooden huts, and that crisp alpine air your lungs will thank you for. This isn’t about phone signal. This is about feeling alive.

This 5-day trek takes you from Isenfluh to Kandersteg through a dramatic alpine landscape framed by peaks like Chlys Schilthorn, Bütlasse, Hundshorn, and Gspaltenhorn. A new view every day, a new hut every night. The trail is well-marked and tough but doable for intermediate hikers with solid stamina. With relatively long days and several stretches including long staircases and steep steps, the route stays nicely challenging, especially with a backpack. If you’re ready for a proper mountain workout and big Swiss scenery from hut to hut, this route delivers.

Itinerary

Day
1

Isenfluh - Lobhornhütte

Duration: 03:20 h
Distance: 4.4 km
Ascent: 850 m

From Isenfluh, you dive straight into the alpine landscape. After a forested climb, the trail winds through the meadows of Lehn and Hofstatt, with beautiful views back towards Lauterbrunnen. If you prefer a shorter walk, you can take the cable car from Isenfluh to Sulwald and buy your ticket on the spot.

From Sulwald, follow the red-and-white trail markings towards Alp Sous Chüebodmi, where sweeping views of the Jungfrau massif await. The route continues across the peaceful Chüebodmi plateau and through a lush high valley, with waterfalls, wooden chalets and steep cliffs adding to the scenery.

Once you arrive at the hut, you can enjoy a well-deserved local snack. If you arrive early, visit the nearby Sulsseewli, just a 5-minute walk from the hut, where you can enjoy views of a beautiful waterfall.

Lobhornhütte

Info
Lobhornhütte
Lobhornhütte
Day
2

Lobhornhütte - Rotstockhütte

Duration: 07:15 h
Distance: 16.3 km
Ascent: 720 m
Descent: 630 m

The first section follows part of the previous day’s route in reverse, descending towards Chüebodmi. From here, a new trail leads through green meadows and forest to the footbridge over the Sousbach. After crossing the stream, the first ascent begins, accompanied by beautiful views of the Bernese Alps.

The trail continues towards Mürren, passing several restaurants where you can stop for a break. Just outside Mürren, you’ll find the Schiltalp Mountain Restaurant, a self-service spot where you can grab a drink or something to eat before tackling the final steep ascent.

Once you reach the top of the climb, take a moment to rest on the bench and enjoy the magnificent panorama of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. From here, it’s approximately another 30 minutes to the Rotstockhütte.

Rotstockhütte

Info
Rotstockhütte
Rotstockhütte
Day
3

Rotstockhütte - Gspaltenhornhütte

Duration: 04:20 h
Distance: 6.5 km
Ascent: 750 m
Descent: 360 m

The route links Rotstockhütte with Gspaltenhornhütte via the Sefinenfurgge Pass. The hike begins on gentle grassy slopes before entering a rocky, high-alpine landscape. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views into the Sefinen valley, across the Gamchi Glacier and towards peaks such as Hundshorn (2,928 m), Vorderi Bütlasse (3,063 m) and Bütlasse (3,193 m).

From the hut, a clear mountain trail climbs through grass and rocky terrain towards the Sefinenfurgge Pass at around 2,600 metres. Several parts of the ascent and descent are steep, with rock steps, stairs and steel cables providing extra support. The route also follows narrow mountain paths with some exposed sections, so sure-footedness and a good head for heights are essential.

After crossing the pass, you descend over scree and traverse above the Gamchi Glacier towards the final ridge. A short last section over rocks and slabs leads to the Gspaltenhornhütte, perched on a rocky shoulder above the valley. Its terrace is the perfect place to take off your boots and look back at the impressive route over the pass.

Gspaltenhornhütte SAC

Info
Gspaltenhornhütte SAC
Gspaltenhornhütte SAC
Day
4

Gspaltenhornhütte - Blüemlisalphütte

Duration: 05:20 h
Distance: 7.3 km
Ascent: 930 m
Descent: 530 m

The route starts at the Gspaltenhornhütte and descends into a side valley before climbing towards the next high-alpine destination. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the Gamchi Glacier, the Blüemlisalp Glacier and peaks such as Schwarzhore (2,600 m) and Bütlasse (3,193 m).

A clear path descends over rocky steps and loose ground before easing onto gentler slopes. After following streams and small moraines towards the Glacier Panorama viewpoint, you cross the valley floor and begin the main ascent. This climb, rising from around 2,100 to 2,840 metres, is long and steep. The trail includes zigzags, rock steps and exposed sections, so sure-footedness and a good head for heights are important.

The final section leads across rocky terrain to the Blüemlisalphütte, spectacularly situated above the glacier. There are no other huts or restaurants along this stage, so bring enough food, snacks and water for the day. Once at the hut, you can relax on the terrace and admire the surrounding glaciers and peaks.

Blüemlisalphütte SAC

Info
Blüemlisalphütte SAC
Blüemlisalphütte SAC
Day
5

Blüemlisalphütte - Oeschinensee Mountain Station

Duration: 04:20 h
Distance: 8.2 km
Ascent: 60 m
Descent: 1200 m

Today’s route descends towards one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain lakes: Oeschinensee. Starting near the Hohtürli Pass, the trail leads downhill through a spectacular high-alpine landscape with views of the surrounding cliffs and glaciers.

Take your time during the descent, as the narrow trail runs over loose stones and gravel and can be slippery, especially after rain. The high trail above Oeschinensee also crosses several waterfalls and streams. Walk carefully through these wet sections, as the rocks can be particularly slippery.

As you continue, the striking blue waters of Oeschinensee come into view. Stop at one of the viewpoints or descend to the lakeshore for a break. From the mountain station above the lake, you can take the cable car down to Kandersteg or continue on foot through the forest.

Contact our Trekking Expert
Sanne Bakema
Sanne Bakema
Sanne Bakema

Included

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Oeschinensee. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Accommodation

    During your Oeschinensee, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. We normally book dormitories, but private rooms are available upon request and cost €75 extra per room per night. If no private rooms are available, we will automatically book a bed in a dormitory.

  • Half-board in Huts

    Accommodation at the huts includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch is not included, but it can be purchased at the huts. Here you can also buy an array of snacks and bottled water.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.

  • Lunch

    Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. Many huts offer packed lunches, which can usually be requested the night before. Alternatively, you can stop for lunch at mountain huts along the way.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

  • How to get to the starting point of the trek

  • How to get back from the endpoint of the trek

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

  • Can meals be adapted to my dietary requirements?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

Packing List for the Oeschinensee

  • Information

  • Essentials

  • Extras