Drive about 25 km south from Interlaken via the town of Spiez to the Kandertal (Kander Valley) in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland (Highlands) region and just as you approach the village of Kandersteg, be prepared for quite a hubbub around what the sign advertises as the turnoff to a nature park. But nothing here hints at the real star attraction that brings throngs of people here – hidden among the trees lies a tiny gem of an alpine lake aptly named the Blausee (Blue Lake) for its crystal-clear aquamarine waters that perfectly reflect the surrounding mountainous and forested glory.
Destination Blausee
As Swiss lakes go, the Blausee’s 1.4 acre surface area is dwarfed by the likes of Lake Geneva, for example, with its gigantic 143 thousand acres. The blue wonder was formed 15,000 years ago, dammed up by a gigantic rock slide from the Fisistock mountain, to make a refuge for modern century people seeking respite and recovery from the stresses of 21st century urban life.
What it lacks in size, the Blausee makes up for with tons of peaceful and serene atmosphere in stunning natural surroundings. It’s simply a magical place and for years already no longer a well-kept secret known only to the locals. So much so, that the lake and the hiking paths through the surrounding 50-acres of forest right beside the whitewater Kander River has become one of Switzerland’s most beloved getaway destinations. It pays the price for its popularity as a soul place; it can be overwhelmed at times by both homegrown Swiss and foreign visitors drawn to its power.
But insiders still know a little secret that we’ll share here with our readers: Guests at the small Hotel & Spa Blausee located right on the lake’s shore have the nature park to themselves, both before and after official opening times.
It’s the least we can do 😉
The hotel stay and park privileges that came with it were enough inducement for Katja, me, and our friends Gabi and Alex to overnight here. We even relished the fact that you can only reach the hotel from the nature reserve’s public parking lot by hiking some 200 meters through the forest, on a hilly, part asphalt, part gravel road.
We spent our stay taking walks in the park around the small lake, We immersed ourselves in the sense of peace and tranquility that reigns here in the dense forest with the sounds of the natural world filling the air – the clear and crisp sound of birds chirping, leaves rustling, and water flowing. It was as if time had stood still in this hidden corner of the world, and the only thing left to do was to take in it all in.
We worked up an appetite rowing on the lake in a glass-bottomed boat, marveling at how close to the surface the boulders and tree trunks on the bottom of the 12-meter deep lake appeared in the pristine blue water. We enjoyed food and drink on the hotel restaurant’s terrace all the while gobbling up eyefuls of the picturesque surroundings.
Incidentally, the trout that is a main feature of the restaurant’s menu does not come directly from the Blausee (no fishing allowed), but from the adjacent fish farm behind the hotel, which is also open to visitors.
Blausee Hotel & Spa
Address
For the restaurant, I recommend reserving a table: Depending on the season, it can get very busy!
Blausee AG
Hotel & Spa, Restaurant, Café
Organic trout farm, nature park access, and shop
CH-3717 Blausee-Mitholz
Tel +41 33 672 33 33
info@blausee.ch
www.blausee.ch
Hotel website on Booking.com
Getting there
By public transport you can get there via the train stations Frutigen or Kandersteg. From them, take the bus to the Blausee parking. The bus stop is called “Blausee BE”.
Here the schedule per BLS.
Admission
The entrance fees vary depending on the day and time of admission between CHF 6.- and 10.- for adults and 3.- to 6.- for children between 6 and 15 years. Admission is free for children up to 5 years of age.
Opening hours: The park is open from 9 a.m.; discounted admission is valid from 4 p.m. on. The park closes at 9 p.m.
As noted earlier, hotel guests can enjoy the park before and after those time without tripping over the day trippers.
To avoid standing in line, buy your tickets online in advance..
Enjoy your stay in the Bernese Oberland!
Picturesque lakeside path around the Blausee
You can easily stroll around the Blausee in a short time. The lakeside path offers its own unique perspectives on this magical place. Wending its way among the trees, it rewards you with breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains. The best times are early in the morning or evening, when the silence descends and the light changes.
More views of the Blausee before and after the official opening hours, without the day tourists.
The legend of the Blausee
The Blausee is one of the most famous mountain lakes in Switzerland not just thanks to its natural properties. Legend has it that the water turned its startling blue after a lovelorn maid with eyes the same color drowned herself in the lake over the death of her herdsman lover. She is still there visible at the bottom of the lake, or rather, a sculpture of her by Raffael Fuchs is that rests submerged in the crystal-clear waters since 1998.
Just one more reason to visit the Blausee, the little jewel of a lake in the Bernese Oberland. Enjoy!
Overall, the Blausee is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Switzerland. Its peaceful and picturesque setting, clear blue waters, and stunning scenery make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Enjoy your stay in the Bernese Oberland!
