Lake Blausee is one of the most famous lakes in Switzerland and in the region Bernese Oberland. Therefore the mountain lake has a lot to offer as an excursion destination for a half day trip. In this detailed blog article you will learn everything you can do in the nature park and what are the best times to visit the place.
Text and pictures by Marc Gottwald
The way to the Blausee lake and the history of its creation
A leisurely walk of around five to ten minutes takes you to the Blausee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland. The path to the lake is paved and stroller-friendly, which means it’s a perfect destination for families. It looks like a small primeval forest here. The huge stones overgrown with moss, surrounded by green trees and imposing mountains give the nature park an incredible charm.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the Blausee Lake was formed about 15,000 years ago due to a rock fall. The lake has a depth of up to 12 meters, even it does not always looks like this.
In this report I would like to introduce you to the top to-dos at the Blausee including pictures.
1. Walk around Lake Blausee
For me as a nature lover, the walk around the blausee lake in the Bernese Oberland is a true the highlight. It takes about 15 minutes and let you enjoy the beauty of the lake from various angles. It is particularly special how the color changes depending on the angle. This is due to the irradiation of the sun. Also, the color is different depending on whether the sky is cloudy or cloudless. Because the reflection of the sky has a great influence on the color of the lake. According to the legend at Blausee, however, the water comes from a mourning girl with blue eyes. Her boyfriend, who was a shepherd, had an accident while making hay. She often went to mourn at the place of the lake where they had spent good times. Suddenly one morning the lake had the same color as the blue eyes of the girl. And since then, the lake has worn that blue color.
The gorge trail a little away from the Blausee passing huge stones is also a dream. Here are significantly fewer people to find.
Please note that the loop trail around the lake as well as the gorge trail is a normal walking trail and cannot be used with strollers.
2. Best photo and video spots Blausee
The Blausee became known mainly thanks to social media. There are various videos on Instagram, which have gone viral. Especially the lake with the autumn colored leaves is well received by people.
One of the best photo and video spots is the beginning of the mountain lake when you come from the main entrance. Here you have the perfect view of the boat, the trouts and the green-blue color.
3. Idyllic boat trip on the Blausee Lake (included in the entrance ticket)
Also worthwhile in summer is a boat trip on the Blausee Lake, which is already included in the entrance fee. It is important to know that the queue can be very long, especially on weekends, and also relatively long lunch breaks are made. Then there is no boat at all. Therefore, the basic rule is to come in the morning before 10:30. Like that the chances are high that the parking spaces are still available.
4. Picnic areas and fireplaces
The fact that the Blausee is a recreational area is noticed. Various picnic areas and fireplaces offer the guests unforgettable moments for themselves. You can also find benches and wooden loungers, especially on the western shore of the lake. For barbecuing, the nature park gives firewood free of charge.
5. Blue lake trout
If you look into the crystal clear Blausee, you will quickly discover the huge fish. These are organic trout, which are bred at the Blausee and can be bought in the store. Of course, the fish in the lake can by no means meet the demand. Therefore, hidden from the public behind the hotel is an alpine fish farm, which, by the way, is already over 130 years old.
6,. Overnight stay in hotel
If you can’t get enough of the Blausee, you have the option of staying at the 3-star hotel. With a small spa and a 13 point Gault Millau cuisine, the nature park also attracts wellness and gourmet lovers. Furthermore, massages are offered as well.
7. Visit to the restaurant or bistro
If you visit the Blausee, you definitely don’t have to leave hungry. Directly at the lake waits the charming bistro, which serves besides drinks and ice cream also delicious pastries such as muffins and cakes.
The restaurant is built in Art Nouveau style from 1878 and serves a cuisine of regional delicacies. There is also something for vegetarians.
Arrival and entrance fees Lake Blausee
The Blausee can be reached comfortably by car, although its parking spaces are very limited. There is also a bus stop “Blausee, BE”, whose bus runs every hour during the day.
The park is open all year round. Especially in the summer from July to mid-August are many visitors. Therefore, it is worth avoiding the weekend and the main visiting hours after 12am. Before 10:30 a.m., however, you should still be able to find a parking space even on a weekend.
The nature park is open from 9 am to 7:30 pm. Please note that when it gets dark in winter, you can’t see much. At winter time the sun goes down in Switzerland at around 4pm. From Monday to Friday, prices are 10 CHF per adult during the week, 12 CHF on weekends. Children from 6 years on cost 4 CHF less. After 5 pm the price is reduced again by 2 CHF per person. Dogs are free of charge.
Also not far from the Blausee is Spiez on Lake Thun. A walk along the Riviera and a visit to the castle are a real highlight.
Other destinations near Lake Blausee
Of course, it’s always great when you can combine the trip to a destination with other beautiful sights. There is a lot to experience in the region around Kandersteg.
Especially in summer, the possibilities for excursions are almost limitless. For example, how about the beautiful Gasterntal – a valley that wins hearts with its wild charm.
Nowadays also very high on the list is Lake Oeschinen, which has gained a lot of popularity in recent years thanks to social media. The lake can be visited in winter too. Then, however, it is frozen, but can iceskate on natural ice.
