Travel Log

Today we wanted to drive around to Kandersteg and head up to Oeschinensee, an alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. We talked ourselves out of the hard walk the night before, so didn’t rush out. On the way we picked up some snacks from Coop - baguette, crisps and sweets!

It was a little tricky figuring out the tickets for the cable car but we did make it through the turnstiles within our pre-booked time slot. The toboggan run was quiet at the top so the kids had a go on that, with Bess tapping out after the first one because “it was too scary”.

We started the walk to the lake, and on a whim headed up the side trail on the long and dangerous trail that we had decided against the night before. We committed and went for it! The ascent was actually ok mainly because we were too busy watching our footing! The trail got worse in terms of exposure and steep drops, while getting more and more scenic. Our anxiety levels were high throughout trying to keep the kids from doing anything stupid! There were some real hair-raising sections where the path had practically been washed out and where a slip would be fatal.

The relief when we made it to the tamer meadows was palpable! Thea was bursting for a wee but the single pit toilet was horrendous so she pivoted to a wild wee instead.

On the descent we stopped for a picnic by a steam and had a paddle in the cool water. Later, we popped out of the woods at the shores of the lake and, being prepared, we went for a swim. It was beautifully refreshing and Jasper and Alex swam for ages. The combination of mountain walk, amazing views and a wild swim is pretty much our idea of a perfect day.

We bought a couple of bratwurst and frites for the kids, and four (!) lattes for the adults and enjoyed some time at the restaurant on the veranda.

It’s our last night at the spa hotel in Adelboden so we made sure to enjoy the pools in the afternoon. Tomorrow we’re off to Grindelwald.