Walking SwitzerlandOeschinensee - Frundenhutte - OeschinenseeWalk 8034
Canton - Bern / Berne - Kandertal
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 9.0 km / 5.6 miles
Ascent - 670 metres / 2211 feet
Descent - 670 metres / 2211 feet
Time - 5.00 hours
Grade - moderate/hard
The Fründenhütte overlooks the Öeschinensee and is located on the northern side of the Doldenhorn with glaciers close at hand. The path is steep and unrelenting with some sections protected by cables.
Start & End Upper station of the Sesselbahn Öeschinen from Kandersteg. The valley station is a few minutes walk from Kandersteg Railway Station. See Transport Map for the Kandertal Region.
Exit the upper station of the chairlift and follow the wide path signed to the Öeschinensee. Ahead the Blümlisalp and its satellite peaks provide a wonderful panorama. Continue on the main path descending to the hotels and restaurants. Follow the signed route to the Fründenhütte crossing a flat area before starting the climb.
The route is never too intimidating but does require stamina as after the initial stages the path is an unrelenting climb. Where the mountainside is at is steepest a succession of zigzags helps with ascent. There are also a few places where fixed cables provide assistance and one of these does have some exposure. Despite this upward progress is quite fast and with incredible mountain scenery all around the going is much easier than might be anticipated from maps.
Arrival at the hut is just reward for the efforts used in the ascent. A little further on from the hut you can get closer to the glaciers that drape from this north facing slope. The return route follows the outward path. However on reaching the restaurants at the western end of Öeschinensee you are faced with a final section of uphill walking to the chairlift. An alternative is to descend into the valley, which entails very little extra effort.
Suggested Maps
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW 5004 - Berner Oberland
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW5009 - Gstaad - Adelboden
Kandersteg Wanderkarte - 1:25000
Recommended Books
The Swiss Alpine Pass Route - Via Alpina Route 1
Guidebook to the Alpine Pass Route following the Swiss Via Alpina 1, a 360km trek east-west across Switzerland, from Sargans, on the border of Liechtenstein, to Montreux, including prologue from Liechtenstein. A demanding 3-week trek described in 18 stages, crossing 16 passes including the 2778m Hohtürli. Requires good fitness and experience.
Tour of Monte Rosa
A guidebook to walking the The Tour of Monte Rosa, a 9-10 day, 134km trek circling Monte Rosa anti-clockwise from Zermatt. The high route hugs glaciers and has views of over ten 4000ers. All essential information is provided, including outline maps, route profiles, advice on glacier crossing and accommodation.
Stay Safe
Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.
Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.
Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.
Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.
Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.
Do check the weather forecast before leaving.
Do do not exceed your capabilities.
Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Sitzerland is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps at the most detailed scale where possible. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed, and corrective action taken if necessary.