Blausee is a small, intensely blue mountain lake in Switzerland’s Kandertal region of the Bernese Oberland. The lake sits inside a privately operated 20-hectare nature park near Kandergrund, between Frutigen and Kandersteg. A visit combines easy woodland walks, lake views, a seasonal glass-bottom boat ride, picnic areas, dining, and family-friendly facilities in a compact setting.
Quick Answer
Blausee is an easy half-day nature trip in the Bernese Oberland. Take a train to Frutigen or Kandersteg, then a bus to Blausee BE. Admission includes the nature park and, during the summer daytime period, a glass-bottom boat ride. Swimming and fishing are not permitted.
Key Takeaways
- Blausee lies in a 20-hectare nature park in the Kandertal region of the Bernese Oberland.
- Public transport is straightforward: travel to Frutigen or Kandersteg and change to a bus for the Blausee BE stop.
- A summer glass-bottom rowing-boat ride is included with qualifying daytime admission; visitors do not rent their own paddle boats.
- Fishing and ordinary swimming are prohibited, and dogs must remain on a lead.
- Families can use the playground and picnic areas, while part of the route to the lake is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Getting to Blausee
Blausee is located near Kandergrund on the main route between Frutigen and Kandersteg. You do not need a car to reach it, and the park itself recommends public transport when parking demand is high.
By Public Transport
Take a train to either Frutigen or Kandersteg, then change to the local bus and get off at Blausee BE. From the bus stop, the walk to the lake area is approximately 350 metres. Check same-day connections with the official SBB timetable, especially on weekends or public holidays.
By Car
If you are driving, approach via Spiez and continue toward Frutigen and Kandersteg. Blausee’s visitor car parks are beside the main road shortly after Kandergrund when travelling south. Parking is paid, and depending on the parking area, the walk to Blausee is roughly 300 to 550 metres.
Parking capacity is limited during busy periods and special events, so arriving by train and bus can be easier than looking for a space at peak times.
Pro Tip: Enter “Blausee BE” as your public-transport destination rather than simply searching for Kandersteg. This gives you the bus connection that stops close to the park entrance.
Exploring the Blausee Nature Park
The Blausee Nature Park covers about 20 hectares of woodland around the lake. According to Blausee’s official nature-park information, this landscape was formed about 15,000 years ago after a major rockfall from the Fisistock mountain.
Today, paths wind between moss-covered rocks, old trees, small gorges and forest clearings. The lake is only a few hundred metres from the entrance, so you can experience the main attraction without completing a long mountain hike.
The exceptional clarity of the water is one reason Blausee appears so vividly blue. Submerged tree trunks and rocks can be seen well below the surface, giving the lake its distinctive transparent appearance.
The park also has a nature playground, picnic spots and designated barbecue areas. These facilities make Blausee practical for families who want to combine sightseeing with a relaxed outdoor break.
Note: As checked on August 17, 2026, Blausee reports that barbecuing is temporarily prohibited because of forest-fire danger, although picnic areas remain open. The trout-farm show area is also temporarily closed for cleaning. Check the official visitor page shortly before your trip because temporary restrictions can change.
The Blausee Legend
Blausee is also associated with a local legend about a young woman mourning the loss of her lover. The story connects her blue eyes and tears with the lake’s famous color. It is folklore rather than a scientific explanation, but it remains part of the cultural identity of the lake and appears in Blausee’s own visitor material.
Activities at Blausee
| Activity | What to Know | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Glass-bottom boat ride | Rowing-boat experience operated on the lake; included with applicable daytime admission. | Summer |
| Woodland walks | Short forest paths lead through rocks, trees, gorges and around the lake area. | Year-round, subject to conditions |
| Playground and picnic | Family facilities are available near the Wasserhaus area. | Year-round, with seasonal restrictions possible |
| Llama visit or trekking | Llamas stay on the Sommerau during summer; guided trekking requires a separate booking. | Summer season |
| Diving | A special winter experience for certified divers, by advance arrangement. | Selected winter dates |
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
One of the signature Blausee experiences is the seasonal glass-bottom rowing boat. Rather than renting and operating a paddle boat yourself, you join the boat experience provided at the lake. The clear viewing section offers another perspective on the submerged rocks, trees and fish.
According to the official visitor information, the boat ride is included with the daytime Nature Park admission during the summer season. The boat does not operate with evening tickets, so visit earlier in the day if this activity is important to you.
Walking Through the Park
The paths inside Blausee are better described as short nature walks than major Alpine hikes. Several routes weave through woodland, mossy rocks and narrow gorge-like sections. Some paths contain roots, stones and uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is useful even though the distances are modest.
Picnic and Family Time
There is a nature playground near the Wasserhaus, along with picnic and barbecue areas. Firewood is normally provided at designated barbecue sites as part of park admission, but temporary fire restrictions can override normal rules.
Seasonal Llamas and Winter Experiences
During summer 2026, around five llamas spend the season at Sommerau inside the park. Visitors can see them in their pasture, while separate llama-trekking sessions may be booked in advance.
In winter, certified divers can also book special dives in Blausee. This is a controlled activity rather than normal recreational swimming, and advance arrangements are required.
Warning: Normal swimming and fishing are prohibited at Blausee. Do not feed the trout or sturgeon, throw stones into the water, or fly a drone inside the Nature Park.
Wildlife at Blausee
The most visible animals at Blausee are its fish. The lake and associated organic trout operation are known for Alpine trout, and sturgeon can also be seen in the water. Because of the exceptional clarity, visitors can often watch fish without entering or disturbing the lake.
Feeding the fish is strictly prohibited. Blausee explains that unsuitable food can harm the trout and sturgeon, while stones thrown into the water may be mistaken for food.
The wooded park also provides habitat for ordinary Alpine woodland wildlife and birds, although sightings vary from day to day and should not be guaranteed. During summer, the llamas at Sommerau provide a more predictable animal encounter.
Blausee’s official visitor rules protect its exceptionally clear lake: swimming, fishing and feeding the fish are normally prohibited.
Dining and Accommodation at Blausee
You can eat directly at Blausee rather than leaving the park for lunch. The Restaurant Blausee serves regional dishes, including organic trout from Blausee, meat and vegetarian choices. There is also a café, while the Wasserhaus self-service bistro operates during the summer season when weather permits.
Restaurant guests still need Nature Park admission. Current Blausee policy offers admission credit in connection with confirmed restaurant reservations, with the amount depending on whether you visit for lunch or dinner. Because these commercial terms can change, confirm the current arrangement when reserving a table.
For an overnight stay, Hotel & Spa Blausee is located directly in the park. Staying on site makes it possible to experience the lake after many day visitors have left and gives guests access to hotel facilities and the surrounding woodland setting.
You can also stay in the wider Kandertal region. Kandersteg and Frutigen have additional hotels, guesthouses and holiday accommodation, which can be practical if Blausee is one stop in a longer Bernese Oberland trip.
Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Discounts
The Blausee Nature Park is open 365 days a year. The official FAQ states that the park opens daily at 09:00 and, as a general rule, remains open until 21:00. Special events can lead to different closing times, so check the official opening-hours page before travelling.
As checked on August 17, 2026, the official visitor page lists the following admission prices:
| Ticket | Monday–Friday | Saturday, Sunday & Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Adult from 09:00 | CHF 11 | CHF 13 |
| Age 6–15 from 09:00 | CHF 7 | CHF 9 |
| Adult from 18:00 | CHF 9 | CHF 11 |
| Age 6–15 from 18:00 | CHF 5 | CHF 7 |
| Children under 6 | Free | Free |
Ticket prices and the time at which evening pricing starts may vary by season, so use these figures as a dated reference rather than assuming they will remain unchanged.
Visitors of any age receive free Nature Park admission on their birthday when they bring identification. The official FAQ also states that holders of the Bernese Oberland Pass and qualifying guest cards from Adelboden, Lenk or Kandersteg receive a 50% discount on Nature Park admission. The Swiss Travel Pass, GA Travelcard and Half-Fare Travelcard do not by themselves provide a Blausee admission discount.
What Does the Entrance Fee Include?
Nature Park admission covers access to the park and playground, normal use of the designated barbecue areas and firewood, subject to temporary fire restrictions, and the seasonal glass-bottom boat ride with eligible daytime admission. Some separately bookable experiences, meals and hotel services cost extra.
Accessibility and Family Visits
Blausee can work well for families, visitors with pushchairs and some wheelchair users, but not every trail is accessible.
From the main entrance, an asphalted route of about 300 metres leads toward Blausee. The route rises and falls in places but is generally suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This provides access to the restaurant and playground.
The smaller woodland paths are more difficult. They include roots, stones and uneven natural surfaces and are not considered wheelchair accessible.
A wheelchair-accessible toilet with a changing table is available at the restaurant. Other free toilets are located at the Wasserhaus/playground area and in the main parking area.
Visitors carrying luggage can use lockers near the shop at the main car park. The official FAQ currently lists these at CHF 5 per day, payable in Swiss-franc cash.
Best Time to Visit Blausee
There is no single best season because Blausee changes considerably through the year.
Summer
Summer provides the fullest range of general visitor activities. The glass-bottom boat operates seasonally, the Wasserhaus bistro can open in suitable weather, and the llamas are normally at Sommerau. This is also one of the busiest periods, so public transport and an earlier arrival can make the visit easier.
Autumn
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and changing forest colors. It can be a good choice if your priority is walking and photography rather than summer-only activities.
Winter
Snow can transform the park, but footwear becomes more important and some paths may be slippery. Winter also brings special experiences such as bookable diving for qualified divers and seasonal events.
Spring
Spring is useful for a quieter nature-focused visit, although mountain weather can change quickly and seasonal services may not yet be operating at their summer schedule.
How Long Should You Spend at Blausee?
For most first-time visitors, allowing roughly two to three hours gives you time to walk through the park, enjoy the lake, take photographs and join the boat ride when it is operating. A half-day is more comfortable if you want a meal, extended picnic time or a separately booked activity.
Tips for Visiting Blausee
Check the weather and Blausee’s official visitor page before leaving. Even though the lake is easy to reach, conditions in the Bernese Oberland can change quickly, and temporary restrictions or special-event hours may affect your plans.
Wear shoes with useful grip if you plan to leave the main asphalt route and explore the woodland paths. Roots, rocks and wet ground can make the smaller trails slippery.
If photography is a priority, arriving earlier or staying into the later part of the day can give you softer light and fewer people in some areas. Tripods should be used without blocking narrow paths, and drones are prohibited inside the Nature Park.
Dogs are welcome free of charge but must remain on a lead. They are not allowed to swim in Blausee and cannot enter certain restricted areas, including the summer llama pasture.
Do not feed the trout or sturgeon and do not throw stones into the lake. These rules help protect the fish and preserve the clear-water environment visitors come to see.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Blausee is best approached as a compact nature experience rather than a major hiking destination. Its unusually clear blue water, forest setting, short walking paths and seasonal glass-bottom boat make it easy to combine sightseeing with a relaxed few hours outdoors.
The most important planning details are simple: check current tickets and special opening hours, use Frutigen or Kandersteg for the bus connection, remember that swimming and fishing are prohibited, and confirm seasonal activities before travelling. Families, photographers, couples and visitors who prefer gentle walking can all enjoy the park without needing a demanding Alpine itinerary.
For last-minute conditions, ticket changes and activity availability, check the official Blausee visitor information before departure. This is especially useful when fire restrictions, events or temporary facility closures are in effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blausee?
Blausee is a small, crystal-clear blue lake inside a 20-hectare nature park in the Kandertal region of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. The park is near Kandergrund, between Frutigen and Kandersteg.
How do I get to Blausee?
By public transport, take a train to Frutigen or Kandersteg and then a bus to the Blausee BE stop. The lake is a short walk from the stop. Drivers can use paid visitor parking along the main road near the park entrance.
What are the opening hours and admission fees for Blausee?
The Nature Park opens daily at 09:00 and normally remains open until 21:00, although special-event hours can differ. As checked on August 17, 2026, daytime adult admission was CHF 11 Monday through Friday and CHF 13 on weekends and holidays. Prices vary by age, time and season, so confirm current rates before visiting.
What activities can I do at Blausee?
You can walk through the nature park, enjoy the playground and picnic areas, photograph the lake and, during summer daytime operations, take the included glass-bottom boat ride. Seasonal experiences can also include llama trekking and bookable winter diving.
Can you swim or fish in Blausee?
No. Normal swimming and fishing are prohibited. Swimming takes place only during specific organized events, while winter diving is a separate pre-arranged activity for qualified divers.
Is Blausee suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
Partly. An approximately 300-metre asphalted path from the main entrance is generally suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs and reaches the lake, restaurant and playground. Smaller woodland paths have roots, stones and uneven surfaces and are not wheelchair accessible.
Are dogs allowed at Blausee?
Yes. Dogs are welcome free of charge but must remain on a lead. They cannot swim in the lake and are excluded from certain areas, including the llama pasture during summer.
Are there accommodations near Blausee?
Yes. Hotel & Spa Blausee is directly inside the Nature Park. Additional hotels, guesthouses and holiday accommodation are available in nearby Kandersteg, Frutigen and other parts of the Kandertal region.
Sources
- Blausee AG: Visitor Information — current admission prices, directions, opening information and visitor notices.
- Blausee AG: Frequently Asked Questions — parking, transport, accessibility, park rules, discounts, dogs and visitor facilities.
- Blausee AG: Nature Park — park size, landscape history, glass-bottom boat, paths, playground, picnic areas and seasonal activities.
- Blausee AG: Restaurant, Café & Bistro — dining options and organic trout information.
- Switzerland Tourism: Blausee — independent destination overview, activities and regional context.
