After stumbling upon this photo on Instagram, I knew I had to make a day trip to Lake Blausee, literally means “blue lake,” a priority when I visited Switzerland. And how lucky was I when I learned it was less than an hour’s drive from the gorgeous Lauterbrunnen where I was staying for a few days working with Hotel Staubbach!
Kismet, for sure!
Situated in the heart of Bernese Oberland between Kandergrund and Kandersteg in Switzerland is the small, crystal blue Lake Blausee Lake and nature park that is what Swiss dreams are made of. This 50 acre nature park has almost a fairytale-esque quality to it that you truly cannot capture on camera – it needs to be experienced in person. The rustling sounds of the waterfall nearby, the stunning snow-capped mountains in the distance, and the families all hanging around enjoying picnics is just a small part of the charm.
But before you reach the clear blue water, finding Lake Blausee can be a little tricky! I set the GPS in my car to the address and when I arrived at the destination, I was surprised to see a parking lot and a visitor’s center. I wasn’t really sure what to expect (you can really tell I researched this well before I went), but I guess I imagined that you would just see the lake!
After parking my rental car, grabbing my picnic lunch I purchased from the Coop grocery store in Lauterbrunnen, and my backpack full of my tripod and camera gear, I headed into the visitor’s center. There were the usual knick-knacks for purchase as well as gorgeous little dirndls I almost paid lots of cash money to bring one back for my niece. But Switzerland ain’t cheap and they cost a pretty penny!
The nature park is open year-round from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. The restaurant and hotel are open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Blausee nature park is a jewel of rare beauty – maintenance and care are financed through the gained revenue of the entry fees. Dogs on a leash are welcome inside the park…The boat trip (until 5 p.m.), visit of the organic trout farm, use of kids playground and the fireplaces with firewood are included in the entry fee.
Lake Blausee’s website
After a quick look around, I spoke with the kind lady behind the counter. She was a fount of information and she gave me some guidance in the correct direction.
After a quick entrance fee payment (8 CHF in summer, 5 CHF in winter), I began my trek through the gorgeous Swiss forest! I will be honest, I thought I was going the wrong direction and turns out I did end up going the long way around. But I am not complaining because this lovely forest was peaceful and such a stunner. The perks of it being mostly isolated made tripod self-portrait photos not awkward! I was able to set-up my gear and take a good many photos without the usual audience. It was nice to not feel rushed!
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I definitely recommend you get lost for a little bit just walking the pathways here and there. I found it to be accessible even for the challenged walker like me! I saw one couple even pushing a stroller. The only thing to note is that there are gravel pathways which could make a bumpy ride for your stroller occupants.
After emerging from my self-portrait session and the long walk around the pathways, seeing the first glance of that crystal blue water was just spectacular!
I honestly cannot express to you the sheer beauty and sereneness of the whole nature park but particularly that of Lake Blausee. Despite the depth of the lake is up to 33 feet, one can see every detail within due to its clarity.
The pathway around it can get quite intense due to some areas having uneven, homemade rock steps and root hopping. I was able to manage it with my ACL-lacking right knee and I am super cautious! It is not accessible to everyone, but it is a lovely leisurely walk if you are able. It only takes about 15-20 minutes to do a walk around if you don’t get distracted by another photo session (or two) like I did.
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The view is just KILLER! The mountains and the blue lake and the trees, I was in Swiss heaven and didn’t want to leave. So I didn’t! I stayed for a few hours soaking it ALL up. I can safely say that my day trip to Lake Blausee was worth it.
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The cool aunt. Plant novice who loves to travel to cool places, eat unadventurous food, and take pretty photos.
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Those photos are absolutely gorgeous, Sami!! I’m surprised I’ve never heard of Lake Blausee before, with views like that!
It is so under the radar! I am shocked myself!
That view is stunning!! This looks like a perfect place for a hiking holiday.
Don’t you just love visiting that kind of crazy-blue glacial lake? I think you went at the best time of year, I mean the autumn colours make the lake look even prettier. 🙂
It was just SO nice and leisurely! Now I want to visit all the pretty blue lakes. and can you believe it was April when I visited??? ?
That makes sense though, those lakes are always brighter blue when the ice has just melted (and they have not been topped up with rain!)
But me toooo! I can’t get enough of gorgeous blue lakes!
Holy crap, this is so gorgeous! I’m adding it to my Switzerland itinerary for sure. Thanks, Sami!!
I definitely don’t blame you! It was magical! ✨
Wowww your photos are gorgeous! You have such a whimsical eye! Did it seem crowded at all while you were there?
Oh thank you so much!! and shockingly no – it was not very crowded when I went in late April! I think in the summer is when traffic picks up?
Oh my goodness I’ve been living in Switzerland for the past two years and I had no idea this existed! It’s so nice that its open in winter too, as so many places close because of the snow. DEFINITELY going!
Now I am jealous about you living in Switzerland!! I have seen photos of Lake Blausee in winter and the snow is just magical! ✨ Can’t wait to see your photos!
Lake Blausee looks so incredible! I can’t believe it’s so close to Lauterbrunnen, I’ve been going for years and haven’t been yet. The colours look like a fairytale! I also love that you take photos by yourself too, I’m also a selftographer and admire your work! Beautiful post thanks for sharing. Sophie x
I may look weird pulling out my tripod for self-portraits but the pictures are SO worth it! Hope you get to visit on your next trip to Lauterbrunnen. I am dying to go back to that beautiful Swiss town!
Such a beautiful place, and amazing photos:) I have never been to Switzerland, but when I go, I would love to go here to Lake Blausee!
Switzerland is perhaps one of the most beautiful places I have ever been in all of my travels! Hope you make it there one day. Thanks!!
Switzerland is such a beautiful country, I wish I had longer when I was there last year. This place looks so pretty, you took some incredible photos! xo
My moma always said to leave something to come back and visit! Thank you.
Lake Blausee is so so stunning! Honestly, Switzerland is just so amazing in general. Like how did all of that natural beauty end up in one area? lol
It is really unfair how much beauty one tiny little country has!
I am so glad you took the time to go! It is such a gem 🙂
YES – so glad I saw it on your insta! ?
The colour of that water is insane!! Adding this to my must-travel list as we speak…
It’s so under the radar too! Hope you have a small crowd day like I did! ?
Cant get over how beautiful Switzerland is! We were just there for 3 days in Geneva and went out to the mountains in Gadmen to hike. The Swiss Alps are truly work of nature
Switzerland is like literally landing in a painted landscape. It is unreal!! ✨
Those views are stunning – what a gorgeous Lake and park! I bet the autumn foliage is killer 🙂
I can only imagine how gorgeous! Or even in winter covered in snow ?
Those pictures! Gasp! I’ve only been to the small corner of Geneva Switzerland, but it made me want to buy a house and live on a pasture on a hill straight out of from the Sound of Music.
That is seriously an idea I can get behind!! Thank you so much! ?
Getting my hiking boots and kayak ready! This is sooooo pretty, I can’t even believe it. It’s going straight to the top of my list for fall adventures.