610 words, 4 minutes read time.
I was aimlessly scrolling Instagram, as one does, when a photo stopped me in my tracks – a shimmering, crystal-blue lake surrounded by lush forest. Lake Blausee. I didn’t know much about it, but I knew one thing: it had to go on my Switzerland itinerary.
And lucky me, it was less than an hour’s drive from Lauterbrunnen, where I was staying for a few days while working with Hotel Staubbach. Some things are just meant to be.
Finding the Hidden Gem known as Lake Blausee
Lake Blausee (which literally means “blue lake”) is tucked in the Bernese Oberland between Kandergrund and Kandersteg. It sits inside a 50-acre nature park that feels like something out of a storybook – rushing waterfalls, snow-dusted peaks in the distance, and families picnicking on the grass. It’s beautiful in photos, but in person, it’s downright magical.
When my GPS announced I’d arrived, I didn’t see a lake at all – just a parking lot and a visitor’s center. I had pictured it appearing right in front of me, but apparently, you have to work a little for the view.
Getting There & Getting In to Lake Blausee
After parking my rental, I grabbed my picnic lunch from the Coop grocery store I purchased in Lauterbrunnen, my tote bag, tripod, and camera gear, and headed into the visitor’s center. Inside, there were the usual souvenirs plus some stunning little dirndls that almost came home with me (if Switzerland weren’t quite so pricey).
Entry is 11 CHF, and that includes a boat trip on the lake, access to the trout farm, playgrounds, and picnic spots with firewood. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and the park is open year-round from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Taking the Scenic Route (By Accident)
The kind woman at the desk pointed me in the right direction… and I promptly took the long way around. Normally, I’d be annoyed, but the detour wound through a peaceful forest with almost no one else in sight – perfect for setting up my tripod without feeling rushed or awkward.
The gravel paths are easy enough for most walkers, and I even saw a couple pushing a stroller. That said, a few areas might be bumpy or uneven.
First Glimpse of the Blue
After weaving through the forest, I caught my first glimpse of the lake – and wow. Even knowing its name, I wasn’t prepared for that shade of blue. With water so clear you can see every rock and fallen leaf up to 33 feet below, it’s like peering into another world.
The walk around the lake takes about 15–20 minutes if you’re not stopping for photos every few steps (good luck with that). Parts of the path have uneven stone steps and exposed roots, so it’s not fully accessible, but it’s worth the effort if you’re able.
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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.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Lake Blausee
Whether you’re visiting in summer with a picnic or in winter for a quieter, snowy escape, Lake Blausee is pure magic. If you’re in the Lauterbrunnen area, it’s an easy, unforgettable day trip – just be prepared to take a few too many photos and lose track of time.
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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.