Oeschinensee, Switzerland Adventure Elopement
Adventure elopements at the Oeschinensee, in Switzerland, have to be some of my favorites. Located near the quaint village of Kandersteg, the Oeschinensee is a glittering blue alpine lake surrounded by peaceful wooded areas, high alpine meadows, massive mountains, and glaciers tumbling down steep cliffsides.
Why the Oeschinensee is a great elopement location
The Oeschinensee makes one of the best hiking trails to get married on because simply put, this location isn’t hard to get to, but offers just about every type of scenery you could ask for. You can access the Oeschinensee via a cable car. From the lake, you have numerous options to explore further if you’d like to hike longer, or hang out at the lake and enjoy the views. The Oeschinensee also makes a great spot for a hiking micro wedding in Switzerland.
How to Elope at the Oeschinensee
You elope at the Oeschinensee by visiting via cable car and a short hike, or by hiking a few miles from the valley to the lake.
When to Elope at the Oeschinensee
You can elope at the Oeschinensee in all four seasons. During the winter, I suggest going during January or February when the cable car is operating, and you’re most likely to experience a snowy wonderland. In Spring, the Oeschinensee becomes accessible again toward the end of May. From spring onward, you can easily elope at the Oeschinensee anytime through mid-October.
Important Update: Couples cannot get married at the Oeschinensee as of 2024 onward. The Oeschinensee is dealing with mass overtourism, leading to environmental degradation. The cable car operators and local landowners request that couples and photographers respect these rules, the community, and the environment by getting married elsewhere. Yes, even elopements are currently banned at Oeschinensee, even if it is only the couple without guests.
On the Oeschinensee FAQ page you can also find the following information under these two section, ”Are events such as weddings or similar permitted in the Oeschinensee area? No, Oeschinensee is located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is surrounded by various protected areas, including plant conservation areas, dry meadows and wildlife rest areas. Due to these special protective measures, all (commercial) events and drone flights are prohibited by law. Compliance with these rules is monitored by rangers.”; and ‘‘What outdoor guidelines apply when dealing with social media? Only post activities that are permitted. Publishing prohibited activities can have legal consequences. Remember that content on the internet remains visible for a long time. Only publish photos, videos or quotes on websites and social media from people who have expressly given you their consent to do so (personal rights). Commercial photo shoots are also not permitted at Oeschinensee .’‘ Please note, any type of photo sessions including influencing, couples photography, elopements, weddings, or other paid work, is considered commercial work.