Flip-flops instead of hiking boots Oeschinensee tourists put themselves in danger - municipality takes action
Numerous tourists visit Lake Oeschinen - many of them are poorly equipped. The municipality is now taking action.
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- Lake Oeschinen attracts tourists from all over the world.
- However, many people are not well equipped.
- That's why the municipality is now working on new measures.
Lake Oeschinen in Kandersteg BE is a popular excursion destination that generates a lot of enthusiasm on social media. However, its increasing popularity also brings problems.
Many visitors are inadequately equipped and underestimate the dangers of the mountain trails. Bruno Maerten from the Bernese Hiking Trail Association told SRF: "There are guests who are out and about on difficult sections of the trail in sneakers or even flip-flops."
A tragic consequence of this carelessness occurred on 9 May, when a wet snow avalanche triggered a rockfall. Four people were injured and one man died. A total of 62 people had to be rescued by helicopter.
Information flyer to inform about dangers
Lilly Rüdel, an excursionist who witnessed the accident, criticized the inadequate warnings provided by the mountain railroad. "There were so many people on the trail that we thought it was a good and safe route," she told SRF.
René Maeder, mayor of Kandersteg, admits that he may have underestimated the impact of the Oeschinensee hype and is now planning better information for visitors.
Despite sufficient warnings, as the police stated after the accident, Maeder is now focusing on additional measures to increase safety. For example, he is working on an information flyer for visitors from all over the world.
The Bernese Hiking Trail Association and the umbrella organization of cantonal hiking trail associations have also launched campaigns to make hikers more aware of the dangers. However, Maerten emphasizes personal responsibility: "The mountains are not a playground."
