Oberaarsee
Monastery Alpine reservoir in Bern used for hydroelectric power
High in the Bernese Alps Oberaarsee is a hydroelectric reservoir beneath the Oberaar Glacier; hikers and mountaineers use it as a base for alpine trails and glacier viewpoints.
Oberaarsee is an alpine reservoir in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, formed by damming mountain streams in the Grimsel region. It is part of the high-mountain hydropower landscape in the central Swiss Alps.
The lake lies amid steep glaciated valleys and is surrounded by mountain peaks and moraines typical of the Bernese Oberland. The water body and its dam are used in seasonal hydropower operations and are visited by hikers exploring the Grimsel area.
The reservoir was created by engineering works associated with regional hydroelectric development and is one of several man-made lakes clustered around the Grimsel Pass. Its shoreline and immediate area show modifications related to dam infrastructure and access tracks.
Geographically the lake sits above the main valley floor of the Grimsel region in the Bernese Alps, accessible from mountain roads and trails near the Grimsel Pass and within the broader network of alpine passes connecting central Switzerland.
How to Get to Oberaarsee #
Reachable via mountain roads in the Grimsel/Oberhasli region; nearest larger towns include Meiringen and Andermatt. Access often requires driving on alpine roads and hiking; seasonal closures may apply.
Tips for Visiting Oberaarsee #
- Access typically requires hiking; local trailheads begin near the Oberärwli or Grimsel region - check local alpine maps.
- Prepare for alpine conditions: sudden weather changes, loose scree and cold water if approaching via glacier-fed paths.
- Bring a topographic map or GPS; trails can be faint and signage limited in high-alpine zones.
Best Time to Visit Oberaarsee #
Best visited in summer for road and trail access; check local conditions and closures near high alpine reservoirs.
Weather & Climate near Oberaarsee #
Oberaarsee's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -10°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1254 mm/year), wettest in June, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (115 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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