At an elevation of 1,578 metres (5,177 ft), it has a surface area of 1.1147 square kilometres (0.4304 sq mi).

The lake was created by a giant landslide and is fed through a series of mountain creeks and drains underground.

Part of it is captured for electricity production and as a water supply for Kandersteg.

A gondola lift from Kandersteg leads to Oeschinen, 25 minutes by foot from the lake.

The reason for this is the danger of an imminent rockfall on the south shore, which is why paths are closed there.