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Intro

The rocky Alpstein rises above the green pasture landscape around Appenzell and attracts with a variety of trails.

Description

After taking the cable car up to Ebenalp, a quick descent from the station leads to a trail beneath the Weesen climbing crag towards Altenalp. Here, the easy traverse transforms into steep switchbacks up to Schäfler. Once you reach the ridge, the trail becomes narrow and rocky for a short distance, with cable supports and little room for overtaking. The views of Seealpsee lake against the uniquely slanted limestone cliffs are breath-taking. The trail then descends past Berggasthaus Mesmer down to Seealpsee lake. The shore is a great spot to admire the jagged ridges and steep, sloping cliffs that frame the Säntis, Appenzell’s highest summit, at the end of the valley. After running along the edge of the lake, the final kilometres of the route take you through the forest and down a steep descent to Wasserauen.

Take care on the sometimes technical terrain while you marvel at the majestic scenery of the narrow valley.

Tip from ALPSinsight: Be sure to stop and admire the colourfully painted houses in Appenzell and try some freshly baked Biberli, a local delicacy.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Wasserauen Ebenalp
Destination
Wasserauen Ebenalp
Start Point
Ebenalp (upper station)
Target Point
Wasserauen (valley station)
Direction
Round trip
Altitude (meter above sea level)
1895 m
Ascent
769 m
Descent
1487 m
Distance
13.5 km
Physical requirements
Medium
Season
June - October
Theme
To an alp, With panoramic view
Route GPX Download Route-GPX

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Contact

Luftseilbahn Wasserauen-Ebenalp AG
9057  Wasserauen
Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)71 799 12 12
Fax +41 (0)71 799 12 13
info@ebenalp.ch
ebenalp.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

Distance

13.5 km

Ascent

769 m

Travel information: Wasserauen Ebenalp

Current Offers

  • Schwende Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen

    The cable car departs from Wasserauen to the Ebenalp in the Appenzell region. It ascends 723 meters... from CHF 24
    Offer details


    valid: 21.10.2026 - 29.03.2027

    Learn more about Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen
  • Schwende Thermal Paragliding 30 min in the Alpstein

    During this thermal flight, you'll stay in the air for 20 to 30 minutes and enjoy the surroundings... from CHF 240
    Offer details


    valid: 22.10.2026 - 18.10.2027

    Learn more about Thermal Paragliding 30 min in the Alpstein
  • Schwende Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein

    With this thermal flight, you'll stay in the air for 50 to 60 minutes and enjoy the surroundings... from CHF 320
    Offer details


    valid: 22.10.2026 - 17.10.2027

    Learn more about Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein
  • Schwende Paragliding Tandem Flight Experience in Alpstein

    Experience the thrill of paragliding in the Alpstein region with a pleasure flight and soar freely... from CHF 190
    Offer details


    valid: 22.10.2026 - 18.10.2027

    Learn more about Paragliding Tandem Flight Experience in Alpstein
  • Appenzell Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone

    Discover with friends or family the heart of Switzerland's smallest canton. Solve intriguing puzzles... from CHF 9.95
    Offer details


    valid: 21.10.2026 - 19.04.2027

    Learn more about Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone
  • Wildhaus Alpstein Tarverse mit Ski

    Planning and guided tours by IVBV mountain guidesOvernight stay at Zwinglipasshüttesimple but hearty... from CHF 525
    Offer details


    valid: 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Alpstein Tarverse mit Ski
  • Wildhaus Lawinenkunde: Theorieabende und Praxistage

    Organisation and leadership by Swiss Federal Diploma Mountain Guides IVBVPresentation on avalanche... from CHF 15
    Offer details


    valid: 04.12.2026

    Learn more about Lawinenkunde: Theorieabende und Praxistage
  • Wildhaus Tages Schneeschuhtour Frümseltal

    Guided tour with certified hiking leaderLVS (avalanche transceiver) set including instructionRental... from CHF 90
    Offer details


    valid: 06.02.2027 - 14.03.2027

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  • Wildhaus Abend-Schneeschuhwanderung

    Guided tour by trained hiking leaderHot drink and something sweetRental equipment snowshoes and... from CHF 45
    Offer details


    valid: 18.12.2026 - 26.02.2027

    Learn more about Abend-Schneeschuhwanderung
  • Unterwasser Iltios Cable Car "Unterwasser Chäserrugg Railway" in Toggenburg

    The funicular railway takes you from the valley station in Unterwasser to Iltios in about 8 minutes.... from CHF 22
    Offer details


    valid: 21.10.2026 - 04.04.2027

    Learn more about Iltios Cable Car "Unterwasser Chäserrugg Railway" in Toggenburg