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Intro

Two-day hike straight through the Alpstein, from Appenzellerland to Obertoggenburg in the Canton of St. Gallen, with an overnight stay in the Berggasthaus Rotsteinpass.

Description

From Wasserauen (Appenzell Railway terminus), the path climbs first through forest, then scattered copses; it passes pretty Lake Seealpsee en route to Meglisalp, a sleepy little Alpine farming village. You then continue past the lakelet of Oberchellen, zig-zagging up to the Rotstein Pass. If you have a head for heights, an alternative route is the Alpine ridge hike from Säntis to the Rotstein Pass, where precarious sections are secured with chains for a memorable adventure.

Staying overnight in the Berggasthaus Rotsteinpass makes this two-day tour a truly special experience in the mountains. The mountain guesthouse is open from June to October. 

The descent next day is via Thurwis to the concealed Thur Falls, a few minutes away from the day’s destination in Unterwasser. A brief detour into the gorge and through the short tunnel to the swirling waters is more than worthwhile.

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
Destination
Unterwasser
Elevation level - Direction
Before alps, One way
Altitude (meter above sea level)
2125 m
Ascent
1366 m
Descent
1329 m
Distance
18 km
Duration
7 h
Multiday route
2 days
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Medium
Season
June - October
Theme
With panoramic view, To an alp, Over a pass

Map

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

Contact

Appenzellerland Tourismus AI
Hauptgasse 4
9050  Appenzell

Phone  +41 (0)71 788 96 41
info@appenzell.ch
appenzell.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

Distance

18 km

Duration

7 h

Ascent

1366 m

Travel information: Wasserauen Ebenalp

Current Offers

  • Schwende Eurotrek Alpine: inn Trekking through the Alpstein

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 899
    Offer details


    valid: 27.06.2026 - 13.09.2026

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  • Schwende Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen

    The cable car runs from Wasserauen to Ebenalp in Appenzellerland. It climbs 723 meters in just 6... from CHF 24
    Offer details


    valid: 11.02.2026 - 08.08.2026

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  • Appenzell Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone

    Discover the center of the smallest canton in Switzerland with friends or your family. Solve... from CHF 11
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    valid: 11.02.2026 - 08.02.2027

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  • Urnäsch Säntis Ticket from Schwägalp

    Take the cable car from Schwägalp to the summit of the Säntis at 2502 m above sea level and enjoy a... from CHF 38
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    valid: 11.02.2026 - 30.04.2026

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  • Urnäsch Husky half-day tour in winter

    You will gain a good insight into the nature and fascination of huskies. After getting to know the... from CHF 365
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    valid: 21.02.2026 - 22.03.2026

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  • Wildhaus 3-Tägiger Ski-Hochtourenkurs mit Altmann Neu

    Planning and guidance by a federally certified mountain guideTheory and practice on high-altitude... from CHF 485
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    valid: 27.02.2026

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  • Wildhaus An evening snowshoe hike with an aperitif on Säntis

    You're tracing your snowshoe tracks along the Säntis massif as dusk falls. Along the way, the... from CHF 45
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    valid: 14.02.2026

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  • Wildhaus Vollmond-Schneeschuhwanderung

    Guided tour by a trained hiking leaderHot drink and something sweet along the wayRental equipment:... from CHF 45
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    valid: 03.03.2026

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  • Stein AR Ticket Appenzeller® show dairy

    The Appenzeller® show dairy in Stein AR takes you on a journey through the Appenzellerland. You will... from CHF 13
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    valid: 11.02.2026 - 31.12.2026

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  • Buchs SG Hiking Holidays Via Alpina Vaduz - Montreux

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 3,819
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    valid: 27.06.2026 - 13.09.2026

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