Saxer Lücke Hike from Hoher Kasten & Staubern in Switzerland
The Saxer Lücke hike is one of our favorite hikes in Switzerland, accessible from Staubern or Hoher Kasten. This hike is situated at 1649 m above sea level. We did it as a day trip from Staubern and also visited the beautiful Fälensee during the hike.
This ultimate guide to the Saxer Lücke includes the best time to visit, what to expect on the hike, cable car ticket prices and schedules, as well as practical information. Use the map at the bottom of this post to find the best viewpoints and hike independently.
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Where is the Saxer Lücke Hike Located?
The Saxer Lücke trail is located in the Appenzell region of Switzerland and is part of the Alpstein mountain range.
There are several ways to reach Saxer Lücke, and the two most popular options are as follows.
Saxer Lücke Hike from Staubern
From the Frümsen, Luftseilbahn, you can reach Staubern by cable car in just 8 minutes. The cable car takes you from the Rhine Valley to the Alpstein (1,250 meters above sea level). Right next to the cable car is the Berggasthaus Staubern, a mountain hut offering accommodation and delicious dishes.
Once you have arrived, you can start the Saxer Lücke hike, which is about 3 km long and takes approximately 1.5 hours. During the hike, you will pass by several impressive viewpoints (scroll down to read more about them).
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Staubern Cable Car Ticket Price & Timetable
A return ticket for the Frümsen-Staubern cable car costs 40 CHF (50 USD), and a one-way ticket costs 20 CHF (25 USD).
For children (6-14 years old), a return ticket costs 20 CHF (25 USD), and a single ticket costs 10 CHF (12.50 USD). Free for children under 6 years. A one-way ticket for dogs costs 5 CHF, and a return ticket costs 10 CHF.
The cable car usually operates every 20 minutes. (The cable car does not operate in winter or bad weather.)
- April: 9 AM to 10 PM
- May: 8 AM to 10 PM
- June to September: 7 AM to 10 PM
- October: 8 AM to 10 PM
- November-December: 9 AM to 10 PM
You can buy your tickets on site from ticket machines and pay by credit card or in local currency (CHF). Free parking is available right next to the valley station, but the parking lot is small and fills up quickly.
Saxer Lücke Hike from Hoher Kasten
The Hoher Kasten cableway takes you from Brülisau to 1,794 m above sea level within 8 minutes. Then, hike to the Staubern, which takes about 2.5 hours, and follow the trail to the beautiful viewpoints.
Hoher Kasten Cable Car Ticket Price & Timetable
A return ticket for the Hoher Kasten cableway costs 40 CHF (50 USD), and a one-way ticket costs 28 CHF (35 USD). Free for children up to 15 years.
A one-way ticket for dogs costs 10 CHF (12.50 USD), and a return ticket costs 15 CHF (19 USD).
The cable car runs every 20 minutes.
- June 14, 2025 – August 17, 2025, from 7:20 AM to 5:40 PM
- August 18, 2025 – October 19, 2025, from 8 AM to 5:20 PM
- October 20, 2025 – March 1, 2026, from 8:40 AM to 4:40 PM
See also → Best Places to Visit in Switzerland
Saxer Lücke Hike
After arriving in Staubern by cable car, we started the hike. The weather was not perfect, but it was ideal for hiking. If you want to hike in such a mysterious fog (like we did), it is worth going even in bad weather.
The Saxer Lücke hike is of moderate difficulty. Most of the trail is flat, with many steps and rope handrails. We recommend walking more slowly on the rocky, steep slopes.
In the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable. So always pack warm clothes, suitable hiking shoes, and a raincoat.
Don’t forget to get travel insurance! Travel insurance is the best way to avoid extra expenses due to unexpected accidents, cancellations, delays, loss of personal items, and emergencies.
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Saxer Lücke Viewpoint
You can see the Saxer Lücke from several stunning viewpoints, which offer beautiful photo opportunities. These can usually be reached by leaving the marked path. Then, follow the trail to visit the magnificent Fälensee.
Keep reading → Schäfler Ridge
Fälensee
The beautiful Fälensee is about 1 km away and can be reached in 30 minutes. The trail is not easy, as there are many gravel sections, so we recommend using hiking poles.
Once you arrive, you can have lunch or dinner in Berggasthaus Bollenwees, depending on when you arrive at the lake. You can also stay at the mountain hut, and the next day, you can enjoy the spectacular sunrise and mountain panorama.
Don’t miss the most beautiful viewpoint of the lake. Pass the mountain hut, walk up the hill along the path marked with a small sign, and enjoy the magnificent view of the Fälensee.
Best Time to Visit Saxer Lücke
The best time for hiking is from late May to mid-October. We did this hike at the end of August, and the weather was pleasant for hiking. However, the landscape was covered in fog, so we couldn’t enjoy the stunning views as we had imagined. Nevertheless, the hike was worth it, and we would happily do it again to enjoy the scenery.
TIP
For the best experience, try to visit on a sunny, cloudless day.
Where to Stay
If you want to hike from Hoher Kasten to Saxer Lücke, stay in Appenzell or St. Gallen, where you can choose from a variety of accommodation options. There is also a mid-range hotel in Brülisau, the Gasthaus Rössli, located near the Hoher Kasten cable car.
See also → Best Hotels in the Swiss Mountains
Best hotels in St. Gallen
- Mid-Range: Hotel Walhalla or Sorell Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Hotel Metropol
Saxer Lücke Hike Map
We hope you found our guide to the Saxer Lücke Hike useful and will inspire you to visit Switzerland. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.
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Thanks very useful practical information and great photos.
We are happy you liked it! 🙂
Hallo,
Leuke en handige blog. Hebben jullie ook een gpx bestandje van de wandelroute? Alvast bedankt voor jullie info!
Hi! We’re glad it was useful! Unfortunately, we don’t have a GPX file, but the hike is very easy, and you won’t get lost! Have a good trip!
Hi there 🙋🏼♀️ Do you think this hike is safe to go on with two dogs?
Thank you 🙏🏻
Hi Lucia!
Yes, it is safe! When we hiked at Saxer Lücke, there were some people with dogs. You can even use the cable car with a dog for an additional fee.
Best regards,
Dittus and Mate