Saxer Lücke Hiking Trail in 1 Day
The Saxer Lücke is one of the best hikes in the Appenzell region, so you can’t miss it on your Switzerland Itinerary. Appenzell region is a popular destination in Eastern Switzerland, offering fantastic outdoor activities and beautiful hiking trails.
This hike is situated at 1649 m above sea level. You can also visit it as a day trip and combine it with nearby attractions such as Fälensee and Seealpsee.
This ultimate guide to the Saxer Lücke Hike includes the best time to visit, how to get there from Staubern or Hoher Kasten, what to expect on the hike, and practical information.
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How to Get to Saxer Lücke?
There are several ways to reach Saxer Lücke, and these are the 2 most popular options.
Saxer Lücke Hike from Staubern
From Frümsen, go to the cable car station, and the cable car can reach Staubern in just 8 minutes. The Staubern cableway takes you from the Rhine Valley to the Alpstein (1250 meters above sea level). Right next to the Staubern is a mountain hut, the Berggasthaus Staubern, which offers accommodation and delicious dishes.
Once you arrive, hike to the Saxer Lücke, which is about 3 km long and can be reached in 1.5 hours. During the hike, you will pass several impressive viewpoints.
Budget Tip
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Staubern Cable Car Ticket Price & Timetable
The Frümsen-Staubern cable car ticket costs 40 CHF (45.5 USD) return and 20 CHF (23 USD) one-way for adults (from 15 years). For children, the return ticket costs 20 CHF (23 USD), and a single trip costs 10 CHF (11 USD).
Children under 6 years are free of charge. A one-way ticket for dogs is 5 CHF (5.5 USD), and a return ticket is 10 CHF (11 USD).
You can buy tickets from the ticket machines and pay by bank card or local money (CHF). Free parking is available next to the Staubern Valley Station.
The cable car operates every 20 minutes. (The cable car cannot be used in winter and bad weather.)
- April: 9 AM-10 PM
- May: 8 AM-10 PM
- June-September: 7 AM-10 PM
- October: 8 AM-10 PM
- November-December: 9 AM-10 PM
See also → Best Hotels in the Switzerland Mountains
Saxer Lücke Hike from Hoher Kasten
The Hoher Kasten cableway takes you from Brülisau to 1794 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 Cableway Ticket Price & Timetable
The Hoher Kasten cableway ticket costs 46 CHF (52 USD) return and 28 CHF (32 USD) one-way for adults. Children up to 15 years are free of charge. For dogs, a one-way ticket costs 8 CHF (9 USD) and a return 12 CHF (13.5 USD).
The cableway runs every 20 minutes.
- Until 25 February 2024 (8:40 AM-4:40 PM)
- 26 February – 28 March 2024 (Revision)
- 29 March – 14 June 2024 (8 AM-5 PM)
- 15 June – 18 August 2024 (7:20 AM-5:40 PM)
- 19 August – 20 October 2024 (8 AM-5:20 PM)
- 21 October – 28 February 2025 (8:40 AM-4:40 PM)
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Before you visit, check the weather forecast and the mountain webcam.
Keep reading → Places to Visit in Switzerland
Saxer Lücke Hiking Trail
After arriving by cable car in Staubern, we started the hike. The weather was not perfect, but it was ideal for hiking. If you want to hike in such mysterious fog, it is worth going in bad weather. This hike is moderate, with lots of stairs and rope barriers along the trail. We recommend walking more slowly on the rocky, steep slopes.
In the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable. Always pack warm clothes, suitable hiking shoes, and a raincoat.
Don’t forget to buy 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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Best Viewpoints
You can see the Saxer Lücke from several stunning viewpoints. These can usually be reached by leaving the marked path. Then, follow the trail to visit the magnificent Fälensee.
Recommended post → Ebenalp, Schäfler, Seealpsee Hiking Trail
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 parts, so it is worth using a hiking stick.
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 Berggasthaus, and the next day, you can enjoy the spectacular sunrise and mountain panorama.
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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.
Saxer Lücke Hike Map
We hope you found our guide to the Saxer Lücke Hike useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
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Thanks very useful practical information and great photos.
We are happy you liked it! 🙂
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