How to Hike to the Schäfler Ridge
The Schäfler Ridge Hike is one of the best hiking trails in the Appenzell region, so you can’t miss it on your Switzerland Itinerary.
Wondering how to hike to the Schäfler Ridge viewpoint? You can visit it as a day trip and combine your hike with the Berggasthaus Aescher and Seealpsee.
This ultimate guide to the Schäfler Ridge Trail includes the best time to visit, how to reach the stunning viewpoint, what to expect on the trek, and practical information.
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Schäfler Ridge Hike Details
Hike Distance: 7.5 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Ascent: ↑ 512 m
Descent: ↓ 340 m
Where is Schäfler Ridge Trail?
Schäfler Ridge is located in the Appenzell Region of Eastern Switzerland. The Wasserauen parking lot is only a 10-minute drive from Appenzell and 30 minutes from St. Gallen. When you arrive, the Ebenalp cable car station can be reached in just a 2-minute walk.
When to Hike to Schäfler Ridge
Switzerland is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Schäfler is from May to October. The weather is more pleasant for hiking during these months, with warmer temperatures and less snow cover. We did this hike in August, and the weather was fantastic.
In the mountains, the weather can be unpredictable. So pack warm clothes, suitable hiking shoes, and a raincoat.
We do not recommend the Schäfler Ridge trail in winter as it is dangerous! The cable car is out of service, there is a risk of avalanches, and the path is probably completely covered in snow.
See also → Beautiful Places to Visit in Switzerland
How to Get to Schäfler Ridge
The Schäfler Ridge hike starts from Wasserauen, which is easily accessible by train or car. Wasserauen is located 1.5 hours drive from Zurich, 30 minutes from St. Gallen, and 10 minutes from Appenzell.
After arriving, you can take the cable car or hike up to Ebenalp. There is a large car park in Wasserauen, but during the peak season, places quickly run out.
The parking ticket is valid for 24 hours and costs 5 CHF (5.5 USD). You can be extended by extra hours or reduced if you only take a half-day tour. The parking machine accepts only coins (EUR or CHF).
As this is a popular hiking place, avoid weekends and arrive as early as possible.
Budget Tip
Enjoy unlimited access by public train, bus, and boat to visit more than 41 cities, reach peaks of many mountains, and sail through beautiful lakes in Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass.
Ebenalp Cable Car Ticket Price & Timetable
The Ebenalp cable car ticket costs 36 CHF (39.5 USD) return and 24 CHF (26 USD) one-way for adults. For children (6-15 years old), the return ticket costs 15 CHF (16.5 USD), and a single trip costs 10 CHF (11 USD).
You can get a 50% discount with Swiss Pass.
Children under 6 years are free of charge. A one-way ticket for dogs is 9 CHF (10 USD), and a return ticket is 13 CHF (14 USD).
TIP
Before you visit, check the weather forecast and the Ebenalp mountain webcam.
The cable car takes just 6 minutes to reach Ebenalp and runs every 15 minutes.
- 02 April – 30 April 2024 (Revision)
- 01 May – 24 May 2024 (8 AM-5:30 PM)
- 25 May – 05 July 2024 (7:30 AM-6 PM)
- 06 July – 25 August 2024 (7:30 AM-7 PM)
- 26 August – 22 September 2024 (7:30 AM-6 PM)
- 23 September – 3 November 2024 (7:30 AM-5:30 PM)
- 04 November – 24 November 2024 From Monday to Friday (9 AM-5 PM) and on Saturday/Sunday (8 AM-5 PM)
- 25 November – 24 December 2024 (Revision)
Keep reading → Saxer Lücke Hiking Trail
Ebenalp to Schäfler Mountain Hut
Starting/Ending point: Ebenalp cable car station.
Ebenalp is situated at 1,640 m above sea level. After arriving at the top of the Ebenalp cable car, you can start the hike to the Schäfler mountain hut. Follow the signs to the Schäfler until you reach the mountain hut in about 1 hour 20 minutes. The path is rocky with steps and is not suitable for strollers.
When you reach the mountain hut (Berggasthaus Schäfler), we suggest you take a break for lunch in the restaurant or a picnic. During your lunch, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Schäfler Ridge and the Alpstein mountains.
We decided to hike up to Ebenalp. The hike from Wasserauen to Ebenalp is 3.5 km long and takes 1.5 hours. On the way, you will pass a fantastic viewpoint. Then, you can stop at the Berggasthaus Aescher for a refreshing drink or a delicious lunch. This mountain hut is the most popular photo spot on the hike. After that, follow the path past the church through the cave to the Schäfler mountain hut, which you can also reach in 1.5 hours.
Good to know
If you arrive by cable car and want to visit the Berggasthaus Aescher, you must walk back to the Aescher from the cable car station, which takes about 30-40 minutes.
See also → Best Hotels in the Switzerland Mountains
Schäfler Viewpont & Ridge Hike
The Schäfler viewpoint is beautiful, so it’s well worth the effort. You can reach the viewpoint from the mountain hut in about a 10-minute walk. When you have enough rest and are ready, follow the Schäfler Ridge trail.
There are toilets at the Berggasthaus Schäfler, so use them before you start your hike. There are two paths leading to Altenalp, but we do not recommend the trail marked in red (see map below), as it is dangerous, and the views are not worth it.
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.
TIP
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The most beautiful hiking trail leads along the Schäfler Ridge to the Altenalp mountain hut, which takes about 70-90 minutes. The trail is not easy, steep and narrow, with wire ropes in the dangerous parts.
After arriving, you can fill your water bottle with fresh drinking water. Then, follow the signs from Altenalp to the Ebenalp cable car station, which takes about 1.5 hours.
What to Pack for Hiking
- Small backpack
- Light raincoat
- Hiking shoes or boots & socks
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera gear
- Reusable water bottle & extra water
- Snacks
- Personal medication
- Local money
- Powerbank
- Trekking poles
Schäfler Ridge Hike Map
Where to Stay near Schäfler
For the best experience, stay at Berggasthaus Schäfler mountain hut. Alternatively, stay in Appenzell or St. Gallen. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Appenzell
- Mid-Range: Hotel Löwen or Hotel Appenzell
- Budget: Alte Metzg – Boutique Pension
Best hotels in St. Gallen
- Mid-Range: Radisson Blu Hotel or Hotel Walhalla
- Budget: B&B Hotel St Gallen
We hope you found our guide to the Schäfler Ridge hike useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – Heymondo
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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