Ebenalp, Schäfler, Seealpsee Hike in One Day
The Ebenalp-Schäfler-Seealpsee loop is an unmissable hike in the Appenzell region, so add it to your Switzerland Itinerary. Wasserauen is the best starting point for the hike and is easily accessible by car or train. Once you arrive, the Ebenalp Valley station is only a 2-minute walk away.
Ebenalp is situated at 1640 m above sea level. You can also visit it as a day trip and combine it with nearby attractions such as Saxer Lücke and Fälensee.
This ultimate guide to the Ebenalp Hike includes the best time to visit, how to reach the iconic Berggasthaus Aescher and Schäfler Ridge, what to expect on the hike, and practical information.
Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.
NO TIME TO READ NOW? PIN IT
Ebenalp, Schäfler, Seealpsee Hike Details
Hike Distance: 11.5 km
Duration: 5-6 hours (with cable car)
Hike Difficulty: Moderate
Ebenalp to Schäfler: ↑ 320 m
Schäfler to Seealpsee: ↓ 780 m
How to Get to Ebenalp?
The Ebenalp hiking trail 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 34 CHF (38.5 USD) return and 22 CHF (25 USD) one-way for adults. For children (6-15 years old), the return ticket costs 14 CHF (16 USD), and a single trip costs 9 CHF (10 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 8 CHF (9 USD), and a return ticket is 12 CHF (13.5 USD).
TIP
Before you visit, check the weather forecast and the mountain webcam.
The cable car takes just 6 minutes to reach Ebenalp and runs every 15 minutes.
- Until 01 April 2024 (8:45 AM-4:45 PM)
- 02 April – 26 April 2024 (Revision)
- 27 April – 24 May 2024 (8 AM-5:15 PM)
- 25 May – 05 July 2024 (7:30 AM-5:45 PM)
- 06 July – 25 August (7:30 AM-6:45 PM)
- 26 August – 22 September (7:30 AM-5:45 PM)
- 23 September- 3 November 2024 (7:30 AM-5:15 PM)
- 4 November – 24 November 2024 From Monday to Friday (9 AM-4:45 PM) and on Saturday/Sunday (8 AM-4:45 PM)
- 25 November-20 December 2024 (Revision)
Wasserauen to Ebenalp Hike
We decided to hike up to Ebenalp (1640 m). 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.
TIP
The best time to visit the Appenzell region is from May to October. These months are ideal for hiking.
See also → Best Hotels in the Switzerland Mountains
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.
Schäfler Ridge Trail
When you are rested and ready, follow the path past the church through the cave to the Schäfler, which you can also reach in 1.5 hours. Most people stay at the Berggasthaus Schäfler and watch the magical sunrise from the top of the Scäfler the next day.
The Schäfler viewpoint is beautiful, so it’s well worth a hike. You can reach the viewpoint from the mountain hut in about a 10-minute walk.
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
Hungariandreamers readers get a 5% discount on Heymondo.
Seealpsee
There are several hiking trails between Schäfler and Seealpsee. The most beautiful hiking trail to Seealpsee leads along the ridge of the Schäfler to the Altenalp mountain hut. When you arrive, you can fill your water bottle with fresh drinking water.
The trail is not easy, steep and narrow, with wire ropes in the dangerous parts.
TIP
Wear closed hiking shoes and lightweight, quick-dry clothes.
Recommended post → Saxer Lücke
We recommend you choose the longer hiking trail to Altenalp, which is not so steep. The hike from Altenalp to Seealpsee takes about 1 hour. Then, you can easily walk from Seealpsee back to the Wasserauen car park.
Seealpsee offers fantastic outdoor activities such as a picnic, boating, swimming, or chilling out by the lake.
Important note
We do not recommend hiking from Seealpsee to Schäfler, as it is a dangerous and steep hiking trail.
Keep reading → Places to Visit in Switzerland
Ebenalp Hike Map
The hiking loop is 14 km long: Wasserauen – Berggasthaus Aescher – Ebenalp – Schäfler – Seealpsee.
Where to Stay near Wasserauen?
Most people only visit these beautiful hiking trails as a day trip. For the best experience, stay in one of the mountain huts or in nearby towns. Wasserauen is just a 10-minute drive from Appenzell and a 30-minute drive from St. Gallen.
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 Ebenalp 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
Travel Insurance – Heymondo
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
RECOMMENDED POSTS
How to Visit Aare Gorge & Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge in 1 Day
How to Hike to the Schäfler Ridge
Carefull on the hike between seealpsee and schäfler: The first part up to Altenalp mountain hut is very steep and quiet dangerous at some points. But managable. The second part though up to Schäfler is NOT recomended for unexperienced hikers. Very steep, slidy, dangerous without good shoes and at some points even harness. Dont do this unless you r sure.
Hi! Thanks for this helpful tip! We did the hike from Schäfler to Seealpsee, not the opposite way round. There are probably several routes to choose from, so we suggest going from Schäfler to Seealpsee. We did this hike, which was of moderate difficulty, and wire ropes were available for the dangerous parts.