Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the top of the Ebenalp cable car, the path drops to the Wildkirchli caves, where Stone Age finds were made, and runs through them to emerge at Berggasthaus Äscher, built against an overhanging cliff. From there a steep path zigzags down through the forest and meadows to the Seealpsee, a dark green lake under the Säntis range. The way finishes down the valley track to Wasserauen.
It is 5.6 km one way with 11 m of ascent and 721 m of descent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Hard: the descent from Äscher to the Seealpsee is steep and rough, and slippery when wet.
The cable car company says the stretch from Äscher to the Seealpsee needs care and suggests securing young children with a rope. Äscher and the inns by the Seealpsee are busy on fine summer days. In winter and early spring the path can be icy or closed.
Wasserauen is the end of the Appenzell railway, with a car park by the cable car's valley station.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- From the Ebenalp the path goes through the Wildkirchli caves, where Stone Age finds were made, to the Äscher guesthouse built against its cliff
- Berggasthaus Äscher has stood in its present form since 1884
- The descent from Äscher to the Seealpsee is steep: the cable car company asks for care and suggests roping young children
- Wasserauen, where the walk ends, is the terminus of the Appenzell railway
Getting there
Start: Ebenalp, top station of the cable car from Wasserauen. 47.28466, 9.41155
By train: Wasserauen station is 1.3 km from the start.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Ebenalp: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.