Ebenalp: all tickets and tours

4.7 out of 5 16 verified reviewsTickets from the operator Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBBfrom CHF 24

Ebenalp

Ebenalp is located at about 1644 meters above sea level on a mountain ridge in the Alpstein. Ebenalp became known in particular for several karst caves and its proximity to the Äscher mountain inn, a restaurant built in rock. The caves include a bear cave and the Wildkirchli with three other caves. The caves are located on a hiking trail that ends at the Äscher mountain inn. You can reach Ebenalp by cable car from Wasserauen.

4.7/5

Rated by 16 customers and booked more than 140 times

Ebenalp is located at about 1644 meters above sea level on a mountain ridge in the Alpstein. Ebenalp became known in particular for several karst caves and its proximity to the Äscher mountain inn, a restaurant built in rock. The caves include a bear cave and the Wildkirchli with three other caves. The caves are located on a hiking trail that ends at the Äscher mountain inn. You can reach Ebenalp by cable car from Wasserauen.

Opening hours

Open today
  • Mon07:30–17:30
  • Tue07:30–17:30
  • Wed07:30–17:30
  • Thu07:30–17:30
  • Fri07:30–17:30
  • Sat07:30–17:30
  • Sun07:30–17:30
Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen
1/12
Top pick

Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen

4.715 reviews100+ bookingsOfficial ticket

The cable car runs from Wasserauen to Ebenalp in Appenzellerland. It climbs 723 meters in just 6 minutes. From Ebenalp, you can reach the famous Äscher restaurant.

  • Take the cable car to the sunny Ebenalp in just 6 minutes
  • Hike to the Wildkirchli caves and the Äscher mountain inn in summer
  • Enjoy a magnificent view from the viewing terrace at 1590 m above sea level
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
Starting pointSchwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen (Schwende-Rüte)
fromCHF 24per person
Check availability

The 6 offers in comparison

The 6 offers in comparison
Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from WasserauenEbenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from WasserauenIntroductory Paragliding Course from NiederbürenIntroductory Paragliding Course from NiederbürenParagliding Tandem Flight Experience in AlpsteinParagliding Tandem Flight Experience in AlpsteinPanoramic paragliding in the AlpsteinPanoramic paragliding in the AlpsteinThermal Paragliding 30 min in the AlpsteinThermal Paragliding 30 min in the AlpsteinThermal paragliding flight 60 min in AlpsteinThermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein
Official ticket
PricePriceCHF 24per personPriceCHF 100per personPriceCHF 190per personPriceCHF 210per personPriceCHF 240per personPriceCHF 320per person
RatingRating4.7 (15)100+ bookingsRating–Rating1 bookedRating–Rating5.0 (1)Rating–
LocationStarts fromLocationLocationLocationLocationLocation
DurationDuration–Duration3 hrDuration1 hr 30 minDuration1 hr 30 minDuration1 hr 30 minDuration2 hr
SelectSelectSelectSelectSelectSelect

Tickets1 Offers

Official tickets from the operator — Schweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB
Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen
1/12
100+ bookings

Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen

4.715 reviewsTickets

The cable car runs from Wasserauen to Ebenalp in Appenzellerland. It climbs 723 meters in just 6 minutes. From Ebenalp, you can reach the famous Äscher restaurant.

  • Take the cable car to the sunny Ebenalp in just 6 minutes
  • Hike to the Wildkirchli caves and the Äscher mountain inn in summer
  • Enjoy a magnificent view from the viewing terrace at 1590 m above sea level
Important information
Inclusions
  • Ticket cable car Ebenalp
Important information

+ Check the timetable on the SBB website or app on your travel day. The ticket is non-refundable if you miss the last train.

Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
Meeting pointSchwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen (Schwende-Rüte)
fromCHF 24per person
Check availability
Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen
1/12
100+ bookings

Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen

4.715 reviewsTickets

The cable car runs from Wasserauen to Ebenalp in Appenzellerland. It climbs 723 meters in just 6 minutes. From Ebenalp, you can reach the famous Äscher restaurant.

  • Take the cable car to the sunny Ebenalp in just 6 minutes
  • Hike to the Wildkirchli caves and the Äscher mountain inn in summer
  • Enjoy a magnificent view from the viewing terrace at 1590 m above sea level
Important information
Inclusions
  • Ticket cable car Ebenalp
Important information

+ Check the timetable on the SBB website or app on your travel day. The ticket is non-refundable if you miss the last train.

Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
Meeting pointSchwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen (Schwende-Rüte)
fromCHF 24per person
Check availability

Experiences5 Offers

Paragliding Tandem Flight Experience in Alpstein
1/13

Paragliding Tandem Flight Experience in Alpstein

Experiences

Discover paragliding in the Alpstein on this tandem flight experience and soar freely over the mountain scenery. Depending on the weather, take off from Ebenalp, Kronberg, or Hoher Kasten and enjoy expansive views from above.

  • Experience a paragliding tandem flight in the Alpstein
  • Take off from Ebenalp, Kronberg, or Hoher Kasten depending on the weather
  • Discover paragliding from takeoff to landing
Important information
Inclusions
  • Paragliding flight (up to 15 min)
  • Certified pilot
Important information

+ Minimum weight: 30 kg + Maximum weight: 90 kg + Max weight for larger and athletic participants: 100 kg + Participants under 16 need parental consent + Two tandem flights can run simultaneously if booked early + Bring: ankle-high hiking boots, windproof jacket, hiking pants, and sunglasses or outdoor glasses + Requirements: good health condition + Some quick steps are needed for takeoff + The launch site is set the evening before, depending on the weather + Dress appropriate for the season

Duration1.5 hrs
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
LanguagesGerman · English
Meeting pointBitte den genauen Treffpunkt und das Fluggebiet mit dem Anbieter am Vorabend absprechen
fromCHF 190per person
Check availability
Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein
1/3

Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein

Experiences

Experience a tandem paragliding flight in Alpstein and soar like an eagle over the mountain landscape. Launch comfortably from Ebenalp, Kronberg, or Hoher Kasten and fully enjoy the breathtaking views.

  • Enjoy a tandem paragliding flight in Alpstein and feel the freedom high above the valley
  • After a brief briefing with an experienced pilot, start running and take off in just a few steps
  • Soar like an eagle over Ebenalp, Kronberg or Hoher Kasten and admire the stunning mountain scenery
Important information
Inclusions
  • Paragliding (10-15 min)
  • Certified pilot
Important information

+ Ebenalp is generally the meeting point and departure site + Depending on the weather, the meeting point and flying area might change. + Requirements: Normal fitness + Maximum weight: 100 kg + Under 18s need consent from their legal guardian

Duration1.5 hrs
Free cancellationFree up to 48 hours before
LanguagesGerman · English
Meeting pointBitte den genauen Treffpunkt und das Fluggebiet mit dem Anbieter absprechen
fromCHF 210per person
Check availability
Introductory Paragliding Course from Niederbüren
1/5

Introductory Paragliding Course from Niederbüren

Experiences

Try a paragliding taster course and find out safely if flying suits you. Learn the basics from flight instructors and enjoy your first short flights on the practice slope.

  • Experience a paragliding taster course and make your dream of flying your own glider come true
  • Learn the basics like launching, steering, and safe landing right on the practice slope
  • Under guidance, take your first three to four short flights close to the ground
Important information
Inclusions
  • Introductory Paragliding Course
  • Certified Pilot
Important information

+ Requirements: normal fitness + Minimum age: 14 years + Wear: sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes (may get dirty)

Duration3 hrs
Free cancellationFree up to 48 hours before
LanguagesGerman · English
Meeting pointGegenüber Sornpark 1, 9246 Niederbüren
fromCHF 100per person
Check availability
Thermal Paragliding 30 min in the Alpstein
1/13

Thermal Paragliding 30 min in the Alpstein

5.01 reviewsExperiences

During this thermal flight, you'll stay in the air for 20 to 30 minutes, enjoying a bird's-eye view of the surroundings. You take off from Alpstein and experience a peaceful tandem paragliding flight.

  • Experience a tandem paragliding flight in the Alpstein
  • Depending on the weather, launch from Ebenalp, Kronberg, or Hoher Kasten
  • If you wish, share the experience simultaneously with a second person
Important information
Inclusions
  • Paragliding (20 to 30 minutes)
  • Certified pilot
Important information

+ Minimum weight: 30 kg + Maximum weight: 90 kg + Maximum weight for tall and athletic participants: 100 kg + Participants under 16 need parental consent + Two tandem flights can be booked simultaneously if reserved early + Best time for thermal flights is from April to October + Bring: ankle-high hiking boots, a windproof jacket, hiking trousers, and sunglasses or outdoor glasses + Required: good health condition + A few quick steps are needed to take off + The takeoff site is decided the evening before, depending on the weather + Clothing should be suitable for the season

Duration1.5 hrs
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
LanguagesGerman · English
Meeting pointBitte den genauen Treffpunkt und das Fluggebiet mit dem Anbieter am Vorabend absprechen
fromCHF 240per person
Check availability
Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein
1/13

Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein

Experiences

In this thermal flight, you’ll be in the air for 50 to 60 minutes, taking in the surroundings from a bird’s-eye view. You’ll start in the Alpstein and experience a special tandem paragliding flight.

  • Experience a tandem paragliding flight in the Alpstein
  • Take off from Ebenalp, Kronberg, or Hoher Kasten depending on the weather
  • Share the experience simultaneously with a second person if desired
Important information
Inclusions
  • Paragliding flight (50 to 60 minutes)
  • Certified pilot
Important information

+ Minimum weight: 30 kg + Maximum weight: 90 kg + Maximum weight for large and athletic participants: 100 kg + Participants under 16 need parental consent + Two tandem flights can be booked in parallel if reserved early + The best time for thermal flying is between April and September + Bring: ankle-high hiking boots, windproof jacket, hiking pants, and sunglasses or outdoor glasses + Requirement: good health condition + A few quick steps are needed to start + The take-off spot is decided the evening before depending on the weather + Clothing should be appropriate for the season

Duration2 hrs
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
LanguagesGerman · English
Meeting pointBitte den genauen Treffpunkt und das Fluggebiet mit dem Anbieter am Vorabend absprechen
fromCHF 320per person
Check availability

Which ticket is right for you?

Tickets for Ebenalp differ by starting point and what's included — here's how to find the right one.

The 5 offers in comparison

The 5 offers in comparison
Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from WasserauenEbenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from WasserauenIntroductory Paragliding Course from NiederbürenIntroductory Paragliding Course from NiederbürenParagliding Tandem Flight Experience in AlpsteinParagliding Tandem Flight Experience in AlpsteinPanoramic paragliding in the AlpsteinPanoramic paragliding in the AlpsteinThermal Paragliding 30 min in the AlpsteinThermal Paragliding 30 min in the Alpstein
PricePriceCHF 24per personCheapestPriceCHF 100per personPriceCHF 190per personPriceCHF 210per personPriceCHF 240per person
RatingRating4.7 / 515 ReviewsRating5.0 / 51 ReviewsBest
PopularityPopularity100+ bookingsMost bookedPopularity1 booked
DurationDuration3 hrDuration1 hr 30 minDuration1 hr 30 minDuration1 hr 30 min
Meeting pointMeeting pointSchwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen (Schwende-Rüte)Meeting pointGegenüber Sornpark 1, 9246 NiederbürenMeeting pointBitte den genauen Treffpunkt und das Fluggebiet mit dem Anbieter am Vorabend absprechenMeeting pointBitte den genauen Treffpunkt und das Fluggebiet mit dem Anbieter absprechenMeeting pointBitte den genauen Treffpunkt und das Fluggebiet mit dem Anbieter am Vorabend absprechen
LanguagesLanguagesGerman, EnglishLanguagesGerman, EnglishLanguagesGerman, EnglishLanguagesGerman, English
ProviderProviderSchweizerische Bundesbahnen SBBProviderFlugschule AlpsteinProviderAlpstein ParaglidingProviderFlugschule AlpsteinProviderAlpstein Paragliding
CancellationCancellationFreeup to 24 hours beforeCancellationFreeup to 48 hours beforeCancellationFreeup to 24 hours beforeCancellationFreeup to 48 hours beforeCancellationFreeup to 24 hours before
Check availabilityCheck availabilityCheck availabilityCheck availabilityCheck availability

Ebenalp on the map

Bookable experiences, places and events at a glance

From travellers like you

Recommended based on recent reviews

Activities near Ebenalp

Show 114 more

Good to know about Ebenalp

Travel guide

9 Highlights on the Ebenalp
  • Ebenalp is located in the popular Alpstein hiking area at 1644 m above sea level.
  • From the panorama terrace you have a spectacular panoramic view of the Alpstein massif and the Seealpsee at 1590 m above sea level.
  • Ebenalp is considered the sun terrace of the Alpstein and often lies above the valley fog.
  • The aerial cableway covers 723 meters in altitude in 6 min between Wasserauen and the mountain station.
  • Ebenalp is a climber's paradise with over 200 climbing routes.
  • Paraglider and delta pilots experience a height difference of about 770 meters on their flight back to Wasserauen.
  • The Wildkirchli with several karst caves, the Bärenhöhle and the Äscher mountain inn can be reached in summer via a hiking trail from the Ebenalp mountain station.
  • A beautiful hike leads from Ebenalp to the crystal clear Seealpsee.
  • In winter you will find three ski lifts and a children's area with practice area and magic carpet in the Ebenalp-Horn ski region.

Ebenalp is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and adventurers and has something to offer for everyone. Ebenalp offers a breathtaking mountain landscape with steep rock faces, green alpine meadows and imposing peaks all around.

Ebenalp Wildkirchli
Wildkirchli (Foto: Schweiz Tourismus, Christof Sonderegger)
Ebenalp Berggasthaus Äscher
Berggasthaus Äscher (Foto: Pixabay)
Places of interest on Ebenalp

Ebenalp is considered to be particularly sunny. The viewing terrace at 1590 m above sea level is located above the fog carpet. Very worth seeing are the karst caves below Ebenalp.

Wildkirchli caves

The power of water has created a total of four karst caves over millions of years. Not only bears lived here, traces of the Neanderthal man have also been found. A well-maintained path leads from the Ebenalp mountain station on a hike (15 min) through the caves. You can also admire a hermit's hut. In one cave there is a small cave chapel. The caves are only accessible during the summer months.

Mountain inn Äscher

The Äscher mountain inn is one of the oldest mountain inns in Switzerland. Guests were catered for here as early as 1800. It has a very idyllic location and is partly in a cave, partly nestled against the mountain. The inn is open between May and October. The Äscher became world famous through a mention in National Geographic and is visited by tourists from all over the world.

Ebenalp
Ebenalp (Foto: Unsplash)
Ebenalp
Ebenalp (Foto: Unsplash)

Natural Alpine Garden

On an area of about 2000 m², you'll find well-known alpine flowers, including some endangered species. The natural alpine garden is interspersed with paved paths, allowing you to admire the flowers comfortably.

Cable Car to Ebenalp

The cable car is an aerial tramway that climbs 723 meters in 6 minutes from Wasserauen. The gondola accommodates 40 people and operates throughout the year, approximately every 15 minutes.

Maintenance breaks are from the end of March to early May and from the end of November to the end of December.

*Offer at Swiss Activities:+

Ebenalp Luftseilbahn
Luftseilbahn Ebenalp (Foto: Pixabay)
Ebenalp Luftseilbahn Wildkirchli
Luftseilbahn Wildkirchli (Foto: Pia Zellweger)
Activities on the Ebenalp

Besides hiking and paragliding, climbing tours are very popular on Ebenalp. In winter you can ski and snowboard on Ebenalp with two lifts. The Ebenalp-Horn ski area has a third lift. There are practice areas for children and ski beginners. However, the focus of winter sports is more on ski touring opportunities for experienced skiers. Snowshoeing is also very popular.

Climbing on Ebenalp

Ebenalp has a lot of climbing routes. You can climb on the north walls and on the south walls. The north walls are often wet and only good in summer, when the south walls are too hot to climb during the day. The south walls are climbed mainly in spring and autumn.

All walls have been divided into sectors. At least 110 routes have been drilled on the north walls, and 160 on the south walls. They start at difficulty 5 and the majority are above that, up to difficulty 9. The routes on the south walls are up to 80 m high and extend over a length of 1.5 km.

Beginners will find climbing routes in the climbing garden at Zisler.

Hikes around Ebenalp

The hikes are easy to difficult mountain hikes. Footwear suitable for mountain use is essential here. You should secure children with a rope on steep trails. Below are the 11 best-known routes:

route length (km) time (hr) difficulty meters of altitude↑ meters of altitude↓
Ebenalp - Wildkirchli - Äscher - Ebenalp 1.5 0:30 moderately difficult 169 181
Ebenalp - Chlus - Ebenalp 2.8 1:00 easy 153 153
Ebenalp - Chlus - Schäfler - Ebenalp 4.6 1:45 medium 349 23
Ebenalp - Gartenalp - Wildkirchli - Ebenalp 2.7 1:45 medium-difficult 321 321
Ebenalp - Wildkirchli - Bommenalp - Blättliweg - Wasserauen 3.7 1:30 challenging 13 737
Ebenalp - Wildkirchli - Bommenalp - Schwende - Wasserauen 6.0 2:00 moderately difficult 13 756
Ebenalp - Chlus - Zisler - Äscher - Wildkirchli - Ebenalp 4.0 1:30 challenging 267 267
Ebenalp - Wildkirchli - Seealpsee - Wasserauen 5.4 2:15 challenging 64 794
Ebenalp - Füssler - Altenalp - Mesmer - Seealpsee - Wasserauen 11.7 4:00 challenging 430 1149
Ebenalp - Füssler - Altenalp - Mesmer - Meglisalp - Seealpsee - Wasserauen 14.4 5:30 challenging 750 1475
Ebenalp - Schäfler - Öhrligrueb - Säntis - Lisengrat - Rotstein - Meglisalp - Wasserauen 19.5 8:00 alpine 1248 1977
Ebenalp
Ebenalp (Foto: Pixabay)
Ebenalp
Berggasthaus Äscher (Foto: Pixabay)

Paragliding from Ebenalp

It's not only paragliders who are always drawn to Ebenalp. A large number of delta pilots can also be observed here. Delta fliers go down to the north of the Ebenalp cable car, while the paragliders go south of the cable car. The wind direction at Ebenalp varies between northwest and east. Föhn conditions are extremely dangerous here and can lead to turbulence. However, the flying area is basically considered easy, as it has good takeoff and landing sites. The altitude difference is 770 meters. Paragliders may be transported by mountain railroad. You need a ticket "Flugsport" for this.

Five flight schools offer tandem flights at Ebenalp.

Getting to Ebenalp

Wasserauen is a village in the district Schwende-Rüte, easily accessible by both car and public transport.

By Public Transport

The Appenzeller Bahnen train service goes to Wasserauen station. From there, it’s just a two-minute walk to the valley station of Ebenalp. The trains have regular connections with the SBB in Gossau SG.

By Car

If you’re driving, you can get to Wasserauen via Appenzell – Steinegg – Weissbad. There are paid parking spaces at the valley station. Only coins (EUR + CHF) or local parking apps are accepted. Ebenalp offers a picturesque landscape with meadows and rugged rocks that you’ll enjoy even during your journey.

Ebenalp Berggasthaus Äscher
Berggasthaus Aescher (Foto: Schweiz Tourismus, Ernst Christen)
Ebenalp Kinder und Ziegen Appenzell
Appenzell Kinder und Ziegen (Foto: Schweiz Tourismus, Christof Sonderegger)

Alpi

Still deciding?

Ask Alpi about the best ticket for Ebenalp, how to get there and what's worth doing on site.

Don't miss any activities

Subscribe to the newsletter and receive travel tips, ideas for your free time, and tailored travel guides from Switzerland.

This website is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.