Ebenalp: all tickets and tours
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.
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
4.715 reviews100+ bookingsOfficial ticketThe 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
The 6 offers in comparison
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official ticket | ||||||
| Price | PriceCHF 24per person | PriceCHF 100per person | PriceCHF 190per person | PriceCHF 210per person | PriceCHF 240per person | PriceCHF 320per person |
| Rating | Rating4.7 (15)100+ bookings | Rating– | Rating1 booked | Rating– | Rating5.0 (1) | Rating– |
| Location | Starts from | Location | Location | Location | Location | Location |
| Duration | Duration– | Duration3 hr | Duration1 hr 30 min | Duration1 hr 30 min | Duration1 hr 30 min | Duration2 hr |
| Select | Select | Select | Select | Select | Select | |
Tickets1 Offers
Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen
4.715 reviewsTicketsThe 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
- Ticket cable car Ebenalp
+ Check the timetable on the SBB website or app on your travel day. The ticket is non-refundable if you miss the last train.
Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen
4.715 reviewsTicketsThe 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
- Ticket cable car Ebenalp
+ Check the timetable on the SBB website or app on your travel day. The ticket is non-refundable if you miss the last train.
Experiences5 Offers
- Paragliding Tandem Flight Experience in Alpstein1/13

Paragliding Tandem Flight Experience in Alpstein
Schwende-Rüteper person
from CHF 190
- Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein1/3

Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein
Schwende-Rüteper person
from CHF 210
- Introductory Paragliding Course from Niederbüren1/5

Introductory Paragliding Course from Niederbüren
Niederwilper person
from CHF 100
- Thermal Paragliding 30 min in the Alpstein1/13

Thermal Paragliding 30 min in the Alpstein
5.0(1)Schwende-Rüteper person
from CHF 240
- Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein1/13

Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein
Schwende-Rüteper person
from CHF 320
Paragliding Tandem Flight Experience in Alpstein
ExperiencesDiscover 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
- Paragliding flight (up to 15 min)
- Certified pilot
+ 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
Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein
ExperiencesExperience 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
- Paragliding (10-15 min)
- Certified pilot
+ 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
Introductory Paragliding Course from Niederbüren
ExperiencesTry 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
- Introductory Paragliding Course
- Certified Pilot
+ Requirements: normal fitness + Minimum age: 14 years + Wear: sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes (may get dirty)
Thermal Paragliding 30 min in the Alpstein
5.01 reviewsExperiencesDuring 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
- Paragliding (20 to 30 minutes)
- Certified pilot
+ 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
Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein
ExperiencesIn 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
- Paragliding flight (50 to 60 minutes)
- Certified pilot
+ 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
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
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | PriceCHF 24per person | PriceCHF 100per person | PriceCHF 190per person | PriceCHF 210per person | PriceCHF 240per person |
| Rating | Rating4.7 / 515 Reviews | Rating5.0 / 51 Reviews | |||
| Popularity | Popularity100+ bookings | Popularity1 booked | |||
| Duration | Duration3 hr | Duration1 hr 30 min | Duration1 hr 30 min | Duration1 hr 30 min | |
| Meeting point | Meeting pointSchwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen (Schwende-Rüte) | Meeting pointGegenüber Sornpark 1, 9246 Niederbüren | Meeting pointBitte den genauen Treffpunkt und das Fluggebiet mit dem Anbieter am Vorabend absprechen | Meeting pointBitte den genauen Treffpunkt und das Fluggebiet mit dem Anbieter absprechen | Meeting pointBitte den genauen Treffpunkt und das Fluggebiet mit dem Anbieter am Vorabend absprechen |
| Languages | LanguagesGerman, English | LanguagesGerman, English | LanguagesGerman, English | LanguagesGerman, English | |
| Provider | ProviderSchweizerische Bundesbahnen SBB | ProviderFlugschule Alpstein | ProviderAlpstein Paragliding | ProviderFlugschule Alpstein | ProviderAlpstein Paragliding |
| Cancellation | CancellationFreeup to 24 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 48 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 24 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 48 hours before | CancellationFreeup to 24 hours before |
| Check availability | Check availability | Check availability | Check availability | Check availability |
Ebenalp on the map
Bookable experiences, places and events at a glance
From travellers like you
Recommended based on recent reviews
“Simply an amazing place with fantastic weather, of course. The staff was very friendly and helpful as well. Would gladly come back anytime.”
Activities near Ebenalp
- Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen

Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen
4.7(15)Schwende-RüteIn demandper person
from CHF 24
- Introductory Paragliding Course from Niederbüren

Introductory Paragliding Course from Niederbüren
Niederwilper person
from CHF 100
- Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein

Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein
Schwende-Rüteper person
from CHF 210
- Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein

Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein
Schwende-Rüteper person
from CHF 320
- "Operation Mindfall" Escape Game St. Gallen

"Operation Mindfall" Escape Game St. Gallen
4.8(4)St. Gallenper person
from CHF 50
- Culinary Hike "Flumserberg Pleasure Route"

Culinary Hike "Flumserberg Pleasure Route"
4.8(4)Flumsper person
from CHF 60
- "Find the Code: Revolt Against the Sanctuary" Outdoor Escape Game St. Gallen

"Find the Code: Revolt Against the Sanctuary" Outdoor Escape Game St. Gallen
St. Gallenper person
from CHF 8
- Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone

Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone
4.2(5)Appenzellper person
from CHF 9.95
- Polterchallenge "Hangover - Wolf Pack" by St. Gallen

Polterchallenge "Hangover - Wolf Pack" by St. Gallen
St. Gallenper person
from CHF 12.50
- Rafting tour Vorderrhein Rhine Gorge

Rafting tour Vorderrhein Rhine Gorge
4.9(35)IlanzIn demandper person
from CHF 125
- Flight in an open vintage biplane over the Zurich Oberland

Flight in an open vintage biplane over the Zurich Oberland
Zurichper person
from CHF 430
- Half-day rafting on the Vorderrhein starting from Ilanz

Half-day rafting on the Vorderrhein starting from Ilanz
4.8(4)Ilanzper person
from CHF 125
- Rotenflue paragliding Mythen region

Rotenflue paragliding Mythen region
5.0(1)Schwyzper person
from CHF 200
- Kayak or Canoe Rental at Lake Lucerne from Brunnen

Kayak or Canoe Rental at Lake Lucerne from Brunnen
Brunnen-Ingenbohlper person
from CHF 66
- Bagger fun with a 21-tonne excavator in Gossau

Bagger fun with a 21-tonne excavator in Gossau
Gossauper person
from CHF 349
- "Panorama flight" paragliding Lake Lucerne from Emmetten

"Panorama flight" paragliding Lake Lucerne from Emmetten
5.0(2)Emmettenper person
from CHF 180
- Private Alpine Balloon Ride Eastern Switzerland

Private Alpine Balloon Ride Eastern Switzerland
St. Gallenper person
from CHF 1,000
- Rigi Rope Park Ticket
- Taster day paragliding lesson in Goldau
- Niederbauen Paragliding Tandem at Lake Lucerne
- Expedition Glitzertor Hölloch Muotathal advanced
- Niederbauen-Emmetten Paragliding Tandem
- "The Omega Codex" Outdoor Escape Game Schaffhausen
- Voralpen Express Ticket from St. Gallen or Lucerne
- Tandem Paragliding Flight from Lucerne
- Lucerne skydiving from the plane
- Seilpark Ticket in Davos Adventure Park
- From Zurich: Canyoning adventure in Interlaken
- Guided Half-Day Hike at Flumserberg
- Private Guided E-Bike Tour on the Untersee from Ermatingen
- "Lumberjacked" Axe Throwing for Large Groups in Zurich
- Ticket for 4 attractions of your choice at the Rocks Park Tower in Laax
- Private wakeboarding on Lake Constance (Lower Lake)
- Book Your Guide - Guided Group Hike in Jura Park Aargau
- "Football Bot 360" virtual football training in Winterthur
- Fun rafting for groups on the Ticino River
- Boggera canyoning for beginners
- Climbing course for beginners in the climbing park in Chur Rhine Valley
- Paragliding Grindelwald from First
- Lucerne, Pilatus and Rigi scenic helicopter flight 30 minutes
- Verzasca Valley Canyoning Corippo Gorge Basic for Beginners
- Beatenberg paragliding tandem in summer from Interlaken
- Beatenberg paragliding tandem from Interlaken
- Beatenberg paragliding in tandem from Interlaken
- "The Golden Eagle" Beatenberg Paragliding from Interlaken
- Individual, guided hike in Uri
- Geowalk in the Sardona Geopark
- Centovalli Railway Tourist Ticket between Domodossola and Locarno
- Aletscharena paragliding tandem from Fiesch
- White water rafting Lütschine Interlaken
- Canyoning in the Saxetenschlucht from Interlaken
- Paragliding tandem in Lauterbrunnen Valley from Mürren
- Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen Valley from Mürren
- Via ferrata Mürren for beginners
- Team event in a large canoe from Buochs
- Fly-Line Ticket Pfingstegg
- Lauterbrunnen Helicopter Skydive
- Private sightseeing tour with mountain restaurant at Lake Lucerne
- Beatus Caves Ticket
- Monte Tamaro paragliding tandem flight
- Foxtrail GO Basel digital treasure hunt
- Rosswald paragliding tandem in Valais
- Paragliding private pilot full day in the Engadin
- Urban Golf in Chur
- Stanserhorn tandem hang gliding
- Rent Stand Up Paddle on the Brandsee near Elsigenalp
- Wakeboard Tour Lake Zurich half or full day
- Custom Guided E-Bike Tour Grindelwald
- Experience Trail “Lea and Ben with the Mother Cows” in Luthern Bad
- Unterrothorn glacier helicopter flight with glacier landing from Buttwil
- Forest Bathing (Shinrin Yoku) from Zug
- Circuit Secret Porrentruy
- Guided group ascent of the Breithorn from Zermatt
- Paragliding “The Spectacular” in Zermatt
- Archery with overnight stay in the tipi village
- Scenic helicopter flight 45 min to Jungfraujoch
- Weekend Crash Course at Overground Basel
- Custom day trip by bike from St. Moritz
- Bernina Bergell Scenic Flight from Samedan
- Verbier paragliding tandem
- Tandem Delta Flight from Interlaken
- Tandem paragliding near Montreux
- Guided hike up Pilatus with barbecue experience – including Pilatus ticket
- Axe throwing in Gstaad and Rougemont
- Hike on the theme of hunting in Val Müstair
- Hot Air Balloon Flight from Château-d'Oex
- Engadin paragliding with great extras
- Private hike from Grindelwald First to Bachalpsee with a Swiss triathlete starting in Grindelwald
- Glacier adventure on the Titlis
- Private day hike in Engelberg from Lucerne
- ParcAlpin Ropes Course Ticket
- Submarine Diving Trips for Companies
- Ticket for Vallorbe Caves
- Culinary hike "Mountain and View" from Laax
- Wakesurfing in Zurich in a private boat
- Curtin Medelin Rope Park Ticket near Disentis
- Private Balloon Ride in the Bern City Region
- Pissot Canyoning in Chateau-d'Oex
- "Discovery flight" paragliding from Villars sur Ollon
- Indoor Experience Package Shooting at Lake Zurich
- Guided Château Chillon Kayak Tour
- Ropetech Rope Park Ticket in Bern
- Personal itinerary planning with the professional in Lauterbrunnen via video call
- Foiling with a motorboat on Lake Constance
- SUP "To Go" rental from Zurich
- Kayak tour in summer on Lake Brienz
- "Lakes, Ruins and Viewpoints" - Discover Interlaken by E-Bike
- Paragliding tandem flight at Schwarzsee
- Montreux paragliding tandem over the Riviera
- Entrance DiscOWer Rope Park Melchsee-Frutt
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- Monte Tamaro rope park incl. train ticket
- Guided mountain bike tour in Zermatt private
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- Klettersteig Kandersteg for Advanced Private
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- High-altitude Hot Air Balloon Ride: Lausanne Region
- Entry Ticket for Parc Aventure Ropes Course in Geneva
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- Gorge Alpine via ferrata in summer
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Mountain railways & summits nearby
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.


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.


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:+


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 |


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.


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.


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.


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.
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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 |


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.









