4.7100+ bookingsOfficial ticket
Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
Starting pointSchwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen (Schwende-Rüte)
fromCHF 24per person
Check availabilitySeealpsee: all tickets and tours
Seealpsee
The Seealpsee is an idyllic, crystal-clear mountain lake with particularly clean water. It is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Alpstein region. The lake is very easy to reach and there are two mountain inns right by the lake. You can hike around the lake with views as far as the Säntis. The Locher brewery depicts this view on its Appenzeller beer. There is also a boat hire service for rowing boats at the lake.
4.7/5
Rated by 15 customers and booked more than 140 times
The Seealpsee is an idyllic, crystal-clear mountain lake with particularly clean water. It is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the Alpstein region. The lake is very easy to reach and there are two mountain inns right by the lake. You can hike around the lake with views as far as the Säntis. The Locher brewery depicts this view on its Appenzeller beer. There is also a boat hire service for rowing boats at the lake.
Weather
Fri17°11°
Sat18°11°
Sun17°12°
Mon16°11°
Tue17°10°
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
Free cancellationFree up to 24 hours before
Starting pointSchwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen (Schwende-Rüte)
fromCHF 24per person
fromCHF 24per person
Check availabilityTickets1 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
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
fromCHF 24per person
Check availabilityEbenalp (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
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
fromCHF 24per person
Check availabilitySeealpsee on the map
Bookable experiences, places and events at a glance
From travellers like you
“Simply an amazing place with fantastic weather, of course. The staff was very friendly and helpful as well. Would gladly come back anytime.”
Denise
on Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from WasserauenActivities near Seealpsee
- Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein
Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein
Schwende-Rüteper person
from CHF 320
- Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein
Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein
Schwende-Rüteper person
from CHF 210
- "The Magic Portal" Escape Game St. Gallen
"The Magic Portal" Escape Game St. Gallen
4.9(9)St. Gallenper person
from CHF 50
- "SECTOR" Activate Room St. Gallen
"SECTOR" Activate Room St. Gallen
5.0(1)St. Gallenper person
from CHF 39
- Lost Island 2 "Jurassic Adventure" Escape Room in St. Gallen
Lost Island 2 "Jurassic Adventure" Escape Room in St. Gallen
4.8(6)St. Gallenper person
from CHF 59
- City tour around Vaduz on the Citytrain
City tour around Vaduz on the Citytrain
4.5(2)Vaduzper person
from CHF 12
- Ticket Appenzeller® show dairy
Ticket Appenzeller® show dairy
4.6(18)Stein ARIn demandper person
from CHF 13
- E-Scooter Picnic Tour Lake Walen self-guided
E-Scooter Picnic Tour Lake Walen self-guided
5.0(3)Walenstadtper person
from CHF 55
- Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone
Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone
4.2(5)Appenzellper person
from CHF 9.95
- "Beat the bride" in St. Gallen: action-packed hen party
"Beat the bride" in St. Gallen: action-packed hen party
St. Gallenper person
from CHF 299
- Polterchallenge "Hangover - Wolf Pack" by St. Gallen
Polterchallenge "Hangover - Wolf Pack" by St. Gallen
St. Gallenper person
from CHF 12.50
- Quad bike hunting tour on Lake Constance with puzzle fun
Quad bike hunting tour on Lake Constance with puzzle fun
Arbonper person
from CHF 239
- Guided tour of the Abbey Library, the Cathedral and the Old Town of St. Gallen
Guided tour of the Abbey Library, the Cathedral and the Old Town of St. Gallen
4.7(48)St. Gallenper person
from CHF 33
- Day spa entry with breakfast at Hotel Heiden
Day spa entry with breakfast at Hotel Heiden
Heidenper person
from CHF 120
- "The Omega Codex" Outdoor Escape Game Herisau
"The Omega Codex" Outdoor Escape Game Herisau
Herisauper person
from CHF 14
- Ticket Day Spa at well come FIT Einstein St. Gallen
Ticket Day Spa at well come FIT Einstein St. Gallen
St. Gallenper person
from CHF 79
- Rustexpress Eastern Switzerland Route: Bus Trip to Europa-Park with EUROBUS
Rustexpress Eastern Switzerland Route: Bus Trip to Europa-Park with EUROBUS
Arbonper person
from CHF 105
- Bagger fun with a 21-tonne excavator in Gossau
Bagger fun with a 21-tonne excavator in Gossau
Gossauper person
from CHF 349
- Private Alpine Balloon Ride Eastern Switzerland
Private Alpine Balloon Ride Eastern Switzerland
St. Gallenper person
from CHF 1,000
Show 8 more
- Creative team event "Wine Painting & Wine Tasting" in Heerbrugg
- Digital Scavenger Hunt in St. Gallen
- Guided Half-Day Hike at Flumserberg
- Ticket Dreamfactory in Degersheim
- Gourmet Chairlift Sareis from Malbun
- Foxtrail GO digital scavenger hunt in Appenzell
- Llama and alpaca taster tour Liechtenstein
- "Find the Code: Revolt Against the Sanctuary" Outdoor Escape Game St. Gallen
Good to know about Seealpsee
Travel guide
7 Highlights at Seealpsee
- The Seealpsee is very idyllically situated in the middle of the Alpstein mountains.
- The water of the Seealpsee is particularly clean.
- The pretty lake is ideal for bathing and swimming in high summer.
- Two mountain inns are located directly on the lake and make the excursion destination even more popular.
- Rowing boats can be hired from the Berggasthaus Forelle.
- The Seealpsee can be perfectly combined with a hike to the world-famous Äscher mountain restaurant or with numerous other hikes in the Alpstein.
- There are two alpine cheese dairies near the lake that you can visit during the summer months. Fresh products such as milk and alpine cheese are on sale here.
Things to see at Seealpsee
The Seealpsee offers a postcard idyll all around, which is a sight in itself. The view across the lake to the Säntis is even captured on regional beer bottles and cans. Of course, the Säntis is not the only mountain that forms part of the spectacular backdrop here.
Mountain peaks around Lake Seealpsee
Lake Seealpsee is nestled in the heart of the Alpstein region. The striking Säntis is particularly noticeable. We’ve listed some more impressive peaks for you.
Mountain peak at Seealpsee
| Name | Height (m above sea level) | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Säntis | 2502 | particularly striking and popular, highest mountain in the Alpstein |
| Altmann | 2435 | in the Säntis massif, west of the Hundstein |
| Altenalptürm | 2033 | three peaks in the northern Alpstein massif, form a ridge |
| Hundstein | 2157 | south of the Seealpsee |
| Ebenalp | 1644 | north of the Seealpsee |
Bruderklausen Chapel at Seealpsee
The Bruderklausen Chapel at Seealpsee was built in 1967. It is a place where you can reflect. It is a popular resting place on hikes. In the summer months, a mountain service is held here every Sunday at 10:30 am (during the alpine season). On the last Sunday in September, the men's choir "Alpstee" from Brülisau joins in. On this day, the chapel festival is celebrated in honor of St. Brother Klaus.
Alpine cheese dairies at Seealpsee
The two alpine cheese dairies are happy to let you look over their shoulders. You can buy Seealp cheese here, which has a special taste because the cows eat fresh alpine grass and herbs. Whey baths in nature are also on offer.
Seealp cheese dairies
| name | location | open | special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seealpchäs | 15 min. from Berggasthaus Forelle along the lake | June to August | 7 different types of cheese |
| Alpkäserei Grosshütten | 30 min. from Berggasthaus Forelle in the direction of the huts | late May to early October | cheese varieties, cups of fresh cow's milk and cheese platters on site; short guided tour of the cheese cellar incl. cheese tasting |
Activities at Seealpsee
The Seealpsee is easy to reach and is a popular excursion destination thanks to its mountain inns. Its breathtaking scenery makes it one of the most popular attractions in the Alpstein and Appenzell region.
Bathing and swimming in the Seealpsee
In midsummer (July and August), the lake reaches temperatures of up to 15 degrees Celsius. Bathing is just as possible as swimming. However, swimming in the mountain lake is only recommended for experienced swimmers who are accompanied by a boat.
Boating on the Seealpsee
Boats are available for hire at the Berggasthaus Forelle. You can hire a rowing boat and get a life jacket on request.
Hiking at Seealpsee
You can go on short and longer hikes from Seealpsee. Here are some suggestions for you:
| Hike | Duration |
|---|---|
| Seealpsee Circumnavigation | 45 min |
| Seealpsee-Ebenalp | 80 min |
| Seealpsee-Hüttentobel-Wasserauen | 70 min |
| Seealpsee-Mesmer-Wagenlücke-Säntis | 4 hrs |
| Seealpsee-Äscher | 60 min |
| Seealpsee-Mesmer | 90 min |
| Seealpsee-Schäfler | 135 min |
| Seealpsee-Underscore-Meglisalp | 70 min |
Mountain inns on the Seealpsee
The Berggasthaus Forelle and the Berggasthaus Seealpsee are located directly on the northern shore of the lake. In addition to food and drink, both establishments also offer overnight accommodation.
| Name | Location | open | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berggasthaus Forelle | North-east of the lake, directly on the lakeshore | until the end of October | Double and multi-bed rooms with shower/WC |
| Berggasthaus Seealpsee | North of the lake, directly on the lakeshore | Mid-April to end of October (except Monday) | Overnight stay in 1- to 4-bed rooms, some with shower, WC on the floor |
Hikes to Seealpsee from Wasserauen
You have three options for hiking to Seealpsee from Wasserauen:
- Along the road
- Through Hüttentobel
- Take the cable car to Ebenalp and then continue on foot
| route | duration | description |
|---|---|---|
| Wasserauen-Hüttentobel-Seealpsee | approx. 70 min | behind Restaurant Alpenrose in Wasserauen on the left, well-maintained hiking trail through the steep Hüttentobel to Alp Hütten, continue to the lake |
| Wasserauen-Ebenalp-Seealpsee | approx. 90 min | Wasserauen cable car to Ebenalp, then descent via Wildkirchlihöhle and Berggasthaus Äscher to Seealpsee (keep children on a lead, wear good hiking boots) |
| Wasserauen via transport route to Seealpsee | approx. 50 min | natural road, steep in places, unspectacular route |
If you want to add some variety to your hike, we recommend taking a different route back from Seealpsee lake
Getting to Lake Seealpsee
You can only reach Lake Seealpsee on foot from Wasserauen. The route to Wasserauen is easily accessible by car and train.
By Train
From Zurich, it's best to head to Gossau. There, you can switch to the S23 trains heading to Wasserauen Station. From Appenzell, it's a 12-minute ride on the S23 train to Wasserauen.
By Car
From Zurich, you have two different routes to choose from. The shorter one takes you along the A1 to exit 79-Gossau. Then, you continue through Appenzell and Schwende-Rüte to Wasserauen. This route will take you at least 90 minutes.
Alternatively, you can drive along the A3 by the Zurich Lake. After that, switch to Route 8 and you’ll find the road to Appenzell just after Waldstatt. This route is more picturesque, but it's at least 10-15 minutes longer.
There are parking spaces available near the valley station of the Ebenalp cable car. Just head to Schwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen and park in one of the paid parking spots there.
The Seealpsee is a spectacular natural experience. With its picturesque location, surrounded by impressive Alpine peaks, it offers an unforgettable experience for hikers and nature lovers. Whether you opt for a leisurely boat trip on the lake, enjoy a picnic on the shore or simply admire the breathtaking views - Seealpsee is sure to enchant you.
7 Highlights at Seealpsee
- The Seealpsee is very idyllically situated in the middle of the Alpstein mountains.
- The water of the Seealpsee is particularly clean.
- The pretty lake is ideal for bathing and swimming in high summer.
- Two mountain inns are located directly on the lake and make the excursion destination even more popular.
- Rowing boats can be hired from the Berggasthaus Forelle.
- The Seealpsee can be perfectly combined with a hike to the world-famous Äscher mountain restaurant or with numerous other hikes in the Alpstein.
- There are two alpine cheese dairies near the lake that you can visit during the summer months. Fresh products such as milk and alpine cheese are on sale here.
Things to see at Seealpsee
The Seealpsee offers a postcard idyll all around, which is a sight in itself. The view across the lake to the Säntis is even captured on regional beer bottles and cans. Of course, the Säntis is not the only mountain that forms part of the spectacular backdrop here.
Mountain peaks around Lake Seealpsee
Lake Seealpsee is nestled in the heart of the Alpstein region. The striking Säntis is particularly noticeable. We’ve listed some more impressive peaks for you.
Mountain peak at Seealpsee
| Name | Height (m above sea level) | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| Säntis | 2502 | particularly striking and popular, highest mountain in the Alpstein |
| Altmann | 2435 | in the Säntis massif, west of the Hundstein |
| Altenalptürm | 2033 | three peaks in the northern Alpstein massif, form a ridge |
| Hundstein | 2157 | south of the Seealpsee |
| Ebenalp | 1644 | north of the Seealpsee |
Bruderklausen Chapel at Seealpsee
The Bruderklausen Chapel at Seealpsee was built in 1967. It is a place where you can reflect. It is a popular resting place on hikes. In the summer months, a mountain service is held here every Sunday at 10:30 am (during the alpine season). On the last Sunday in September, the men's choir "Alpstee" from Brülisau joins in. On this day, the chapel festival is celebrated in honor of St. Brother Klaus.
Alpine cheese dairies at Seealpsee
The two alpine cheese dairies are happy to let you look over their shoulders. You can buy Seealp cheese here, which has a special taste because the cows eat fresh alpine grass and herbs. Whey baths in nature are also on offer.
Seealp cheese dairies
| name | location | open | special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seealpchäs | 15 min. from Berggasthaus Forelle along the lake | June to August | 7 different types of cheese |
| Alpkäserei Grosshütten | 30 min. from Berggasthaus Forelle in the direction of the huts | late May to early October | cheese varieties, cups of fresh cow's milk and cheese platters on site; short guided tour of the cheese cellar incl. cheese tasting |
Activities at Seealpsee
The Seealpsee is easy to reach and is a popular excursion destination thanks to its mountain inns. Its breathtaking scenery makes it one of the most popular attractions in the Alpstein and Appenzell region.
Bathing and swimming in the Seealpsee
In midsummer (July and August), the lake reaches temperatures of up to 15 degrees Celsius. Bathing is just as possible as swimming. However, swimming in the mountain lake is only recommended for experienced swimmers who are accompanied by a boat.
Boating on the Seealpsee
Boats are available for hire at the Berggasthaus Forelle. You can hire a rowing boat and get a life jacket on request.
Hiking at Seealpsee
You can go on short and longer hikes from Seealpsee. Here are some suggestions for you:
| Hike | Duration |
|---|---|
| Seealpsee Circumnavigation | 45 min |
| Seealpsee-Ebenalp | 80 min |
| Seealpsee-Hüttentobel-Wasserauen | 70 min |
| Seealpsee-Mesmer-Wagenlücke-Säntis | 4 hrs |
| Seealpsee-Äscher | 60 min |
| Seealpsee-Mesmer | 90 min |
| Seealpsee-Schäfler | 135 min |
| Seealpsee-Underscore-Meglisalp | 70 min |
Mountain inns on the Seealpsee
The Berggasthaus Forelle and the Berggasthaus Seealpsee are located directly on the northern shore of the lake. In addition to food and drink, both establishments also offer overnight accommodation.
| Name | Location | open | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berggasthaus Forelle | North-east of the lake, directly on the lakeshore | until the end of October | Double and multi-bed rooms with shower/WC |
| Berggasthaus Seealpsee | North of the lake, directly on the lakeshore | Mid-April to end of October (except Monday) | Overnight stay in 1- to 4-bed rooms, some with shower, WC on the floor |
Hikes to Seealpsee from Wasserauen
You have three options for hiking to Seealpsee from Wasserauen:
- Along the road
- Through Hüttentobel
- Take the cable car to Ebenalp and then continue on foot
| route | duration | description |
|---|---|---|
| Wasserauen-Hüttentobel-Seealpsee | approx. 70 min | behind Restaurant Alpenrose in Wasserauen on the left, well-maintained hiking trail through the steep Hüttentobel to Alp Hütten, continue to the lake |
| Wasserauen-Ebenalp-Seealpsee | approx. 90 min | Wasserauen cable car to Ebenalp, then descent via Wildkirchlihöhle and Berggasthaus Äscher to Seealpsee (keep children on a lead, wear good hiking boots) |
| Wasserauen via transport route to Seealpsee | approx. 50 min | natural road, steep in places, unspectacular route |
If you want to add some variety to your hike, we recommend taking a different route back from Seealpsee lake
Getting to Lake Seealpsee
You can only reach Lake Seealpsee on foot from Wasserauen. The route to Wasserauen is easily accessible by car and train.
By Train
From Zurich, it's best to head to Gossau. There, you can switch to the S23 trains heading to Wasserauen Station. From Appenzell, it's a 12-minute ride on the S23 train to Wasserauen.
By Car
From Zurich, you have two different routes to choose from. The shorter one takes you along the A1 to exit 79-Gossau. Then, you continue through Appenzell and Schwende-Rüte to Wasserauen. This route will take you at least 90 minutes.
Alternatively, you can drive along the A3 by the Zurich Lake. After that, switch to Route 8 and you’ll find the road to Appenzell just after Waldstatt. This route is more picturesque, but it's at least 10-15 minutes longer.
There are parking spaces available near the valley station of the Ebenalp cable car. Just head to Schwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen and park in one of the paid parking spots there.
The Seealpsee is a spectacular natural experience. With its picturesque location, surrounded by impressive Alpine peaks, it offers an unforgettable experience for hikers and nature lovers. Whether you opt for a leisurely boat trip on the lake, enjoy a picnic on the shore or simply admire the breathtaking views - Seealpsee is sure to enchant you.