“Easy to get to and very organized. Friendly and made it a great experience.”
elizabeth
on Paragliding tandem in Lauterbrunnen Valley from Mürren
Hoher Kasten
From travellers like you
Recommended based on recent reviews
“Super efficient with a very friendly staff. My daughters and I all loved the experience. Highly recommend!”
Wendy
on Beatenberg paragliding tandem from Interlaken“Switzerland paragliding is outstanding. The pilots are patient and helpful. Calm and enjoyable. The experience is worth it.”
Daniel
on Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen Valley from Mürren“What an incredible experience with Sedrick and Jonsi. The longer flight was worth it and the videos and pictures were incredible. An experience of a lifetime, thank you two.”
Sean Higgins
on Paragliding Grindelwald from First“The views and the adventure.”
Glenn
on Via ferrata Mürren for beginners“Wonderful experience! The chocolate shoppe is worth a visit on its own, but the class tops it off. Our instructor was informative, sweet and fun, and the intimate setting made it easy to meet new people, learn new things and bring home delicious chocolate. A very fun hour and a half — highly recommend!”
Beverly
on Chocolate Workshop at Funky Chocolate Club InterlakenActivities near Hoher Kasten
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Guided tour of the Abbey Library, the Cathedral and the Old Town of St. Gallen
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"The Magic Portal" Escape Game St. Gallen
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Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein
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Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein
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City tour around Vaduz on the Citytrain
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E-Scooter Picnic Tour Lake Walen self-guided
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Llama and alpaca taster tour Liechtenstein
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Ticket Romanshorn - Friedrichshafen by Boat
3.7(3)Romanshornper person
from $17
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"Find the Code: Revolt Against the Sanctuary" Outdoor Escape Game St. Gallen
St. Gallenper person
from $52
- Ticket Fusion Arena Virtual Reality St. Gallen
Ticket Fusion Arena Virtual Reality St. Gallen
St. Gallenper person
from $101
- Private Vintage Wine Tour Bündner Herrschaft full day
Private Vintage Wine Tour Bündner Herrschaft full day
4.7(3)Sargansper person
from $277
- Ticket "Sascha Grammel - Wünsch Dir was" at the Olma Areal St. Gallen
Ticket "Sascha Grammel - Wünsch Dir was" at the Olma Areal St. Gallen
St. Gallenper person
from $78
- Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone
Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone
4.2(5)Appenzellper person
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- "Beat the bride" in St. Gallen: action-packed hen party
"Beat the bride" in St. Gallen: action-packed hen party
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Good to know about Hoher Kasten
Travel Guide
7 Highlights at Hohe Kasten
- Hohe Kasten is a peak in the Alpstein reaching an elevation of 1,794 m above sea level.
- From the summit, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alpstein massif, including Säntis and Sämtisersee, the Churfirsten, and other mountains and valleys in the Alps.
- This distinctive mountain is often referred to as the "Rigi of Eastern Switzerland." It’s connected to the Stauberenkanzel by a mountain ridge, with a prominence of over 200 m.
- The cable car conquers 869 meters in altitude in just 8 minutes, taking you from Brülisau to the summit of Hohe Kasten.
- The rotating restaurant at the mountain's summit offers a unique experience and stunning views.
- The tunnel exhibition creates an immersive world with mystical music and vibrant projections at the cable car’s mountain station.
- Numerous hiking trails through the Appenzeller Alps begin at the peak of Hohe Kasten.
- For adventure seekers, there is the option to paraglide from the summit of Hohe Kasten, either solo or in tandem.
Hohe Kasten is a place where you can experience nature with all your senses.
Here, two cantons meet: Appenzell Innerrhoden and St. Gallen.
Sights at the Hoher Kasten
The most interesting sights at Hohen Kasten are actually the views in all directions. You can see the mountains of 6 countries if the view is good. This brought the panorama round path the name "Europe round path".
Europe circular trail at Hoher Kasten
Along the Europa Rundweg, all of Europe is at your feet. On the barrier-free trail, you circle the striking silhouette of the Katzenkopf. In winter, the path is shoveled daily.
In summer you will find more than 300 alpine plants with 15 experience boards in the alpine garden. It has been laid out directly along the Europaweg and is about 5000 m² in size.
Along the way there are seating areas, panorama boards and free telescopes, which also have the names of the mountains integrated.
Revolving restaurant at Hoher Kasten
The revolving restaurant holds 450 seats. Within an hour, the restaurant rotates once around its own axis and you watch the near and far surroundings of the peak pass by in a very relaxed way. It is open at the same time as the cable car.
Cable Car at Hoher Kasten
The cable car is an aerial tram that takes you from Brülisau to the summit of Hoher Kasten. It operates year-round at least every 20 minutes and takes about 8 minutes to cover nearly 900 meters in elevation. The cabin can hold 50 people.
The aerial tram has been around since 1964. The schedule of the cable car varies depending on the season. In summer, the tram usually operates daily from 7:20 AM to 5:20 PM, while in winter the operating hours are shorter. In March, the cable car is closed.
Offer at Swiss Activities:
- Ticket Bülisau-Hoher Kasten
Tunnel Experience at the Cable Car Station
The tunnel experience is a world of adventure that welcomes you at the cable car station. A periscope brings the surrounding mountain world into the tunnel with a reflection. Mystical music enhances the colorful projections. The tunnel is 29 meters long. An inclined lift can transport 12 passengers or 4 wheelchairs through the tunnel at the same time.
Activities at Hoher Kasten
A really nice hike leads from Hoher Kasten down to Brülisau. You can take a break halfway and stop at the mountain inn Ruhesitz. In summer, you can even rent kickbikes (scooters) here for a speedy descent down to Brülisau.
In winter, this road turns into a sledding trail. You can also rent sleds at the restaurant Ruhesitz. However, please don’t hike down from Hoher Kasten; come up from Brülisau instead. Hiking in winter at Hoher Kasten can be dangerous when the paths are icy and snow-covered. In the valley, there are plenty of winter hiking trails that you can walk without a problem.
Hikes around the Hoher Kasten
The hikes to the Hoher Kasten are mostly difficult hikes, as some of them are steeply uphill.
| name | route | length (km) | time (hrs) | difficulty | meters of altitude↑ | special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpstein Kamm Ferntour | Brülisau - Hoher Kasten - Saxer First - Zwinglipasshütte | 17.2 | 8:00 | difficult | 1800 | with the Kastenbahn you save half of the altitude meters |
| Alpstein ridge long-distance tour | Brülisau - Hoher Kasten - Saxer First Zwinglipasshütte - Altmann - Rotsteinpass - Säntis - Ebenalp - Seealpsee - Sämtisersee - Brülisau | 44.4 | 22:30 | difficult | 3350 | |
| Geological Hiking Trail | Brülisau - Sämtisersee - Saxer Lücke - Furgglenfirst - Hoher Kasten - Kastensattel - Brülisau | 20.5 | 7:30 | difficult | 1350 | alternatively take the train for the 800 meters descent |
| Route over the Kastenwand | Sennwald - Britschli-Kehre (parking lot) - Kastenwand - Lienzer Spitz - Hoher Kasten - Rohralp | 9.3 | 3:30 | very difficult | 1002 | climbing on rock; only suitable for experienced mountaineers |
| Kamorwand Route | Brülisau - Ruhesitz - Kamorwand - Kamor - Hoher Kasten | 4.4 | 2:45 | medium | 914 | down with the Kastenbahn |
| Stauberenkanzel Panoramatour | Hoher Kasten - Kastensattel - Stauberen - Stauberenkanzel - Stauberen - Ruhesitz - Brülisau | 13.2 | 5:30 | difficult | 477 | up with the Kastenbahn |
Paragliding from Hohen Kasten
You can transport paragliders on the aerial cableway. However, you need an appropriate ticket for this.
There are 6 SHV flying schools and two providers of tandem flights at Hohen Kasten. To get to the launch site at the Kastensattel you have to make a steep descent. It is about 10 minutes away from the summit. The landing site is conveniently located right next to the valley station of the cable car.
Especially in the evening, the Hohe Kasten has excellent thermals.
Getting to Hohen Kasten
Brülisau is a village in the Schwende-Rüte district that's easy to reach by car or public transport. If you're driving, take the A1 to St. Gallen. From there, head through Teufen and Appenzell to Schwende-Rüte and continue to Brülisau. After Herisau, follow Cantonal Road 8 towards Appenzell and Schwende-Rüte. In Brülisau, you'll find paid parking at the valley station of the cable car.
If you prefer public transport, you can easily get to Brülisau as well. From St. Gallen train station, take the Appenzeller Bahn (Line S21) to Appenzell. There, switch to Line S23 and continue to Weissbad. Here, catch the postbus on line 192 to Brülisau.
The journey to Brülisau is already an experience in itself. Along the way, you'll encounter typical Appenzeller houses, pastures with cows, and enjoy stunning views of the Appenzeller Alps all around you.
7 Highlights at Hohe Kasten
- Hohe Kasten is a peak in the Alpstein reaching an elevation of 1,794 m above sea level.
- From the summit, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alpstein massif, including Säntis and Sämtisersee, the Churfirsten, and other mountains and valleys in the Alps.
- This distinctive mountain is often referred to as the "Rigi of Eastern Switzerland." It’s connected to the Stauberenkanzel by a mountain ridge, with a prominence of over 200 m.
- The cable car conquers 869 meters in altitude in just 8 minutes, taking you from Brülisau to the summit of Hohe Kasten.
- The rotating restaurant at the mountain's summit offers a unique experience and stunning views.
- The tunnel exhibition creates an immersive world with mystical music and vibrant projections at the cable car’s mountain station.
- Numerous hiking trails through the Appenzeller Alps begin at the peak of Hohe Kasten.
- For adventure seekers, there is the option to paraglide from the summit of Hohe Kasten, either solo or in tandem.
Hohe Kasten is a place where you can experience nature with all your senses.
Here, two cantons meet: Appenzell Innerrhoden and St. Gallen.
Sights at the Hoher Kasten
The most interesting sights at Hohen Kasten are actually the views in all directions. You can see the mountains of 6 countries if the view is good. This brought the panorama round path the name "Europe round path".
Europe circular trail at Hoher Kasten
Along the Europa Rundweg, all of Europe is at your feet. On the barrier-free trail, you circle the striking silhouette of the Katzenkopf. In winter, the path is shoveled daily.
In summer you will find more than 300 alpine plants with 15 experience boards in the alpine garden. It has been laid out directly along the Europaweg and is about 5000 m² in size.
Along the way there are seating areas, panorama boards and free telescopes, which also have the names of the mountains integrated.
Revolving restaurant at Hoher Kasten
The revolving restaurant holds 450 seats. Within an hour, the restaurant rotates once around its own axis and you watch the near and far surroundings of the peak pass by in a very relaxed way. It is open at the same time as the cable car.
Cable Car at Hoher Kasten
The cable car is an aerial tram that takes you from Brülisau to the summit of Hoher Kasten. It operates year-round at least every 20 minutes and takes about 8 minutes to cover nearly 900 meters in elevation. The cabin can hold 50 people.
The aerial tram has been around since 1964. The schedule of the cable car varies depending on the season. In summer, the tram usually operates daily from 7:20 AM to 5:20 PM, while in winter the operating hours are shorter. In March, the cable car is closed.
Offer at Swiss Activities:
- Ticket Bülisau-Hoher Kasten
Tunnel Experience at the Cable Car Station
The tunnel experience is a world of adventure that welcomes you at the cable car station. A periscope brings the surrounding mountain world into the tunnel with a reflection. Mystical music enhances the colorful projections. The tunnel is 29 meters long. An inclined lift can transport 12 passengers or 4 wheelchairs through the tunnel at the same time.
Activities at Hoher Kasten
A really nice hike leads from Hoher Kasten down to Brülisau. You can take a break halfway and stop at the mountain inn Ruhesitz. In summer, you can even rent kickbikes (scooters) here for a speedy descent down to Brülisau.
In winter, this road turns into a sledding trail. You can also rent sleds at the restaurant Ruhesitz. However, please don’t hike down from Hoher Kasten; come up from Brülisau instead. Hiking in winter at Hoher Kasten can be dangerous when the paths are icy and snow-covered. In the valley, there are plenty of winter hiking trails that you can walk without a problem.
Hikes around the Hoher Kasten
The hikes to the Hoher Kasten are mostly difficult hikes, as some of them are steeply uphill.
| name | route | length (km) | time (hrs) | difficulty | meters of altitude↑ | special |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpstein Kamm Ferntour | Brülisau - Hoher Kasten - Saxer First - Zwinglipasshütte | 17.2 | 8:00 | difficult | 1800 | with the Kastenbahn you save half of the altitude meters |
| Alpstein ridge long-distance tour | Brülisau - Hoher Kasten - Saxer First Zwinglipasshütte - Altmann - Rotsteinpass - Säntis - Ebenalp - Seealpsee - Sämtisersee - Brülisau | 44.4 | 22:30 | difficult | 3350 | |
| Geological Hiking Trail | Brülisau - Sämtisersee - Saxer Lücke - Furgglenfirst - Hoher Kasten - Kastensattel - Brülisau | 20.5 | 7:30 | difficult | 1350 | alternatively take the train for the 800 meters descent |
| Route over the Kastenwand | Sennwald - Britschli-Kehre (parking lot) - Kastenwand - Lienzer Spitz - Hoher Kasten - Rohralp | 9.3 | 3:30 | very difficult | 1002 | climbing on rock; only suitable for experienced mountaineers |
| Kamorwand Route | Brülisau - Ruhesitz - Kamorwand - Kamor - Hoher Kasten | 4.4 | 2:45 | medium | 914 | down with the Kastenbahn |
| Stauberenkanzel Panoramatour | Hoher Kasten - Kastensattel - Stauberen - Stauberenkanzel - Stauberen - Ruhesitz - Brülisau | 13.2 | 5:30 | difficult | 477 | up with the Kastenbahn |
Paragliding from Hohen Kasten
You can transport paragliders on the aerial cableway. However, you need an appropriate ticket for this.
There are 6 SHV flying schools and two providers of tandem flights at Hohen Kasten. To get to the launch site at the Kastensattel you have to make a steep descent. It is about 10 minutes away from the summit. The landing site is conveniently located right next to the valley station of the cable car.
Especially in the evening, the Hohe Kasten has excellent thermals.
Getting to Hohen Kasten
Brülisau is a village in the Schwende-Rüte district that's easy to reach by car or public transport. If you're driving, take the A1 to St. Gallen. From there, head through Teufen and Appenzell to Schwende-Rüte and continue to Brülisau. After Herisau, follow Cantonal Road 8 towards Appenzell and Schwende-Rüte. In Brülisau, you'll find paid parking at the valley station of the cable car.
If you prefer public transport, you can easily get to Brülisau as well. From St. Gallen train station, take the Appenzeller Bahn (Line S21) to Appenzell. There, switch to Line S23 and continue to Weissbad. Here, catch the postbus on line 192 to Brülisau.
The journey to Brülisau is already an experience in itself. Along the way, you'll encounter typical Appenzeller houses, pastures with cows, and enjoy stunning views of the Appenzeller Alps all around you.