“Easy to get to and very organized. Friendly and made it a great experience.”

Seealpsee
Tickets and experiences for Seealpsee
- Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen
Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen
4.7(14)Schwende-Rüteper person
from $31
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!”
“Switzerland paragliding is outstanding. The pilots are patient and helpful. Calm and enjoyable. The experience is worth it.”
“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.”
“The views and the adventure.”
“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!”
Activities near Seealpsee
- Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein
Thermal paragliding flight 60 min in Alpstein
Schwende-Rüteper person
from $412
- Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein
Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein
Schwende-Rüteper person
from $271
- "The Magic Portal" Escape Game St. Gallen
"The Magic Portal" Escape Game St. Gallen
4.9(9)St. Gallenper person
from $129
- "SECTOR" Activate Room St. Gallen
"SECTOR" Activate Room St. Gallen
5.0(1)St. Gallenper person
from $38
- Christmas Market Adventure: "The Night of Long Shadows" Escape Game in St. Gallen
Christmas Market Adventure: "The Night of Long Shadows" Escape Game in St. Gallen
St. Gallenper person
from $258
- City tour around Vaduz on the Citytrain
City tour around Vaduz on the Citytrain
4.5(2)Vaduzper person
from $16
- E-Scooter Picnic Tour Lake Walen self-guided

E-Scooter Picnic Tour Lake Walen self-guided
5.0(3)Walenstadtper person
from $71
- Llama and alpaca taster tour Liechtenstein
Llama and alpaca taster tour Liechtenstein
4.9(15)Triesenbergper person
from $58
- Private Vintage Wine Tour Bündner Herrschaft full day
Private Vintage Wine Tour Bündner Herrschaft full day
4.7(3)Sargansper person
from $277
- Ticket Romanshorn - Friedrichshafen by Boat
Ticket Romanshorn - Friedrichshafen by Boat
3.7(3)Romanshornper person
from $17
- "Sunset Selun" Guided Hike in Toggenburg
"Sunset Selun" Guided Hike in Toggenburg
Wildhaus - Alt. St. Johannper person
from $109
- "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 $52
- Ticket Fusion Arena Virtual Reality St. Gallen
Ticket Fusion Arena Virtual Reality St. Gallen
St. Gallenper person
from $101
- "Magical Factory Tour" at the House of Läderach
"Magical Factory Tour" at the House of Läderach
Biltenper person
from $91
- 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
- "Beat the bride" in St. Gallen: action-packed hen party
"Beat the bride" in St. Gallen: action-packed hen party
St. Gallenper person
from $385
- Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone
Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone
4.2(5)Appenzellper person
from $13
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.


















































































































































































