The Lisengratt Ridge Hike is one of the most epic ridge hikes in Switzerland that I’ve done so far. I’ve travelled to the Appenzell region twice now and if I had an endless amount of vacation days I would return in a heartbeat!
This narrow ridge is known as one of the toughest parts in the Alpstein circuit but a must if you’re a sucker for epic views and up for an adventure!
The Lisengratt Ridge runs between Säntis, the highest mountain in the Alpstein region at 2502m and and the neighboring Altmann (2435m), a shining spire to the east.
When standing at the top of Säntis it’s hard to imagine how anyone can safely traverse the rocky ridge line in front of you. But a bunch of ladders, stairs and chain protected parts make it perfectly possible.
That is on a clear day. Do no attempt this hike on a rainy day. It wouldn’t be worth it either cause the best part about this hike is its 360° views.
In this article I will tell you everything you need to know about the Lisengratt Ridge Hike and how to have the best hiking experience possible!
Lisengratt Ridge Hiking Stats
Distance – 4.2km
Elevation – 350m
Route Type – Out & Back
Duration – 3.5 hours
Difficulty – Moderate to Hard. It’s a technical hike that involves the use of cables and ladders. Not suitable for young children or people with a fear of heights.
Parking – Säntis, take the cable car up from Schwägalp
Interesting facts about the Lisengratt Ridge Hike
The Lisengrat Ridge Hike is an exhilarating and picturesque trail that offers some of the most stunning alpine views in Switzerland. Here are some interesting facts about this captivating hike:
- Challenging Terrain – The Lisengrat Ridge Hike is known for its narrow and exposed paths, making it a thrilling challenge for experienced hikers seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
- Breathtaking Panoramas – This hike provides unparalleled 360-degree views of the surrounding Alps, including peaks like the Säntis, Altmann, and the entire Alpstein massif, offering one of the most scenic experiences in the region.
- High-Altitude Adventure – The trail runs along a high ridge, offering a unique hiking experience with dramatic drops on either side, emphasizing the importance of caution and appropriate gear.
- Rich Biodiversity – The area around Lisengrat is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare alpine flowers and wildlife, making it a delightful journey for nature enthusiasts.
- Historical Significance – The stairs and cables were initially installed in 1905 by the Swiss Alpine Club and it is seen as the highlight of the Alpstein Loop Hike.
- Accessibility – Despite its challenging nature, the Lisengrat Ridge Hike is made more accessible by nearby mountain lifts, allowing hikers to experience this spectacular trail with less initial ascent.
How to reach Säntis
Reaching Säntis, the highest mountain in the Alpstein massif of northeastern Switzerland, involves a combination of travel methods:
- By Car or Public Transportation to the Base Station: Start your journey by heading to the Schwägalp Pass, which is the base area for accessing Säntis. You can drive there directly or use public transportation. If you’re relying on public transport, take a train to Urnäsch or Nesslau, and then catch a PostBus to Schwägalp.
- Säntis Schwebebahn (Cable Car): From Schwägalp, take the Säntis Schwebebahn, a cable car that will whisk you to the summit of Säntis. The ride offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and takes you directly to the top, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas, restaurants, and hiking trails.
Remember to check the operating hours and maintenance schedules for the Säntis Schwebebahn before your visit, especially outside the peak summer season, to ensure it’s running on your planned travel date.
To reach Säntis from nearby cities and towns, here are the approximate distances and average travel times:
- From Zurich: About 90 kilometers (approximately 56 miles), with an average travel time of around 2 hours by car.
- From St. Gallen: Roughly 40 kilometers (about 25 miles), and it typically takes around 1 hour to drive.
- From Appenzell: The distance is about 25 kilometers (around 16 miles), with a travel time of approximately 0.5 hours by car.
- From Urnäsch: Located approximately 20 kilometers (about 12 miles) from Säntis, the journey by car usually takes around 0.5 hours.
- From Nesslau: Around 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) away, with an average driving time of 0.75 hours.
How to hike the Lisengratt Ridge Trail
I travelled to the Appenzell region in peak summertime in August. I left our home in Belgium at around 4am and by 12pm found myself at the parking lot in Schwägalp. I changed into my hiking clothes, jumped into my hiking boots, grabbed my camera and walked towards the Säntis Schwebebahn.
I was immediately greeted by the sound of those familiar cow bells and couldn’t wait to start hiking!
Since the Säntis Schwebebahn runs very often I found myself on top of Säntis less than 30 minutes later. The only problem? I couldn’t see a thing! The entire peak was surrounded by thick clouds and the weather looked gloomy as hell.
But I hadn’t come all this way for nothing! I saw some people going down to the start of the trail and decided to do the same. I figured that if the weather would get worse I could simply return and head back down the mountain.
As you can see above, the Lisengratt Ridge Hike is not for the faint of heart and definitely not an option with small children or for people with a fear of heights! There are some very exposed sections but I never felt unsafe!
There are steel cables etched in the mountains to give extra support and stability and I felt pretty badass doing this hike on my own.
As I continued on the trail the clouds were finally starting to clear and I could catch my first glimpse of the incredible vista’s. They weren’t kidding when they said that the Lisengratt Ridge has some of the most epic views in the world!
After 1.5 hour of hiking I found myself at the Rotsteinpass in front of a mountain hut. Besides some morning sandwiches in the car I hadn’t had a proper meal yet so I nestled myself on their panoramic terrace and enjoyed a spaghetti and beer for lunch.
Afterwards I ventured a little below the Rotsteinpass to take in the scenic views and snap some photos.
The sun was now at its peak and I could finally enjoy those promised 360° views. I decided it was time to go back down the mountain and turn back to the cable car. But this time I could actually see the entire ridge in front of me. An incredible sight that made the experience even more rewarding.
💡 TIP – You can also continue the hike all the way down to Seealpsee and then Wasserauen. But since my car was parked in Schwägalp and I only started hiking around noon, the smartest thing was to return to the cable car.
❗️I highly recommend completing this hike on a clear day and definitely not after rain or snow. The trail is very narrow with steep drop offs. No thrill is worth risking your life!
Lisengratt Ridge Hike Map
When can you hike the Lisengratt Ridge Trail
The Lisengratt Ridge Trail is typically best hiked from late spring to early autumn, around June to September.
During these months, the snow has usually melted, and the weather conditions are more favorable for hiking, with warmer temperatures and a lower chance of sudden storms.
However, given the high altitude and exposed nature of the ridge, it’s crucial to check local weather and trail conditions before embarking on the hike, as conditions can change rapidly.
Outside this optimal window, snow, ice, and colder temperatures can make the hike more challenging and potentially hazardous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most spectacular hike in Switzerland?
The Lisengratt Ridge Trail is definitely one of the most spectacular hikes in Switzerland. Together with the Oeschinensee Panorama Trail and the Augstmatthorn Trail.
Where to stay when hiking in the Appenzell Region?
Stay at Hotel Frohe Aussicht for incredible panoramic views straight from your bedroom window.
If you have any questions about how to visit Appenzell or if you want to share your experience, comment below!
More information on Appenzell
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Hi! We’re Charlotte, Christof & César!
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