The peaks of the Kreuzberg at Saxer Lücke are some of the most iconic in Switzerland and so far I’ve had the pleasure of admiring them twice.
During my first visit I wasn’t an avid hiker yet so I went with the shortest option to reach Saxer Lücke, from Frumsen. The second time I was up for a little more adventure and took the cable car up to Hoher Kasten and hiked from there.
The Saxer Lücke hike from Hoher Kasten takes you along a stunning ridge looking over Samtisersee until you reach the epic Saxer Lücke Ridgeline!
In this guide I will tell you everything you need to know to hike to Saxer Lücke, including tips on how to shorten your hike or how to turn your hike into a full loop and also visiting the spectacular Falensee along the way.
Saxer Lücke Hiking Stats
Distance – 17.5km
Elevation – 1404m
Duration – 7.5 hours
Route Type – Loop
Starting Point – Hoher Kasten
End Point – Brülisau
Level – Moderate to hard
Interesting facts about Saxer Lücke
Saxer Lücke is a stunning natural feature nestled in the Alpstein massif of northeastern Switzerland, known for its breathtaking beauty and unique geological formation. Here are some interesting facts about Saxer Lücke:
- Spectacular Views: Saxer Lücke offers one of the most iconic vistas in the Alpstein region, with a dramatic view of the steep, narrow gap between the Saxer First and Kreuzberge peaks.
- Popular Hiking Destination: The area is a favorite among hikers for its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike to Saxer Lücke is definitely one of the most epic hikes in Switzerland.
- Geological Interest: Saxer Lücke is an example of a karst landscape, formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, which has created its distinctive features including the sharp ridge and the gap.
- Accessibility: Despite its seemingly remote location, Saxer Lücke is relatively accessible to hikers of various skill levels, with well-marked trails leading to the viewpoint.
- Photography Hotspot: The dramatic landscape and the play of light and shadow through the gap make Saxer Lücke a popular spot for photographers looking to capture the essence of the Swiss Alps.
- Rich Biodiversity: The area around Saxer Lücke is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, typical of the Alpstein region, making it a wonderful place for nature enthusiasts to explore.
How to reach Hoher Kasten
To reach Hoher Kasten, a prominent mountain in the Appenzell Alps of Switzerland, follow these steps:
- Travel to Brülisau: Begin your journey by heading to the village of Brülisau, which is the base point for accessing Hoher Kasten. Brülisau is reachable by car or public transportation. If using public transport, take a train to Appenzell, and then catch a bus to Brülisau.
- Hoher Kasten Cable Car: From Brülisau, take the Hoher Kasten cable car (Drehrestaurant Hoher Kasten) that ascends directly to the summit of Hoher Kasten. The cable car ride offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
- At the Summit: Once at the top, you can enjoy panoramic views from the revolving restaurant, explore the alpine garden, and embark on various hiking trails that offer breathtaking vistas of the Rhine Valley, Lake Constance, and the surrounding Alps.
💡 TIP – Remember to check the operating hours and any maintenance schedules for the Hoher Kasten cable car in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit outside the peak summer season, to ensure it’s operational on your planned travel date.
How to hike to Saxer Lücke from Hoher Kasten – A step by step guide
During my time in the Appenzell region I stayed at a wonderful hotel in the town of Weissbad called Hotel Frohe Aussicht. It was the perfect place to spend a long weekend and to use as a base to explore the Alpstein region.
One fine morning I drove up to Brülisau, where I parked my car and jumped on the first cable car up to Hoher Kasten. It was a clear and sunny day so I was immediately greeted by the most amazing views of the surrounding area. The cable car up to Hoher Kasten is quite popular as the viewpoint has a revolving restaurant and you can actually see Italy, Austria, Germany and, Lichtenstein from the summit.
From here the hike goes down along a gravel path and I kept on following the signs towards Staubern.
After about 1.5 hour I reached the Staubern mountain hut and sat down for a drink on their terrace.
💡 TIP – This is where you can take the shortcut to Saxer Lücke. There’s an automated cable car from Frumsen that goes straight up to Staubern. This way you can eliminate the first 1.5 hour from the hike.
From Staubern the trail gets a lot more interesting as well and it should take another 1.5 hour to reach the Saxer Lücke viewpoint. The hiking trail leads to a winding ridge and after a couple of uphills and downhills I was finally able to admire the saw-tooth ridge known as Saxer Lücke.
There are a ton of excellent photography locations both on the hiking trail as on some of the hills in front of the iconic mountain peaks. So even if the locations can get a bit crowded at time you’ll still be able to take some amazing photos!
Afterwards the trail goes down to the beautiful Falensee where you can also find the incredible Berggasthaus Bollenwees. By now I was absolutely starving (that’s what you get for skipping breakfast) and I literally inhaled a plate of their rösti, accompanied with a beer.
💡 TIP – You can also stay overnight at the Bollenwees Mountain Hut. This is the best option if you want to watch the sunrise or sunset at Saxer Lücke.
Now all that’s left to do is to walk back down to Brülisau. It’s a lovely walk through meadows with the ridge line I just traversed on my right and the occasional Swiss cow on the trail.
It took me another 1.5 hour to make it back to the parking lot. Now all that was left to do was drive back to the hotel and enjoy a good glass of wine, accompanied by a delicious dinner.
Map of the Saxer Lücke Hiking Trail
When can you hike the Saxer Lücke Ridge
The Saxer Lücke Ridge 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 is more favorable, offering safer and more enjoyable hiking conditions.
This timeframe allows hikers to fully appreciate the stunning vistas and unique geological features of the ridge. As always, it’s important to check local weather and trail conditions before setting out, as mountain weather can be unpredictable and trail conditions can vary, especially at higher altitudes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Falensee?
Swimming in Falensee, a mountain lake located in the Alpstein region of Switzerland, is possible but can be quite cold, even in the summer months, due to its high altitude and the fact that it’s fed by mountain streams.
Swimmers should be cautious and consider their own comfort and safety, as mountain lakes can have sudden depth changes, cold water can shock the body, and there are no lifeguards on duty.
If you decide to swim, ensure you’re well-prepared, know your limits, and always prioritize safety.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid for the Hoher Kasten cable car?
Yes, there’s a reduced rate mountain rail ascent with the Swiss Travel Pass.
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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