One of the biggest reasons that I really wanted to visit the Appenzell region in Switzerland was to see the iconic jagged mountain peaks from the Schäfler Ridge.
So far I’ve had the pleasure of hiking the Schäfler Ridge trail twice, each in very different weather circumstances. The first time I could barely see anything and more than half of the ridgeline was covered in thick grey clouds. I sat in the same spot for over 2 hours, hoping the sky would clear up, but no such luck.
That’s also the reason that I drove back to the Appenzell Region and try my luck again. This time the weather gods were in my favor. The sun was shining and I was able to admire the Schäfler Ridge in all its glory.
In this article I will tell you everything you need to know about hike the trail to the Schäfler Ridge, starting from Ebenalp. But I also included some extra’s such as how to admire this wonderful place during sunrise or sunset . And how to combine your hike with a visit to one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain huts called the Ascher Cliff restaurant.
Schäfler Ridge Hike From Ebenalp Stats
Hiking Distance – 4.8km (2.9 miles)
Elevation – 355m (1164 feet)
Route Type – You can make it an Out & Back route but the beauty of this region is that all hiking trails are connected so you can easily turn this into a longer loop.
Duration – 2,5 hours, a little more if you want to have lunch at the Schäfler mountain hut.
Level – Moderate
Parking – Ebenalp cable car station in Wasserauen
Interesting facts about the Schäfler Ridge Hike
The Schäfler Ridge Hike, located in the breathtaking Alpstein region of northeastern Switzerland, is an exhilarating adventure that offers more than just a walk in the mountains. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic hike:
- Stunning Panoramic Views: The Schäfler Ridge provides some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Alpstein, including vistas of the Säntis, the Altmann, and the Ebenalp. On clear days, hikers can even see as far as Lake Constance.
- Challenging Terrain: Known for its challenging and exposed paths, the hike is a thrilling experience for seasoned hikers, offering narrow ridges and steep ascents that require a good head for heights and sure-footedness.
- Famous Mountain Guesthouse: Near the peak of Schäfler, there’s a well-known mountain guesthouse, the Berggasthaus Schäfler, which provides a perfect spot for hikers to rest, enjoy traditional Swiss meals, and soak in the magnificent views.
- Diverse Flora and Fauna: The region around the Schäfler Ridge is rich in biodiversity, with alpine meadows that bloom with a variety of wildflowers in spring and summer, and it’s home to wildlife such as ibexes and marmots.
- Historical Significance: The Alpstein area, including the Schäfler Ridge, is steeped in history and folklore, adding a layer of cultural depth to the hiking experience.
- Accessibility: Despite its remote and rugged nature, the starting points for the Schäfler Ridge Hike, like Wasserauen and the Ebenalp cable car station, are relatively accessible, making this incredible experience available to many.
How to reach Ebenalp
Reaching Ebenalp, a popular starting point for many hikes in the Alpstein region of northeastern Switzerland, involves a few steps:
- Travel to Wasserauen: Your journey to Ebenalp begins in the small village of Wasserauen, which is the base station for the Ebenalp cable car. Wasserauen is accessible by car or public transportation. If using public transport, take a train to the nearby town of Appenzell, and then catch a connecting train or bus to Wasserauen.
- Ebenalp Cable Car: From Wasserauen, take the Ebenalp cable car up to the summit. The cable car ride offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is the most direct way to reach Ebenalp and the starting points for various hikes, including the trail to the famous Aescher-Wildkirchli mountain restaurant and the Schäfler Ridge hike.
Remember to check the operating hours and any maintenance schedules for the Ebenalp cable car in advance, especially if you’re planning your visit outside the peak summer season, to ensure it’s operational on your planned travel date.
How to hike the Schäfler Ridge Trail from Ebenalp
I skipped breakfast again at Hotel Frohe Aussicht to catch the first cable car up from Wasserauen to Ebenalp.
Over the past couple of years this trail has become increasingly more popular and I really wanted to be able to enjoy the views without tons of other people around me. So once I got off the cable car I started hiking at a steady pace.
The first part of the trail is pretty straight forward and is wide with rocks and some stairs along the way but nothing dangerous. It goes like this until you reach Chlus.
From here the trail gets a little bit more difficult with some steeper switchbacks. but still, nothing dangerous. On my way back I even saw a lot of young children on this part of the trail.
After about 45 minutes I already reached the Schäfler hut.
From the main terrace at the Schäfler hut you already have an epic view over those jagged peaks but if you hike a little further you’ll see a triangle on top of a small hill. But the trail along the Schäfler Ridge is the one that ventures off to the right.
❗️The following part of the trail is not suited for small children or people with a fear of heights! There’s also a clear sign stating the dangers and that under no circumstances you should attempt the rest of the hike without good hiking shoes.
Luckily, to get to one of the most iconic viewpoints over the Schäfler Ridge, I didn’t have to hike that much further. I started by going on the outside of the mountain where a steel cable was etched into the mountain for extra support. A little further down there’s a steep ladder to help you get lower on the ridge.
And just a little bit further is one of the best vantage points over the jagged peaks of the Schäfler Ridge.
💡 TIP – Please be very careful if you want to copy the photo on the left below! And make sure that you’re not blocking the trail for other people! The hiking trail here is very narrow so please be respectful towards other nature lovers.
After soaking up the views it was time to head back down the mountain. Now there are several options here:
- You can hike back to Ebenalp and take the cable car back down to Wasserauen
- You can hike back to Ebenalp and from there continue to Wildkirchli to reach the famous Äscher restaurant. From there you can make your way down and either first visit the iconic Seealpsee or head straight back to Wasserauen.
- Aother option is to hike from Schäfler to Altenalp and from there head down to Seealpsee and then hike back to Wasserauen.
Below you can find a detailed hiking map where you can see how all of the trails in this part of the Appenzell region are connected.
When can you hike to Schäfler Ridge
The Schäfler Ridge is best hiked from late spring to early autumn, typically from June to September. During these months, the weather is warmer, the snow has melted, and the trails are most accessible, providing safer and more enjoyable hiking conditions.
This period allows hikers to fully appreciate the stunning vistas and unique terrain of the Schäfler Ridge. As always, it’s important to check local weather and trail conditions before setting out, as conditions can vary, especially at higher altitudes, and mountain weather can be unpredictable.
Where to stay when hiking Schäfler Ridge
I based myself in the town of Weissbad which is right in the heart of Appenzell. More specifically I stayed at Hotel Frohe Aussicht which was the perfect place to spend the long weekend.
I stayed for 3 nights which gave me plenty of time to explore the many hiking trails in the Appenzell region. Their rooms are spacious and offer a stunning view over the mountains or green pastures and idyllic town of Weissbad. Even their single room, which I picked, was pretty spacious with an enormous terrace with a lounge chair on it. Usually the beds in a single room are tiny but that wasn’t the case here!
Their breakfast is served from 8am until 10am, but usually I was already up in the mountains by that time. I did however have dinner here every night and it was absolutely delicious with a stunning view over the Alpstein mountains.
Another plus point is that since I was staying for 3 nights I received a special card which gave me access to almost all of the cable cars for free!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike to Schäfler Ridge?
The duration of the hike to Schäfler Ridge can vary depending on the starting point, the chosen route, and the individual hiker’s pace. A popular starting point for the hike is the Ebenalp cable car station. From there, the hike to Schäfler Ridge and back typically takes about 2 to 3 hours.
This estimate is for the average hiker, considering a moderate pace with occasional stops to enjoy the views and take short breaks. The trail involves some steep and challenging sections, so the actual time could vary based on fitness level, hiking experience, and trail conditions. It’s always a good idea to allow extra time for rest, photography, and to simply enjoy the stunning alpine landscape.
How do you get to Berggasthaus Schäfler?
To reach Berggasthaus Schäfler, a popular mountain guesthouse situated on the Schäfler Ridge in the Alpstein region, follow these steps:
Travel to Wasserauen: Start your journey by heading to Wasserauen, the base station for the Ebenalp cable car. Wasserauen is accessible by car or public transportation, with direct train or bus connections from Appenzell.
Ebenalp Cable Car: From Wasserauen, take the Ebenalp cable car to the summit. The ride offers picturesque views of the surrounding area and is the most convenient way to reach the starting point of the hike to Berggasthaus Schäfler.
Hike to Berggasthaus Schäfler: After disembarking from the cable car at Ebenalp, follow the marked hiking trails towards Schäfler. The hike from Ebenalp to Berggasthaus Schäfler typically takes about 1 hour, depending on your pace and trail conditions.
Remember to check the operating times for the Ebenalp cable car, especially outside the peak summer season, and always consider the weather and trail conditions before embarking on your hike.
Where to take the best photos from Schäfler Ridge
There are a couple of locations on or near the trail from where you can take epic photos of the Schäfler Ridge: from the terrace of Berggasthaus Schäfler, from the main viewpoint behind Berggasthaus Schäfler, from more below on the hiking trail (a little after the steep steel staircase)
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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