Hiking in Alpstein, Säntis

The unique geography of the Appenzell and Toggenburg region, coupled with its fascinating culture and history, makes Appenzell a fun hiking destination. Folded mountain peaks rise abruptly from green pastures where local farmers, dressed in traditional costume, move their cows up to the Alps.

We hike up to Alpstein mountain ranges tales peak the Säntis, where we can enjoy views across the Swiss border and into Austria and Liechtenstein.

The treks take between 4 and 8 hours each day. We walk along country paths and forest roads, swell as narrow mountain paths. There are some steeper climbs to manage.

I particularly enjoy this hike because…
– it is the place where I come from and I like to make it discover to others;
– we get to know 2 different cultures in places located very close to each other (at both side of the Säntis);
– people there are very welcoming, always ready to help, advice, share…
– I find Churfirsten mountain so beautiful !

We will be leaving for 6 days. Please find below the detailed program and itinerary.

Day 0 – Arrive and meet in Appenzell
Meeting together in Appenzell. Hotel check-in an cultural walk. Night at Hotel in Appenzell

Day 1 – Appenzell – Bollenwees
We ascend the Alpstein massif on a winding trail up to a treasured Berghaus at Bollenwees on the shore of the Fählen-lake. Night at Mountain Hotel Bollenwees.
– total ascent 550 m
– total distance 7km

Day 2 – Bollenwees (1471m) – Meglisalp
Hike over two mountain passes, the Zwinglipass and the Rotsteinpass with stunning vistas down to Meglisalp. A typical working farm and traditional mountain retreat. Night at Meglisalp.
– total ascent 850 m
– total descent 750 m

Day 3 – Meglisalp (1520m) – Säntis (2502m)
A rocky trail, the famous Lisengrat, takes us to the summit of Säntis, the highest peak in eastern Switzerland. Night at a classic Berghotel on the summit.
– total ascent 980 m
– total time: 4hrs

Day 4 – Säntis – Alt St.Johann – Unterwasser
We take the cable car down to Schwägalp and a bus brings us to the beautiful Toggenburg valley. We walk along a very special trail, the Klangweg. There are many interesting instruments to discover along the trail. Night in Hotel in Unterwasser
– ascent 150m
– total time: 2hrs

Day 5 – Unterwasser – Gamserrugg – Voralp
Around beautiful Schwendisse our walks brings us over Gamserrugg to Voralp where we will be able to taste some cheese and swim in the lake. Night at mountain Hotel Voralp.
– total ascent 600m
– total descent 700 m
– total time 4 hrs

Day 6 – Voralp – Werdenberg
Down by post bus to Switzerlands smallest city Werdenberg with it’s beautiful castle and lake. That’s where we say good-bye.
– total ascent 610m
– total descent 610m
– total time: 5.5 hrs

If you are interested to discover this beautiful region and the mountain range which has inspired the famous swiss chocolate please get in touch with me. It will be my great pleasure to guide you here and show you my secret spots 😉

Extra details

Get back from Werdenberg

By train in 1.5 hours to Zu?rich

Get to Appenzell

By train in less than an hour from Zu?rich

Group size

Max 8 persons per guide