How to Get to the 7 Most Beautiful Photo Spots in Appenzell
Are You Planning a Trip to Appenzell, Have your Camera with You, and Want to Impress your Friends with Breathtaking Pictures? In this Post, We’ll Show You the 7 most Beautiful Photo Spots in Appenzell – Places that are among the most Beautiful in Switzerland.
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How to get to the most Beautiful Photo Spots in Appenzell
Compact, Wild yet Welcoming. Appenzellerland is a Comparatively Small Region in Eastern Switzerland – and That’s Precisely What Makes it so Appealing. In a Short Time, You Can Discover an Incredible Number of Beautiful Places on Foot within a Small Area Here – No Wonder then that many Visitors Describe Appenzellerland as one of the most Beautiful Places in Switzerland.
And if Walking Isn’t an Option, the Excellently Developed Appenzell Railways Will Comfortably and Sustainably Take You Even to the most Remote Corners of the Region.
Lake Seealpsee – Mirror of the Alps
The Seealpsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland – for many, even one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland overall. At 1,143 m a.s.l. it is idyllically situated in the Alpstein massif, framed by steep rock faces and lush alpine pastures. At the same time, it is an ideal starting point for hikes, for example, to Meglisalp or the famous Berggasthaus Äscher.
A steep road leads directly up to the lake from the large parking lot in Wasserauen. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, turn left at Hotel Alpenrose and take the smaller path across the meadow and through the forest. Although it takes a little longer, it passes picturesque alpine cheese dairies and is much more scenic.
Once you reach the top, you’ll find the guesthouses Forelle and Seealpsee. During the alpine summer (July to August), cows graze here, and local dairymen sell homemade cheese or yogurt – a piece of authentic Appenzell.
Photo Tip: Early in the morning, when the first sunbeams illuminate the peaks behind the lake, the light is particularly magical. Later, the sun quickly disappears behind Säntis. The small rowboats on the shore are also perfect subjects – for approx. CHF 5–7 / 30 minutes, you can row out yourself.
Berggasthaus Äscher – WORLD-FAMOUS ON THE CLIFF
The Berggasthaus Äscher became world-famous in 2015 when National Geographic featured it on the cover of their photo book Destinations of a Lifetime. Since then, it has been one of the most iconic photo spots in Appenzell.
The easiest way to reach Äscher is by taking the cable car to Ebenalp. From there, a roughly 20-minute walk leads down across a meadow and through the mystical Wildkirchli Caves – the path itself is an experience. Alternatively, you can hike up from Wasserauen via Seealpsee. Important: Don’t go all the way to the lake; instead, turn right at the rock face just before it.
Light Tip: The perfect time for photos is in the morning, when the first sunbeams bathe the rock faces in reddish light. Later, the sun disappears early behind the Alpstein. And while you’re there: Be sure to treat yourself to the famous “Äscher-Zmorge” (breakfast) – out on the terrace, with homemade jam and croissants. A voucher from Äscher also makes a nice gift.
Hoher Kasten – 360° Panoramic View
On Hoher Kasten (1794 m), you’ll find the only revolving restaurant in Eastern Switzerland. Within an hour, it rotates once on its own axis, offering you a panoramic view of the Rhine Valley, Lake Constance, Sämtisersee, and the entire Alpstein massif. The cable car from Brülisau takes you to the summit in just 8 minutes. Right next to it are the Alpine Flower Garden and the Europe Circular Trail.
If you prefer to hike, ascend from Montlinger Schwamm via Kamor. Plan for – depending on the route – between 2.5 and 3.5 hours. Even along the way, magnificent views of the Rhine Valley and the pre-Alps await.
Photo Tip: Thanks to the 360° panorama, you’ll practically always find an exciting subject here. Even when fog rolls in, mystical, almost magical atmospheres emerge.
Saxerlücke – KREUZBERGE IN THE MORNING LIGHT
For many, the Saxerlücke (1649 m a.s.l.) is one of the most impressive attractions in Appenzell. The striking Kreuzberge rise here like giant rock towers into the sky. It’s most beautiful at dawn, when the sun bathes the rocks in reddish light and the Rhine Valley below is still asleep.
The easiest way to reach Saxerlücke is with the Staubernbahn from Frümsen to Berggasthaus Staubern. From there, a panoramic path with no major ascents leads in about 2–3 hours (round trip) to the gap – with views of Lake Fälen and the Alpstein massif.
If you prefer a more athletic approach, start directly from below. One option: from Brülisau via Sämtisersee and Bollenwees to Saxerlücke (approx. 3 hours to the gap). From here, you can continue hiking via Berggasthaus Staubern back to the starting point – one of the most beautiful routes in Eastern Switzerland.
Eggli Steinegg – Appenzell Picture-Perfect Idyl
a winding dirt road, lush meadows, behind them the striking rocks of the Alpstein and Säntis – this is how Eggli presents itself above Steinegg. This photo spot is easily accessible: Drive up the narrow, winding road to Restaurant Eggli (approx. 1200 m a.s.l.). Even on the way, you’ll find many rewarding subjects.
Insider Tip: A small yellow barn with a large tree next to it – in summer, cows often graze in front of it. A picture-perfect scene.
Since the photo spot leads across a meadow, you should pay attention to when it is mowed. In Appenzell, this often happens only after Corpus Christi (early June) – before that, you have the best chance of finding a blooming flower meadow.
Note: The parking lot belongs to the restaurant. It’s good etiquette to consume something there as well – the view from the terrace is magnificent, and you should definitely try the Appenzell Siedwurst.
Schlatt – Picturesque Village in Appenzell
Anyone traveling in Appenzell who skips Schlatt misses out on a real insider tip. The small village is located on a hill between Appenzell and Teufen (approx. 15 minutes by car). From afar, you can already see the striking bell tower of St. Josef Church.
Photo Tip: Park by the church and follow the hiking trail up the hill for about 10 minutes. From the top, you’ll have a fantastic view: the church in the foreground, the Alpstein massif behind it. It becomes particularly spectacular on foggy days – then the church often floats like an island above the sea of fog.
From Schlatt, you can also start short hikes, e.g., to Teufen or Haslen. There, too, you’ll find picturesque churches and viewpoints.
Insider tip: The Restaurant Bären right next to the church in Schlatt. Great food – and great view. Definitely stop by. Especially during Christmas time, you can admire one of the rare “Chlausezüg” of the Appenzell region there.
The Säntis – Landmark of Eastern Switzerland
No list of photo spots in Appenzell would be complete without Säntis (2502 m) – the landmark of the region and a highlight in every season. From here, the view extends to the iconic Churfirsten in Toggenburg, all the way to Germany, Austria, and deep into the Swiss Alps.
The Säntis cable car takes you from Schwägalp to the summit in just 10 minutes; the large gondolas can accommodate up to 85 people.
The more athletic ascent is on foot: The fastest route also leads up from Schwägalp. The most beautiful (but significantly longer) tour is Wasserauen – Seealpsee – Meglisalp – Rotsteinpass – Lisengrat – Säntis. It is considered challenging, but rewards you with breathtaking views.
Extra Tip: On the way, an overnight stay at Berggasthaus Rotsteinpass is worthwhile. Especially in the early morning and evening hours, you’ll often encounter ibexes here, coming down from the Altmannsattel.
Important: The ascent is alpine. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are mandatory. When wet, the stones become slippery, and in winter, tours are strongly discouraged due to avalanche danger.
Conclusion:
Whether Seealpsee, Äscher, or Saxerlücke – the Photo Spots in Appenzell are among the most Beautiful Places in Switzerland. Each one Has its Own Charm and Offers Unforgettable Photo Opportunities. Of Course, in Addition to these Classics, many other Attractions in Appenzell Await to Enrich your Trip. So: Pack your Camera, Lace up your Hiking Boots – and get Going!
Tips, Questions & Photo Spots
Photography Guide Appenzell
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