What to Do in Appenzell – The 7 Most Beautiful Places
Are you planning a trip and wondering what to do in Appenzell? Would you like to discover the most iconic spots in our region – like Lake Seealpsee, the famous Aescher restaurant or Mount Säntis? As local photographers, we’ll show you exactly how to get there and how to capture beautiful pictures.
ALPSTEIN BLOG
“Take your camera and discover the most beautiful photo spots in Appenzell”
Getting to the most beautiful photo spots in Appenzell
Arrival from Switzerland or Germany
Compact, wild yet charming. 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 photo spots within a small area on foot – no wonder many visitors call Appenzellerland one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland.
Mountain railways and many hiking trails
And if walking isn’t an option, the excellently developed Appenzell Railways or numerous mountain cable cars will take you comfortably and sustainably even to the most remote corners of the region.
” The Appenzellerland offers you peace and impressive limestone cliffs ”
The Säntis mountain | Appenzell Excursions
Lake Seealpsee – Mirror of the Alps
Good starting point for your hike
Lake Seealpsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland and definitely one of Appenzell’s attractions – for many, even one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. At 1143 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.
Steep road – Shady forest path
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 Lake Seelapsee, 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 Lake Seelapsee
Early in the morning, when the first rays of sunshine make the peaks behind the lake glow, the light is particularly magical. Later, the sun quickly disappears behind the Säntis. The small rowing boats on the shore are also perfect motifs – you can row out yourself for approx. CHF 5–7 / 30 minutes.
Äscher guesthouse on the mountain– WORLD-FAMOUS ON THE CLIFF
National Geographic – Destination of a Lifetime
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.
How to reach the Berggasthaus Äscher
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.
Phototip Äscher Restaurant
The perfect time for photos is in the morning, when the first rays of sunshine bathe the rock faces in reddish light. Later, the sun disappears early behind the Alpstein. And if you’re already there: Be sure to treat yourself to the famous “Äscher-Zmorge” (breakfast) – outside on the terrace, with homemade jam and Gipfeli. A voucher from Äscher is also a nice gift.
The Hohe Kasten – 360° panoramic view
Hoher Kasten revolving restaurant with a view
On the Hoher Kasten (1794 m above sea level), the only revolving restaurant in Eastern Switzerland awaits you. Within an hour, it rotates once around its own axis and opens up a panoramic view of the Rhine Valley, Lake Constance, Lake Sämtis and the entire Alpstein massif.
Getting to the Hoher Kasten
The cable car from Brülisau takes you to the summit in just 8 minutes. The Alpine flower garden and the European circular trail are right next door.
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 Hoher Kasten
Thanks to the 360° panorama, you can practically always find an exciting motif here. Even when fog rolls in, mystical, almost magical moods are created.
Saxerlücke – KREUZBERGE IN THE MORNING LIGHT
Appenzell sights – The Kreuzberge
Saxerlücke (1649 m a.s.l.) is considered by many to be one of Appenzell’s most impressive attractions. The striking Kreuzberge peaks 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.
Getting to the Saxerlücke in Appenzell
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.
Appenzell excursions are sporty
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
Berggasthaus Eggli – Idyllic Appenzellerland
A winding dirt road, lush meadows, behind it the striking rocks of the Alpstein and the Säntis – this is how the Eggli above Steinegg presents itself. It’s no longer an insider tip. This is one of the photo spots in Appenzell that is very easy to reach: Drive up the narrow, winding road to the Restaurant Eggli (approx. 1200 m above sea level). You will find many worthwhile motifs along the way.
Photo tip Eggli Steinegg
A small yellow barn with a large tree next to it – cows often graze in front of it in summer. A picture-perfect motif.
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 Eggli
The parking lot belongs to the restaurant. It is good etiquette to consume something there – the view from the terrace is magnificent, and you should definitely try the Appenzeller Siedwurst.
Insider tip Appenzell – Schlatt, picturesque village
The most beautiful village – insider tip Appenzell
Anyone who wants to see all of Appenzell’s attractions and skips Schlatt will miss out on a real insider tip. This small village is located on a hill between Appenzell and Teufen (approx. 15 minutes by car). Even from a distance, you can see the striking bell tower of St. Joseph’s Church.
Our photo tip Village Schlatt
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.
Restaurant Bären in Schlatt
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 – The landmark of eastern switzerland
The 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.
How to reach the Säntis summit
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 and important note
On the way, it is worth staying overnight in the Berggasthaus Rotsteinpass. Especially in the early morning and evening hours, you will often encounter ibexes 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: Photo spots in Appenzell are definitely among the most beautiful places in Switzerland
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, there are many other Appenzell sights that will enrich your trip. So: pack your camera, lace up your hiking boots – and off you go!
Appenzell sights
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Insider tip Appenzell
Are you looking for a local Swiss wedding photographer in Appenzell?
You now know our selection of the 7 most beautiful photo spots and Appenzell sights. If we were able to convince you and you are still looking for an experienced wedding photographer in Appenzell, we would be very happy to hear from you.
We Know the Region, the most Beautiful Places. Let’s Talk about your Plans without Obligation – We Look Forward to Getting to Know You and Accompanying You on your Special Day.
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