Ebenalp — Attraction in Schwende-Rüte

A breathtaking experience at Ebenalp – nature, structure, and digital inspiration!

We had the pleasure of visiting the Ebenalp mountain in Switzerland, and the experience started with the cable car — excellent infrastructure, an organized ticketing system, and a safe, panoramic ride that already amazes you from the very beginning. The view was absolutely stunning, even with the sky a bit hazy due to smoke from the wildfires in Canada. Still, the surrounding nature never failed to impress.

After reaching the top by cable car, we enjoyed a very pleasant hike down to Seealpsee lake, where we had a picnic. I even left a little bit of bread for the ducklings who came to visit us (hope that was okay 😄). The scenery is simply incredible — mountains all around, lush greenery, and ducks swimming peacefully in the cold, clear lake.

On our way down, we passed two very interesting restaurants — one of them built into the mountain itself, which looked like a must-see spot, but it was very crowded so we kept walking. The other, near the lake, has a great setup and a very welcoming atmosphere. Everything is well maintained and in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings.

Our dog unfortunately had sore front paws near the end of the hike, so I had to carry him on my back — an unexpected workout but totally worth it!

My name is Felipe Garcia, from Real Vision, and our work is all about creating digital solutions that connect people to places — through Google Business Profiles, Street View, virtual tours, interactive maps, professional videos and photography. Ebenalp is without a doubt a place with incredible potential for immersive digital experiences and virtual tours — a natural gem that deserves to be explored both in person and online.

Kudos to the team managing the cable car and the entire area — for providing such a safe, well-signposted and unforgettable experience. And here’s a personal invitation: if you’re curious about how we bring places like this to life in the digital world, feel free to check out my profile and learn more about our work at Real Vision.

📍 Ebenalp is truly worth the visit — and maybe soon, you’ll be able to explore it in a virtual...

This is a detailed overview of getting to the popular Ascher Guesthouse via the hiking trails that lead from Wasserauen to Ebenalp, and the easier route from the Ebenalp cable car station:

Wasserauen to Ebenalp via Seealpsee and Wildkirchli Caves

Wasserauen to Seealpsee Distance: 3 km Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate This portion of the hike starts at Wasserauen, where you can park your car or arrive by train. The trail begins with a steep ascent through forests and meadows, leading to the stunning Seealpsee, an alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks. This is a great spot for a break and photo opportunities.

Seealpsee to Wildkirchli Caves Distance: 2 km Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours Difficulty: Challenging From Seealpsee, the trail becomes steeper and more rugged as you make your way up towards the Wildkirchli caves. This section requires careful footing and a good level of fitness. The caves, which have historical significance as a former hermit dwelling and ancient human habitat, add an interesting cultural aspect to the hike.

Wildkirchli Caves to Aescher Guesthouse Distance: 1 km Duration: 30 minutes Difficulty: Easy The final stretch from the caves to the guesthouse is less steep and offers some of the most dramatic views. This section is a more leisurely walk compared to the previous climbs and leads you directly to the Aescher Guesthouse, which is nestled against the cliffside.

Ebenalp Cable Car to Aescher Guesthouse

Cable Car Ride Duration: Approximately 10 minutes Take the cable car from Wasserauen to the top station on Ebenalp.

Hike down from Ebenalp to Aescher Distance: 1.8 km Duration: 20-30 minutes Difficulty: Easy

This is the most accessible route, ideal for those who prefer a shorter hike or are traveling with families. The trail descends from the cable car station through scenic paths, passing by the Wildkirchli caves and finally arriving at the...

📍Ebenalp – Aescher – Schäfler Hike @Appenzell 🇨🇭

🚠 Cable Car | Iconic Guesthouse | Cliffside Alpine Hike

We began our alpine adventure by taking the Ebenalp cable car from Wasserauen—a short but scenic ride that delivers you straight into the heart of the Appenzell Alps. From the upper station, we followed the well-marked trail toward the Wildkirchli caves, passed the small St. Michael’s Chapel built into the rocks, and soon arrived at the world-famous Aescher – Guesthouse on the Mountain.

At Aescher, we took a break with drinks and snacks while soaking in the dramatic views. The guesthouse, perched against a sheer cliff, is as stunning in real life as it is in photos. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind stopover on the way.

From there, we continued the cliff hike to Schäfler Hut—one of the most breathtaking ridge trails we’ve ever done. The path gradually ascends with zigzagging switchbacks and some exposed sections along the ridge. Chains and safety cables are in place where needed, but the hike still requires surefootedness and confidence. The panoramic views stretch over the Alpstein peaks, and the trail offers constant visual rewards with every step.

🛖 At the top, Gasthaus Schäfler welcomed us with warm food and the promise of a cozy mountain stay. We had planned an overnight there to enjoy the sunset and alpine atmosphere—highly recommended for a...