Seealpsee

7 Highlights at Seealpsee

• The Seealpsee is very idyllically situated in the middle of the Alpstein mountains.
• The water of the Seealpsee is particularly clean.
• The pretty lake is ideal for bathing and swimming in high summer.
• Two mountain inns are located directly on the lake and make the excursion destination even more popular.
• Rowing boats can be hired from the Berggasthaus Forelle.
• The Seealpsee can be perfectly combined with a hike to the world-famous Äscher mountain restaurant or with numerous other hikes in the Alpstein.
• There are two alpine cheese dairies near the lake that you can visit during the summer months. Fresh products such as milk and alpine cheese are on sale here.

Things to see at Seealpsee

The Seealpsee offers a postcard idyll all around, which is a sight in itself. The view across the lake to the Säntis is even captured on regional beer bottles and cans. Of course, the Säntis is not the only mountain that forms part of the spectacular backdrop here.

Mountain peaks around Lake Seealpsee

Lake Seealpsee is nestled in the heart of the Alpstein region. The striking Säntis is particularly noticeable. We’ve listed some more impressive peaks for you.

Mountain peak at Seealpsee

Name	Height (m above sea level)	Special feature
Säntis	2502	particularly striking and popular, highest mountain in the Alpstein
Altmann	2435	in the Säntis massif, west of the Hundstein
Altenalptürm	2033	three peaks in the northern Alpstein massif, form a ridge
Hundstein	2157	south of the Seealpsee
Ebenalp	1644	north of the Seealpsee

Bruderklausen Chapel at Seealpsee

The Bruderklausen Chapel at Seealpsee was built in 1967. It is a place where you can reflect. It is a popular resting place on hikes. In the summer months, a mountain service is held here every Sunday at 10:30 am (during the alpine season). On the last Sunday in September, the men's choir "Alpstee" from Brülisau joins in. On this day, the chapel festival is celebrated in honor of St. Brother Klaus.

Alpine cheese dairies at Seealpsee

The two alpine cheese dairies are happy to let you look over their shoulders. You can buy Seealp cheese here, which has a special taste because the cows eat fresh alpine grass and herbs. Whey baths in nature are also on offer.

Seealp cheese dairies

name	location	open	special feature
Seealpchäs	15 min. from Berggasthaus Forelle along the lake	June to August	7 different types of cheese
Alpkäserei Grosshütten	30 min. from Berggasthaus Forelle in the direction of the huts	late May to early October	cheese varieties, cups of fresh cow's milk and cheese platters on site; short guided tour of the cheese cellar incl. cheese tasting

Activities at Seealpsee

The Seealpsee is easy to reach and is a popular excursion destination thanks to its mountain inns. Its breathtaking scenery makes it one of the most popular attractions in the Alpstein and Appenzell region.

Bathing and swimming in the Seealpsee

In midsummer (July and August), the lake reaches temperatures of up to 15 degrees Celsius. Bathing is just as possible as swimming. However, swimming in the mountain lake is only recommended for experienced swimmers who are accompanied by a boat.

Boating on the Seealpsee

Boats are available for hire at the Berggasthaus Forelle. You can hire a rowing boat and get a life jacket on request.

Hiking at Seealpsee

You can go on short and longer hikes from Seealpsee. Here are some suggestions for you:

Hike	Duration
Seealpsee Circumnavigation	45 min
Seealpsee-Ebenalp	80 min
Seealpsee-Hüttentobel-Wasserauen	70 min
Seealpsee-Mesmer-Wagenlücke-Säntis	4 hrs
Seealpsee-Äscher	60 min
Seealpsee-Mesmer	90 min
Seealpsee-Schäfler	135 min
Seealpsee-Underscore-Meglisalp	70 min

Mountain inns on the Seealpsee

The Berggasthaus Forelle and the Berggasthaus Seealpsee are located directly on the northern shore of the lake. In addition to food and drink, both establishments also offer overnight accommodation.

Name	Location	open	Special feature
Berggasthaus Forelle	North-east of the lake, directly on the lakeshore	until the end of October	Double and multi-bed rooms with shower/WC
Berggasthaus Seealpsee	North of the lake, directly on the lakeshore	Mid-April to end of October (except Monday)	Overnight stay in 1- to 4-bed rooms, some with shower, WC on the floor

Hikes to Seealpsee from Wasserauen

You have three options for hiking to Seealpsee from Wasserauen:

• Along the road
• Through Hüttentobel
• Take the cable car to Ebenalp and then continue on foot

route	duration	description
Wasserauen-Hüttentobel-Seealpsee	approx. 70 min	behind Restaurant Alpenrose in Wasserauen on the left, well-maintained hiking trail through the steep Hüttentobel to Alp Hütten, continue to the lake
Wasserauen-Ebenalp-Seealpsee	approx. 90 min	Wasserauen cable car to Ebenalp, then descent via Wildkirchlihöhle and Berggasthaus Äscher to Seealpsee (keep children on a lead, wear good hiking boots)
Wasserauen via transport route to Seealpsee	approx. 50 min	natural road, steep in places, unspectacular route

If you want to add some variety to your hike, we recommend taking a different route back from Seealpsee lake

Getting to Lake Seealpsee

You can only reach Lake Seealpsee on foot from Wasserauen. The route to Wasserauen is easily accessible by car and train.

By Train

From Zurich, it's best to head to Gossau. There, you can switch to the S23 trains heading to Wasserauen Station. From Appenzell, it's a 12-minute ride on the S23 train to Wasserauen.

By Car

From Zurich, you have two different routes to choose from. The shorter one takes you along the A1 to exit 79-Gossau. Then, you continue through Appenzell and Schwende-Rüte to Wasserauen. This route will take you at least 90 minutes.

Alternatively, you can drive along the A3 by the Zurich Lake. After that, switch to Route 8 and you’ll find the road to Appenzell just after Waldstatt. This route is more picturesque, but it's at least 10-15 minutes longer.

There are parking spaces available near the valley station of the Ebenalp cable car. Just head to Schwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen and park in one of the paid parking spots there.

The Seealpsee is a spectacular natural experience. With its picturesque location, surrounded by impressive Alpine peaks, it offers an unforgettable experience for hikers and nature lovers. Whether you opt for a leisurely boat trip on the lake, enjoy a picnic on the shore or simply admire the breathtaking views - Seealpsee is sure to enchant you.