Ticket
Ebenalp (Äscher) cable car ticket from Wasserauen
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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.
Seealpsee lies in the middle of the Alpstein region. The Säntis is particularly prominent. We have listed a few other striking peaks for you.
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 |
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
Boats are available for hire at the Berggasthaus Forelle. You can hire a rowing boat and get a life jacket on request.
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 |
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 |
There are three ways to hike to Seealpsee from Wasserauen:
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
You can only reach Seealpsee on foot from Wasserauen. The route to Wasserauen is easily accessible by car and train.
From Zürich it is best to travel to Gossau. There you change to the S23 trains to Wasserauen station. From Appenzell it is a 12-minute ride on the S23 train to Wasserauen.
You can take two different routes from Zurich. The shorter route is via the A1 to exit 79-Gossau. Continue via Appenzell and Schwende-Rüte to Wasserauen. You will need at least 90 minutes for this route.
Alternatively, take the A3 along Lake Zurich. Then change to route 8 and take the road to Appenzell after Waldstatt. This route is more idyllic, but takes at least 10-15 minutes longer.
Parking is available near the valley station of the Ebenalp cable car. Drive to Schwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen and park in one of the paid parking lots.
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.