Beautiful Mountains to visit in Schwende – Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland
1. Santis Mountain – Cable car, Hotel, Restaurant, Attractions – Säntis-Schwebebahn
The weather on the Säntis is always spectacular. In the fascinating new experiential world on the mountain summit the impressive natural phenomena and its elementary effects become definitely comprehensible. The panoramic weather observation on clear sky days at 2502 m. a. s. offers a majestic outlook over six different nations. The interactive panoramic round walk supported by quiz games and self-made experiments is a full immersion in the Säntis weather elements.
The panoramic weather observation on clear sky days offers a majestic outlook over six nations: from the Säntis summit the range of vision stretches out to France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. The stereo viewer enables to admire the skyline of the six most prominent mountains on the horizon along with a variety of 3D perspective views of the Säntis.
Panoramic view of six fantastic landscapes. The new experiential world makes any weather condition interactive and playful. The stone-engraved scenery «Panoramic view from the Säntis summit» (1870-71) by Dr. Albert Heim.
The weather on the Säntis is absolutely superlative. It counts the world’s longest series of summit station measurements, the rainiest place in Switzerland, the highest concentration of lightning strikes, the highest snowfall measured in Switzerland.
The list of the Säntis records is rather long. The newly built by-pass path along the northern terrace is a tribute to those records and the extreme weather phenomena of this world.
A journey discovering the global climate and weather extremes on seven continents. 3D pictures and videos of each continent are being displayed in the stereo viewers. A colossal, walkable kaleidoscope displaying breath-talking images of the mountain.
2. Kronberg Mountain Appenzell – Cable car, Hotel, Restaurant, Attractions
The Kronberg offers you attractive offers in every season: After a cozy Cable car rideat 1,663 m above sea level not only receives youMountain inn with fine cuisine, but also a starting point for delightful ones hikes in summer or the longest Toboggan run Eastern Switzerland in winter.
A awaits you in the valley Zipline park, one Fairytale world and a Bobsleigh track. Also invalleyyour physical well-being is taken care of. So what are you waiting for?
Kronberg offers a wealth of experiences for young and old. Down in the valley visitors will find a rope park, bob run and large playground, while up on top on the gentle back of the Kronberg there are fantastic views to enjoy. Paragliders set off from here in all directions. And it’s also a great place for hiking for visitors of all ages.
3. Ebenalp Mountain Appenzell – Cable car, Hotel, Restaurant, Attractions
Below is the summer hiking map for this area. From the top of the Ebenalp cable car, we followed trail #1 about 600 m to the iconic restaurant on the side of the cliff with amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
To reach the lake, we continued down on #8, following signs to Seealpsee on a steep mountain with switchbacks. It’s about 2 km to reach the lake, which took our crew about 1hr30.
This hike is possible with children, but requires a motivated crew and some caution (more on that below). I also recommend walking sticks to provide stability as you navigate many stairs and some slippery slopes.
At the lake, you can optionally walk around the lake, which adds about 1.5 km. Or you can stay on the eastern shore and visit one of the restaurants there. From the lake down back to Wasserauen, you can walk on the paved service road (very steep in parts, not easy walking, but possible with strollers) or the steep mountain trail (definitely no strollers), as shown on the map below. This is about 3 km and took us about 1hr15.
From the station in Schwende the route passes St. Martin’s church heading west towards Eugst. A wide ski trail leads to Alp Bommen and then on to Gartenwald. At the branching of the path, take the left fork.
Here you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Kamor, Hoher Kasten and the long rock face of Alp Sigel – as well as the Berggasthaus Äscher. The inn clings to the foot of the vertical cliff face of the Ebenalp. Take a well-deserved rest and treat yourself to a delicious plate of rösti or a special «Höhlen Meringue».
Past the inn the route continues to the Wildkirchli caves. The first one you reach is the Altar Cave, in front of which stands a tiny 19th century wooden bell tower. Keep going through the caves until you reach the Ebenalp.
The Wildkirchli caves have become world-famous, thanks to prehistoric findings dating back to the Stone Age. Skeletons of cave bears and stone tools are evidence that hunters lived here in prehistoric times.
After the caves the route ascends to the plateau of the Ebenalp. Take time to enjoy the impressive panoramic views before riding the cable car back down to the valley.