Top 20 Natural Monuments around Appenzell Innerrhoden

Our mountain guesthouse has seen many a proud face after the steep climb. The guesthouse, in its current form, has existed since 1860, making it one of the oldest mountain inns in Switzerland. Pastor Ulmann was the first hermit to live in the hermitage in the Wildkirchli in 1658. More than 20 men followed his example until 1853, shaping the history of the Wildkirchli as hermits and first hosts. Since then, this mystical place has fascinated generations. Stories are told of little wild people who are said to have once lived in the Wildkirchli caves and come to the aid of the herdsmen. The Aescher inspires poets and artists to create new works. Bones of cave bears and stone tools bear witness to the cave as an ancient shelter. Source: https://aescher.ch/

Very beautiful mountain lake at 1447 m above sea level, which, like the Sämtiser and Seealpsee, is part of the Alpstein. Ideal for cooling off after a hike. When there is no wind, the mountains are beautifully reflected in the water.

Hoher Kasten – TOP OF APPENZELL On the Hoher Kasten, the Swiss lookout mountain, the mountains are at your feet. The Hoher Kasten cable car takes you from Brülisau to 1,794 meters above sea level in eight minutes, where unique views of six countries await you. You can experience the 360° panorama not only on the barrier-free European circular route, but also in the only revolving restaurant in Eastern Switzerland – culinary delights included. The Alpine Garden, the plant paradise on the summit, also leaves a lasting impression. Or do you want to discover the most beautiful hiking trails in the Alpstein from the Hoher Kasten? Text / Source: Hoher Kasten revolving restaurant, and cable car AG, Dorf 22, 9058 Brülisau https://www.hoherkasten.ch/

Hoher Kasten revolving restaurant Just sit down and enjoy "rondom". In the only revolving restaurant in Eastern Switzerland on the Hoher Kasten, guests experience a limitless, changing 360° view. While the view stretches from the impressive backdrop of the Alpstein, across the lovely Appenzellerland to the expanse of Lake Constance, we spoil you with seasonal and regional specialties. The revolving restaurant is open daily from April to February during the cable car's operating hours and is easily accessible by lift for guests with limited mobility. Text / Source: Appenzellerland Tourismus AI, Hauptgasse 38, CH-9050 Appenzell https://www.appenzell.ch/de/alpstein/berggasthaeuser/drehrestaurant-hoher-kasten.html

Walk up and enjoy the 360° view twice.

At 2,502 meters, the Säntis is the highest mountain in the Alpstein Mountains. The Säntis lies on the border between the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Aargau, and St. Gallen. The mountains are composed of limestone and marl. The cable car takes hikers from Schwägalp up the mountain. Even in June, snow lies here and temperatures are icy. From the Säntis, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Alpstein Mountains, the Appenzellerland, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Constance.

The view from here is terrific in good weather, and the ascent is doable with a bit of fitness. From the (rather touristic) circular path around the summit you should be able to see 6 countries. Thanks to the cable car, it gets correspondingly fuller at the top when the weather is good.

Actually a nice tour - until you get to the top of the building, because this clearly disturbs the view. The all-round view on the summit is good again, only often a bit crowded.