Attractions and Places To See around Gonten - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Gonten, Switzerland, is a community situated in a fog-free high valley west of Appenzell. This region, at the foot of the Alpstein mountains, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from mountain peaks to serene lakes, alongside historical sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Gonten
- The most popular attractions is Seealpsee, a lake known for its clear, green water and surrounding alpine scenery. It features free-roaming cows and a cheese dairy.
- Another must-see spot is Fählensee, a lake located at 1447 meters above sea level within the Alpstein massif. The lake is noted for its reflections of the surrounding mountains on calm days.
- Visitors also love Aescher-Wildkirchli Mountain Inn, a hut carved into the rock of the Alpstein Mountains. This inn, in its current form since 1860, is one of the oldest mountain inns in Switzerland.
- Gonten is known for its mountain peaks, serene lakes, and cultural sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including natural monuments and historical buildings.
- The attractions around Gonten are appreciated by the komoot community. These places have received more than 2000 upvotes and nearly 2000 photos have been shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Aescher-Wildkirchli Mountain Inn
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Seealpsee
Highlight • Lake
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Hoher Kasten Summit
Highlight • Summit
Accordingly, you are rarely alone here.
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Säntis Summit (2,502 m)
Highlight • Summit
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Fählensee
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
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/
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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.
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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/
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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
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Walk up and enjoy the 360° view twice.
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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.
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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.
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The perfect end to his hike. Great restaurant. And worth a stop even in bad weather.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Gonten?
Gonten is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You can visit the picturesque Seealpsee, known for its clear, green water and free-roaming cows, or the serene Fählensee, nestled at 1447 meters above sea level. Kronberg Mountain, Gonten's 'house mountain,' offers panoramic views and is accessible by cable car or hiking trails.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit in Gonten?
Yes, Gonten offers unique cultural and historical experiences. The Aescher-Wildkirchli Mountain Inn is a sensational site carved into the rock of the Alpstein Mountains, with a history dating back to 1860. You can also visit ROOTHUUS GONTEN, a monument-protected building from 1763/64, which houses the Center for Folkloristic Music from the Alpstein region.
What activities are available for families with children in Gonten?
Families can enjoy several activities. Kronberg Mountain offers a bobsled run (Kronberg-Bobbahn) and a Zipline-Park at its base station. The Gonten Barefoot Trail is a 4.9-kilometer sensory experience perfect for all ages. Many of the hiking trails around Gonten are also suitable for families, offering a chance to explore nature together.
Can I find accessible attractions for visitors with limited mobility?
Yes, the Hoher Kasten Summit is wheelchair accessible. You can reach the summit via cable car, and its revolving restaurant and barrier-free European circular route offer stunning 360° panoramic views for everyone to enjoy.
What are the best hiking opportunities near Gonten?
Gonten is a hiker's paradise with an extensive network of trails. Popular options include routes around the beautiful Seealpsee and Fählensee. For more challenging routes, consider trails leading to the Säntis Summit or the Hoher Kasten Summit. You can find detailed hiking routes in the Hiking around Gonten guide.
Are there options for winter sports or activities in Gonten?
Absolutely. In winter, Kronberg Mountain boasts the longest sled run in Eastern Switzerland, as well as cross-country ski trails and the Alpsteinblick ski lift. The region also provides opportunities for winter hiking on marked trails.
Where can I experience panoramic views of the region?
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to Kronberg Mountain, which offers magnificent vistas of the Säntis, Hoher Kasten, the Appenzell region, and Lake Constance. The Hoher Kasten Summit and Säntis Summit also provide spectacular 360° views of the Alpstein Mountains and beyond.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions in Gonten?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, especially the picturesque mountain lakes like Seealpsee and Fählensee, for their serene atmosphere and reflections of the mountains. The unique experience of the Aescher-Wildkirchli Mountain Inn, carved into the rock, is also a highly recommended highlight for its historical charm and scenic location.
What kind of outdoor activities are available besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, Gonten offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking on numerous routes across the Appenzell hills and valleys, or try running on trails detailed in the Running Trails around Gonten guide. The Gonten Golf Course provides an 18-hole experience, and in winter, sledding and cross-country skiing are popular.
Is there a unique trail like a barefoot path in Gonten?
Yes, Gonten is home to the Gonten Barefoot Trail (Barfussweg). This 4.9-kilometer trail starts near the Kronberg cable car valley station and leads past the Gonten golf course to Gontenbad, offering a unique sensory experience through the Gontenmoos (moorland).
Where can I find dining options near the main attractions?
Many of the popular attractions offer dining facilities. The Aescher-Wildkirchli Mountain Inn is a famous spot for a meal. The Hoher Kasten Summit features a revolving restaurant with panoramic views. Additionally, the area around Seealpsee has a cheese dairy and other small eateries.
How can I reach the mountain peaks around Gonten?
Several mountain peaks are easily accessible. Kronberg Mountain can be reached via the Kronberg cable car. The Hoher Kasten Summit is accessible by cable car from Brülisau. For the Säntis Summit, you can take a cable car from Schwägalp, offering a comfortable ascent to 2,502 meters.
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