Alpstein
Three wonderful days in the Appenzellerland
3 days / Summer 2025
The Alpstein massif in Appenzellerland is a paradise for hikers. With its striking peaks, deep valleys and idyllic alpine pastures, it offers a varied landscape. The Säntis in particular, the highest mountain in the region, attracts many visitors. Numerous well-marked hiking trails lead through the breathtaking nature and offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The region is also known for its cosy mountain inns where you can enjoy traditional Appenzell specialities. Hiking in the Alpstein is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and mountain enthusiasts.
The Alpstein, a unique mountain massif in the east of Switzerland
Facts & Highlights
Hike up the Säntis, the highest mountain in the Appenzell Alps
great mountain inn in the middle of a spectacular mountain backdrop
3 days from Friday to Sunday
small travel group with a maximum of only 8 participants
Level of difficulty 3.5 out of 5
Are you ready for some fantastic days in the Alpstein? Then get in touch with me!
Alpstein
“The Alpstein reveals its beauty at every sunset, when the last rays bathe the rugged rocks in golden light.”
Itinerary of the trip
Day 1 – Wasserauen – Lake Seealp – Mesmeralp
We begin our hike at the Alpenrose inn in Wasserauen and climb gently through forests and alpine meadows to the beautifully situated Seealpsee lake. From here, there is an absolutely spectacular view of the highest mountain in the Appenzell Alps, the Säntis, as well as other peaks such as the Rossmad and the Altmann. We continue via a short steep ascent to a high plateau where our accommodation, the Mesmeralp, is nestled in the magnificent mountain world of the Alpstein at approx. 1600 m above sea level.
Overnight stay at the Mesmer mountain inn / walking time approx. 3–4 hours ▲ 920 m ▼ 220 m
Day 2 – Wagenlücke – Säntis – Rotstein Pass
After a hearty breakfast and with our day packs, we set off towards Wagenlücke. During a short break with a fantastic panorama, we climb the last 400 meters uphill towards Säntis (2502 m), the highest mountain in the Appenzell region. After a refreshment break, we continue over the Chalbersäntis and the Wisswand, where a head for heights is required, to the Rotsteinpass. From here, we hike downhill across beautiful alpine meadows to our starting point at Mesmeralp.
Overnight stay at the Mesmer mountain inn / Walking time approx. 5–6 hours ▲ 1100 m ▼ 1100 m
Day 3 – Mesmer Alp – Schäfler – Äscher – Wasserauen
Our last day brings us more fantastic views and wonderful moments in the Alpstein region. We set off early in the morning. We hike north towards Steckenberg and Schäfler. From here, we continue via Chlus to Ebenalp and the now world-famous Äscher Wildkirchli, before taking the Ebenalp cable car back to our starting point in Wasserauen. After three wonderful days in the spectacular natural surroundings of the Alpstein, we say goodbye to the Appenzell region.
Individual journey home / walking time approx. 5–6 hours ▲ 1,200 m ▼ 1,100 m
"In the Alpstein, heaven and earth unite in a majestic dance that fills the heart of the viewer with awe and wonder."
Services included in the travel price:
– Tour from/to Wasserauen
– All transfers and excursions as per the program
– 2 nights' accommodation in a mountain hut in shared rooms/dormitories with breakfast
– Guided tour by a German- and English-speaking hiking guide
Services not included in the travel price:
– Arrival and departure to/from Wasserauen
– Parking fees
– Beverages Lunch and dinner
– Personal expenses
– Travel insurance
from €580 per person
"The Alpstein, with its rugged peaks and emerald green alpine pastures, is a jewel of the Swiss mountains, where nature and culture shine in harmonious unity."
Further information
On this tour, unexpected conditions such as bad weather or logistical challenges may lead to delays, route adjustments, or program changes. Therefore, a sense of adventure, flexibility, and patience are essential. Openness to other cultures and personalities is also important, as we will be sharing unique experiences together.
Hiking:
A multi-day tour in the mountains can be a demanding challenge for many hikers. We mainly walk on well-maintained mountain trails, but these can be steep, rocky, earthy, and slippery in places. Therefore, hiking experience and a good level of physical fitness are required. If you are confident walking on uneven, rocky terrain and have a head for heights, you will be able to enjoy the Alpstein to the full.
Accommodation:
Please note that individual room requests often cannot be accommodated in the huts. We usually stay in dormitories, and if available, we try to reserve places in shared rooms, but we cannot always guarantee this. Washrooms are available in all huts, and some also offer showers.
Meals:
We will be provided with a sufficient breakfast at our accommodation. We will also have dinner here in the evening after the hike, and vegetarian options are available on request. There are often inviting places to stop for refreshments along the way, or you can put together a packed lunch. At the start of the tour, it is sufficient to take enough water and a light snack, such as an energy bar, with you.
Arrival:
The meeting point is in Wasserauen at 12 noon on the first day. If you are traveling by car, you can park your car there for the entire duration of the hike. The location is easily accessible by public transport.
For more information about the trip, the itinerary, equipment list, and much more, please call +436506436089 or send me an email at info@thomasvau.com.
Alpstein
JOIN US!
3 days / Summer 2025
About me
Welcome!
My name is Tom Vau and I am the founder of Tom Vau Adventures. I am a state-certified ski instructor and ski guide, as well as a UIMLA mountain leader in summer, tour operator, artist and photographer.
It is a pleasure for me to express my creativity, to be open to new things and to enjoy experimenting. This is especially true in the areas of nature, sport and art/culture. Ultimately, it is always about enjoying beautiful moments together.
I share my passion for the mountains, nature and sport with my guests from all over the world. I am delighted that you are interested in joining me to experience the wonderful Ruwezoni Mountains region in Uganda. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
