Seealpsee is a beautiful picturesque lake in the Appenzell Alps in Switzerland. It lies in Alpstein region and is surrounded by majestic peaks, including Säntis. While it has a completely different vibe than Oeschinensee, it’s certainly worth a visit.
The whole area is full of hiking trails of different levels, offering countless opportunities for both beginner and more experienced hikers. While you can easily visit the mountain lake on a 2-hour hike, you can also choose a few more difficult options with even better views.
We personally wanted to see Schäfler Ridge, which was on our bucket list for quite some time. We decided to make it a two-day hike since we couldn’t resist watching the sunset from Schäfler.
We didn’t include this place in our 10-day itinerary, however, if you have extra time, it’s certainly a place you shouldn’t skip!
The loop we did starts in Wasserauen and continues to Aescher, Schäfler, Mesmer, and Seealpsee. It was an amazing experience, which we highly recommend if you’re looking for a more adventurous trek in Appenzell.
In this guide, we’ll share all you need to know about visiting, including different trails, difficulty, how to get there, our tips and more.
Where is Seealpsee
Seealpsee is in the Alpstein region in the Appenzell mountains. Located in the northeast of Switzerland, the nearest town is Appenzell. Liechtenstein is only 42 km and Zürich 96 km away. Alpstein is home to a few more beautiful alpine lakes, such as Fälensee.
Alpstein is still untouched by mass tourism and remains one of the secret hiking destinations.
The lake lies in a valley under Säntis Peak. The only way to reach this place is by foot. Cars are not allowed to drive there.
Save the location of lake Seealpsee to your Google Maps.
Key Highlights
⭐️ Duration: from 1.5 hours
⭐️ Shortest distance: 2.6 km (one way)
⭐️ Starting point: Wasserauen
⭐️ Activities: swimming, picnic, rowboat, fishing
⭐️ Where to stay: Appenzell
⭐️ Discount travel passes: Swiss Travel Pass | Half Fare Card
⭐️ Website: ebenalp.ch
How to get to Seealpsee
Public transport
Thanks to the amazing Swiss public transport system, you can reach almost any place by train, bus, cable car, or boat. And Seealpsee is no exception, since you can travel by train directly to the trailhead in Wasserauen.
The direct trains depart from Gossau every 30 minutes and the journey only takes 50 minutes. You can get to Gossau from Zürich or Chur by a direct connection. To search for the trains use SBB or Omio.
If you’re staying in Appenzell, the train ride only takes 11 minutes with departures scheduled every 30 minutes.
Swiss Travel Pass gives you unlimited travel on most Swiss trains (including panoramic rides), boats, and buses. It can save you hundreds of Swiss Francs. So if you plan to use public on your trip, it’s a great investment! Another option is a Half Fare Card.
Car & Parking
We had our own car in Switzerland, so we used it for all our trips. Getting to Wasserauen by car is really easy and the road is in good condition. We also passed numerous picturesque villages and enjoyed scenic views along the way.
If you also wish to explore Switzerland by car, we recommend Discover Cars to find the best deals. Don’t forget to purchase Full Coverage, too.
Once in the village, head towards the train station. Many metered parking lots are available there for only 5 CHF per 24 hours. In case it’s full, you’ll be directed by the parking attendant to another spacious spot in the nearby fields (overflow parking)
So no worries, even if you arrive late in the day, the chances there won’t be a spot for you are thin.
Best hotels in Appenzell
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Trail Overview
If you’re looking for a day-trip in Alpstein, you have many different options. Take a look at the map below and see for yourself. But we’re gonna describe the fastest and easiest routes, as well as the trail we did ourselves.
We will mention 4 different trails you can choose:
- Service road (purple) – the easiest one on a wide asphalt, steep at times, best for families with kids or beginner hikers
- Dirt hiking trail (yellow) – a mountain trail, dirt footpath through a forest with uneven terrain
- Via Aescher (blue) – a more difficult climb, but worth it since you visit Aescher mountain hut built right under the cliffs
- Via Schäfler ridge (red) – the route we did, it’s a difficult alpine hike for experienced hikers only
Hiking Map
Planning the Seealpsee hike
What to bring
The most important thing we always pack is layered clothes. After all, in the mountains weather is often unpredictable. So even on a hot summer day have a jacket with you. Another thing we often forget is sunscreen. Don’t make the same mistake!
Since you can swim here, don’t forget a swimsuit and a towel. We also make sure we have enough water with us.
Food & Water
No matter which trail you choose you’ll find mountain huts everywhere! Furthermore, they sell local products such as cheese, milk, or yogurts. How awesome is that, right?
But if you come outside the main season, there’s a chance they won’t be open. But I believe mountain huts at Seealpsee are open all year round.
Despite that, make sure to bring enough water and some snacks, just in case.
Weather conditions
We never go on to the mountains without checking the weather. Especially in the summer, it’s important to avoid storms when visiting mountains. We recommend downloading a mobile app to check the possible storm warnings.
Useful mobile apps
To check the weather report, we loved using the MeteoSwiss mobile app. Another useful app to have when traveling around Switzerland is SBB or Omio app, to check public transport. We also never go hiking without offline maps, such as maps.me. You should also download offline Google Maps, just in case.
Seealpsee hike – trail instructions
From Wasserauen
Distance: 2.6 or 3.6 km
Elevation: ↑ 274 m / 336 m, ↓ 0 m / 65m
Duration: 1.5 h or 2 h
Difficulty: easy / medium
The Seealpsee trailhead starts in Wasserauen. You have two options – a service road or a dirt footpath in a forest. In the stats above, the first number always represents the former.
We only hiked this section down from Seealpsee and opted for the service road. At that time, we were so exhausted from the steep descent, we didn’t want to walk the uneven terrain anymore. So the fact that there is an asphalt road was great news to us.
The first option is only 2.8 km and takes less than 1.5 hours. It’s a wide path that is suitable for anyone, even strollers. But it’s quite steep at times. Because of this, it’s almost impossible to visit in a wheelchair.
Another option is the dirt footpath. This one takes you through a forest and you can also see a waterfall on the way. It’s slightly longer at 3.6 km and takes around 2 hours. Furthermore, the terrain is uneven, with a few stairs. Because of this it’s not suitable for strollers. But a beginner hiker would have a great time here!
Via Aescher
Distance: 5.4 km
Elevation: ↑ 710 m, ↓ 423 m
Duration: 3 h
Difficulty: medium
Another more difficult but also more scenic path is the hiking route to Aescher and descending down to Seealpsee. But I would only recommend this option to more experienced hikers. If you plan this trip with kids, you should also consider their abilities. Direct trail is certainly a safer option.
The first section is up a very steep hill from Wasserauen to Aescher. Most of it leads through a forest, which provided us much welcomed shadow. But we could feel the burn in our legs. Once we got out of the forest, the descent got slightly more comfortable.
We passed lovely alpine meadows with cows grazing all around. Along the way, we also saw one small mountain hut, where we could be fresh drinks. As we were getting closer to Aescher, the views kept getting better.
At the Aescher mountain hut
Soon we found ourselves walking along a safe cliff edge with incredible views of the area from above. Before long we could see a one-of-a-kind Aescher mountain hut built under the cliffs. Let me tell you, this place has an unusual atmosphere. We were immediately welcomed by chickens strolling all around.
Before you leave Aescher, make sure to check the chapel built in a cave – Wildkirchli. If you keep walking for around 5 minutes towards Ebenalp, you will enter a tunnel leading to the other side of the mountain. While it’s not the right direction, it’s a very interesting place to visit.
So even if you don’t continue that way, we recommend taking the extra effort to see this unusual trail.
While we continued to Schäfler from here, you can also descend to Seealpsee. The section is slightly dangerous, though, with a few deadly accidents. The path is steep with a challenging drop-off on the side.
The section takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Another option is to take the Ebenalp cable car and descent via Aescher.
Via Schäfler Ridge
Distance: 16.7 km
Elevation: ↑ 1194 m, ↓ 1182 m
Duration: 7.5 h
Difficulty: medium / difficult
A more difficult option is via Schäfler Ridge. If you’re an avid hiker who loves mountains, you will be stunned by this option. While it can be done in one day, we chose to make it a 2-day adventure.
Note that this alpine hiking trail is recommended for experienced hikers only due to the narrow trail on a steep slope. It reminded us of the incredible Augstmatthorn hike near Interlaken.
First we visited Aescher described above. From there we continued via a tunnel to Ebenalp, a starting point for paragliders. We couldn’t help ourselves and stopped here for a few minutes to watch them take off and soar in the sky.
Soon we got views of Seealpsee peaking from behind the mountains. The section from Ebenalp started with a little incline. But to get to Schäfler Hut, we had one more steep hill to climb. Before long, we were sitting on a terrace enjoying a well-deserved beer.
We spent a night at Schäfler Hut to watch the sunset from the top. Furthermore, Schäfler Ridge is a very affordable mountain hut, which we highly recommend visiting!
In the morning we set off for Mesmer along the Schäfler Ridge. A thrilling trail traversing a steep slope gave us goosebumps! But compared to Via Ferrata Mürren in Mürren village this one was easy! It’s not for light-headed, that’s for sure.
After crossing the ridge, we started a steep descent to Mesmer.
From there, we could see the beautiful lake right in front of us. It was a motivation that kept us going. We couldn’t wait for a refreshing swim, since it was scorching hot on the midday sun.
But if you choose this challenging mountain trail, the views will be a great reward.
Return journey
No matter which trail you choose, you have two options to return to Wasserauen. You can either use the service road or the forest trail. We described both in the first trail description from Wasserauen.
If you plan to skip Aescher or Schäfler, we recommend choosing the forest trail on the way up. It’s harder to hike down the trail, due to many uneven sections, loose rock, and tree roots.
If you do the whole loop (including the one around the lake) it will take
The same applies if you came from Aescher or Schäfler.
Lake activities
Swimming
Swimming is a must during hot summer days. But be prepared, the water is very cold. You’ll find a lovely beach area with easy access to water.
When we finished our long hike from Schäfler hut, the lake shore was full of people enjoying swimming in the cold water. It was such a good feeling to cool down! Even if you don’t do the long trek, you should certainly not skip swimming in the glacial lake surrounded by majestic Alpstein peaks.
We also recommend visiting Lavertezzo for another incredible swimming experience. This mountain river has a mind-blowing turquoise color, crystal-clear water, and Alpine views.
Picnic
Another popular activity here is a picnic. However, the wood is scarce, so if you plan to grill bring your own wood. But thanks to abundant wooden tables and benches, this place is perfect for a cold picnic!
If you forgot to bring some food with you, simply head to one of the farmers’ huts for fresh local products! Optionally, there are two restaurants with outdoor patios on the east side.
Rowboats
Families with kids or those who find the water too cold can rent a rowboat and explore the shore this way. The boat rental is in the restaurant Berggasthaus Seealpsee. You pay 5 CHF (cash-only) for 30 minutes.
No deposit is required, however, they do not provide life jackets.
Fishing
Since Seealpsee is home to various trout species, it’s a great place for fishing enthusiasts. You can find many great spots along the shore to set up your equipment. But you need a license and the cost is 38 CHF per day. It can be ordered from the cantonal office.
Loop around the lake
The walk around Seelpasee only adds 1.5 – 2 km. It offers many different viewpoints, photo spots, and places to relax. We highly suggest doing it to see the whole area and the views from a completely different perspective.
We loved a stop at the “Frische Milch” hut on the west end. It was such a lovely treat to get ourselves fresh cow milk with strawberries! Especially after the difficult descent from Schäfler Ridge.
If you have a stroller, the southern side is a bit too bumpy for that. It’s basically a dirt footpath.
Our Tips
Footwear
If you plan to skip the forest path, you’ll be fine with any trainers or sandals. We recommend avoiding flip-flops and other similar types of shoes. While the road is made of asphalt with no uneven sections, it gets very steep. Having sturdy shoes will keep you safe.
Trail information
Especially when visiting in autumn or spring, check the current trail conditions. Make sure to avoid any trails that are closed. Some parts are often covered in snow, which makes it dangerous. To stay safe, avoid any trail that is not officially opened.
Peak times
If you don’t like crowds, plan your trip outside the peak times. Weekends are the busiest since many locals head up here to enjoy their free time. So if your schedule allows, plan your trip during a weekday.
Payment Methods
While you can pay with a card almost everywhere, always have some cash, too. You never know when you might need it.
Best time to visit Seealpsee
Spring (March – May)
Spring is a good time to head to the Alpstein region. However, the weather might still be unpredictable, especially at the beginning.
Also, you can still expect a lot of snow. So if you plan to visit higher elevations and places such as Meglisalp or Ebenalp, definitely check the trail conditions in advance. Even trails leading to Seelpasee might still be closed in the early spring months due to snow.
As the spring comes to an end, you can expect perfect weather with a lot of sun. Great news is that you won’t find too many people here yet.
Summer (June – August)
Summer is considered to be the best time to enjoy most of Switzerland. It’s clear to see why. All trails are already open and all the cable cars are in full operation. Everything is lush green and flowers are blooming.
But it’s also high season, which means higher prices and more people. Despite that, it’s an excellent time to come!
Autumn
Autumn is very interesting due to the incredible colors! Everything around turns red, orange, and yellow. Photographers will certainly enjoy Alpstein in autumn. But keep in mind that it can be rainy, and always bring rain protection and layered clothes with you.
Winter
Seealpsee in winter is completely different than any other season. The whole area is covered in snow, which makes it look like a winter fairytale. During the peak winter months, you likely won’t see the lake – it will be frozen and covered under the snow. But, you can go ice skating!
The trails to Aescher close for the winter.
Frequently asked questions
No, camping or bivouacking is forbidden in the region. You can sleep in the mountain huts instead.
Sure! You can definitely bring your dogs with you. But it’s better to keep your fluffy companion on the leash.
Children will most definitely manage this hike without any problems. We recommend using the service road if your kids are too small or not used to forest trails. I would also avoid the hike via Aescher since it’s steep at times.
If you’re a complete beginner, you can still manage both direct trails to Seealpsee. If you already have some experience, I would say also the hike through Aescher will be fine.
Yes! You can certainly go swimming in the lake. That is, if you don’t find the water too cold for your liking.
No, drones are not allowed in the whole Alpstein region.
No, the service road is only to be used by the mountain huts personnel. You have to park your car in Wasserauen. The only way to reach Seelpasee is to hike.
Best activities near Appenzell
Other attractions to visit nearby
- Liechtenstein – the country so small you can see most of it in one day!
- Stoos Ridge Hike – Not that close, but worth the ride. Klingenstock to Fronalpstock is one of the easiest and most epic ridge hikes in Switzerland!
- Appenzell – spend some time exploring the lovely alpine town with typical Swiss architecture
Final thoughts on Seealpsee Hike
What makes Seealpsee Lake such an incredible spot are the multiple options of various difficulties to reach it. So no matter if you’re an experienced hiker looking for an unforgettable adventure or family looking for a leisurely stroll suitable for kids, you’ll enjoy a trip to Alpstein for sure.
Hiking through Schäfler Ridge was one of the most memorable adventures during our Switzerland trip! We would certainly love to return to the Appenzell Alps again and explore more of the incredible trails.
