Hoher Kasten
Elevate Your Adventure at Hoher Kasten
Hoher Kasten: Top of Appenzell
Experience breathtaking 360° views from the summit, savor local cuisine at the revolving restaurant, and explore the unique Alpine Garden.
Ascend to the summit of Hoher Kasten via cable car for panoramic views of six countries and culinary delights at the revolving restaurant. Explore the unique Alpine Garden and enjoy hiking trails in the Alpstein area.
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A brief summary to Hoher Kasten
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Appenzell, take the Appenzell Railways to Weissbad. From Weissbad train station, the post bus goes directly to the lower terminus of the Hoher Kasten cableway in Brülisau. A 20% discount on the cable car journey is available when traveling by public transport. Appenzell PubliCar services are also available; call +41 (0)848 55 30 60 for details. The bus stop, Brülisau, Kastenbahn, is directly at the cable car station.
Driving
Drive to Brülisau via Appenzell – Steinegg or Appenzell – Weissbad. Follow GPS coordinates: Dorf 22, 9058 Brülisau. Sufficient parking spaces are available at the lower terminus. Parking fees apply: up to 90 minutes free, CHF 1.50-3.00 for 91 minutes to 4 hours, CHF 3.00-5.00 for 4-12 hours, CHF 5.00-8.00 for 12-24 hours, and CHF 8.00 per day (max 7 days). Payment is accepted via coins (Swiss francs only), Parkingpay or Easypark apps, or TWINT.
Gondola
From the lower terminus in Brülisau, take the Hoher Kasten cable car. The cable car operates every 20 minutes. A single ride for adults costs CHF 28.00, and a return trip costs CHF 40.00. Children up to 15 years ride for free. On your birthday, you can ride the cableway for free by presenting a valid ID.
Local tips
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Check the weather forecast before visiting to ensure clear views from the summit.
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Visit the Alpine Garden to see a diverse collection of plant species.
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Enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant for a unique dining experience with panoramic views.
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Take advantage of the hiking trails for various skill levels in the Alpstein area.
Discover more about Hoher Kasten
Hoher Kasten, a prominent mountain in the Appenzell Alps, stands on the border between the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and St. Gallen. Easily accessible via an eight-minute cable car ride from Brülisau, it offers visitors breathtaking 360° views of the surrounding landscapes. From the summit at 1,794 meters (5,886 feet), you can see six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, and Liechtenstein.
At the summit, explore the Europa Circular Trail, a barrier-free path offering continuous panoramic views. The mountain is also home to Eastern Switzerland's only revolving restaurant, providing ever-changing vistas as you dine. The Alpine Garden showcases over 300 plant species, adding to the natural beauty.
Hoher Kasten is an ideal starting point for hikes into the Alpstein area. The first geological hiking trail in Switzerland was opened here in 1971. The mountain's history dates back to the early 19th century when ascents were described in alpine literature. The construction of the cable car began in 1963, and the first ride took place in August 1964.
A brief summary to Hoher Kasten
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