Hoher Kasten: Top of Appenzell
Experience breathtaking panoramic views from the summit of Hoher Kasten, easily accessible by cable car and offering a revolving restaurant.
Hoher Kasten, a 1,794-meter-high mountain in the Appenzell Alps, straddles the border between the cantons of St. Gallen and Appenzell Innerrhoden. Easily reached by cable car from Brülisau, it offers stunning 360° views stretching across six countries: Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Italy, France and Liechtenstein. Since its opening in August 1964, the Hoher Kasten cable car has whisked visitors to the summit in just eight minutes. At the top, a revolving restaurant provides a unique dining experience, slowly rotating to showcase the panoramic vista. The summit also features a barrier-free circular trail, the 'Europa Rundweg', making the views accessible to all. For those seeking more active pursuits, Hoher Kasten serves as a starting point for various hikes into the Alpstein area. A geological hiking trail, opened in 1971, explores the region's unique geological features.
Local tips
- Check the weather forecast before you go. Clear days offer the best views of the surrounding countries.
- Take advantage of the 20% discount on the cable car ride by arriving via public transport.
- Enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant for a unique dining experience with ever-changing views.
- Children up to 15 years old ride the cable car for free.
- Register your vehicle at the parking meters even during the free 90-minute parking period.
A brief summary to Hoher Kasten
- Dorf 22, Brülisau (AI), 9058, CH
- +41717991322
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Appenzell train station, take the Appenzell Railways to Weissbad. From there, a PostBus (Route 192) will take you directly to the Hoher Kasten cable car station in Brülisau. A single PostBus fare from Weissbad to Brülisau costs approximately CHF 2-4. Show your public transport ticket at the Hoher Kasten cable car ticket counter to receive a 20% discount on your cable car ticket.
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Driving
Drive to Brülisau via Appenzell – Steinegg or Appenzell – Weissbad. Follow the signs to the Hoher Kasten cable car. Ample parking is available at the base station. Parking is free for the first 90 minutes, then costs CHF 1.50-3.00 for 91 minutes to 4 hours, CHF 3.00-5.00 for 4-12 hours, or CHF 8.00 for a full day. Payment can be made with Swiss Francs, Parkingpay app, Easypark app, or TWINT.
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Cable Car
The final ascent to the summit of Hoher Kasten is via the Hoher Kasten cable car. A round-trip ticket costs CHF 40 for adults. A one way ticket costs CHF 28 for adults. Children up to 15 years old ride for free. The cable car departs every 20 minutes.
