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Aescher - Guesthouse on the Mountain
Experience a unique cliffside guesthouse in the Swiss Alps, with stunning views, cave explorations, and traditional Swiss hospitality.
Berggasthaus Aescher, a mountain guesthouse built into a cliff face in the Alpstein mountains, has been welcoming visitors since the mid-19th century. Accessible via cable car and a scenic hike, it offers stunning views and a unique dining experience.
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A brief summary to Aescher - Guesthouse on the mountain
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Berggasthaus Aescher is a legendary guesthouse built precariously into a cliff on the Ebenalp. With a history dating back to the mid-19th century, it has offered lodging and food to travelers. The guesthouse gained international fame after appearing on the cover of a National Geographic book.
To reach Aescher, most visitors take a cable car from Wasserauen to Ebenalp, followed by a 15-25 minute walk. The path leads through the Wildkirchli caves, where evidence of prehistoric human habitation and ancient cave bear bones have been found. A chapel is built into one of the caves.
The guesthouse serves meals with a focus on local produce. The restaurant's terrace offers panoramic views of the Appenzell region. For those wishing to stay overnight, the guesthouse offers rooms, but without modern amenities. There are no private bathrooms, showers, or Wi-Fi.
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Getting There
Public Transport
Take a train to Wasserauen, Bahnhof. The Ebenalp cable car station is a short walk across the street from the train station. Purchase a round-trip ticket for the Wasserauen-Ebenalp cable car. In 2025, a round trip costs CHF 36 for adults and CHF 15 for children (6-15 years old). Discounts are available with SBB Half-Fare Travelcard/GA. The cable car ride takes about 6 minutes. From the Ebenalp cable car station, follow the trail signs for Wildkirchli and Äscher. The walk to Aescher is about 15-25 minutes.
Car
Drive to Wasserauen and park in one of the metered parking lots near the Ebenalp cable car base station. The closest parking lot address is Schwendetalstrasse 73, 9057 Wasserauen. Parking costs CHF 5 per day. The parking meters take coins only or payment via a mobile parking app. On busy days, local farmers may open their fields for overflow parking (cash only). Purchase a round-trip ticket for the Wasserauen-Ebenalp cable car. In 2025, a round trip costs CHF 36 for adults and CHF 15 for children (6-15 years old). Discounts are available with SBB Half-Fare Travelcard/GA. The cable car ride takes about 6 minutes. From the Ebenalp cable car station, follow the trail signs for Wildkirchli and Äscher. The walk to Aescher is about 15-25 minutes.
A brief summary to Aescher - Guesthouse on the mountain
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