Hoher Kasten
Elevate Your Adventure at Hoher Kasten
Hoher Kasten: Summit Views and Alpine Delights
Reach the top of Appenzell! Breathtaking panoramic views, revolving restaurant, and alpine hikes await at the summit of Hoher Kasten.
Ascend to the summit of Hoher Kasten via a scenic cable car ride from Brülisau and be rewarded with breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and beyond. Explore the summit's unique revolving restaurant, alpine garden, and accessible circular trail.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Hoher Kasten
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Appenzell, take the S23 train to Schwende (6 minutes). From Schwende, it's approximately a 29-minute walk to the Hoher Kasten cable car station in Brülisau. Alternatively, take the S23 train from Appenzell to Weissbad, Bahnhof, then transfer to bus 192 to Brülisau, Kastenbahn. The bus stop is a 1-minute walk from the cable car station. A single ticket on the bus costs approximately CHF 2-3. Consider the 'Mountain'n'Rail' offer for a 20% discount on the cable car when traveling by public transport.
Car
From Appenzell, drive south towards Brülisau (approximately 10 minutes). Follow signs for Hoher Kasten. Ample parking is available at the cable car station in Brülisau. 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, CHF 5.00-8.00 for 12-24 hours, and CHF 8.00 per day (maximum 7 days). Payment is accepted via coins (Swiss francs only), Parkingpay or Easypark apps, or TWINT. Overflow parking is available during busy periods, payable in cash (Swiss francs only).
Cable Car
The final ascent to the summit of Hoher Kasten is via the Hoher Kasten cable car from Brülisau. A round-trip ticket costs CHF 40 for adults; children up to 15 years old ride for free. A one-way ticket costs CHF 28 for adults. The cable car operates every 20 minutes. Check the Hoher Kasten website for the current timetable.
Local tips
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Check the weather forecast before heading up, as conditions can change rapidly at high altitudes.
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Take advantage of the free parking for up to 90 minutes if you're just making a quick visit.
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Consider purchasing tickets online or via the "Hoher Kasten" app to avoid queues.
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Enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant for a unique culinary experience with stunning views.
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Hike the geological trail to learn about the region's unique rock formations.
Discover more about Hoher Kasten
Hoher Kasten, a prominent peak in the Appenzell Alps, straddles the border between Appenzell Innerrhoden and St. Gallen. Easily accessible via a cable car from Brülisau, the summit offers stunning views of six countries on a clear day.
At the summit (1794m), a revolving restaurant provides a unique dining experience, slowly rotating to showcase the surrounding panorama. A wheelchair-friendly circular trail allows everyone to enjoy the views, while the alpine garden displays over 300 species of Alpstein plants. For those seeking a more active experience, numerous hiking trails cater to various skill levels.
The mountain's history is intertwined with tourism, with ascents documented as early as the 19th century. The cable car was constructed in the 1960s, opening up the summit to a wider audience. Today, Hoher Kasten remains a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Swiss Alps.
A brief summary to Hoher Kasten
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