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Aescher - Guesthouse on the Mountain

Experience Swiss tradition at this historic cliffside guesthouse in the Alpstein mountains, offering breathtaking views and unique culinary delights.

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Perched dramatically on a cliffside in the Alpstein mountains, the Aescher Guesthouse is a historic Swiss inn offering stunning views and a unique culinary experience. Accessible by cable car and a short hike, it's a must-see destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and Swiss tradition.

A brief summary to Aescher - Guesthouse on the mountain

Local tips

  • Bring warm layers, even in summer, as the guesthouse is located at a high altitude and is not heated.
  • The Guesthouse is very popular, consider visiting during off-peak hours or shoulder season.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for the hike from Ebenalp cable car station to the guesthouse.
  • Note that the parking meters at Wasserauen only take coins (EUR + CHF) and local parking apps.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From major Swiss cities, take a train to Wasserauen. From Wasserauen station, the Ebenalp cable car station is a short walk away. Take the cable car to Ebenalp. From the Ebenalp station, follow the signs for Äscher, a 15-25 minute walk. The cable car costs CHF 36 for adults, CHF 15 for children (6-15 years), for a round trip. A one way ticket costs CHF 24 for adults and CHF 10 for children.

  • Walking

    For a more challenging approach, hike from Wasserauen to Aescher via Seealpsee. This route takes approximately 2.5-3 hours and involves a steep climb. Ensure you have appropriate hiking footwear. Alternatively, you can hike from Wasserauen to Ebenalp via Bomme in about 2 hours. From Ebenalp station, follow the signs for Äscher, a 15-25 minute walk. There are no costs associated with hiking, but be prepared for a strenuous trek.

  • Car

    Drive to Wasserauen. From Appenzell, follow the signs to Steinegg and Weissbad. Continue to Wasserauen, where you'll find metered parking lots near the Ebenalp cable car station. Parking costs CHF 3 for 3 hours or CHF 5 for 24 hours. Payment is accepted via coins (EUR + CHF) and local parking apps. From the parking lot, walk to the Ebenalp cable car station and take the cable car to Ebenalp. From the Ebenalp station, follow the signs for Äscher, a 15-25 minute walk. The cable car costs CHF 36 for adults, CHF 15 for children (6-15 years), for a round trip. A one way ticket costs CHF 24 for adults and CHF 10 for children.

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Discover more about Aescher - Guesthouse on the mountain

The Aescher Guesthouse, also known as Berggasthaus Aescher-Wildkirchli, is an iconic mountain inn nestled into the side of a cliff in the Appenzell region of Switzerland. With a history dating back to 1846, and the current structure built in 1860, it stands as one of Switzerland's oldest mountain guesthouses. Originally a shelter for hermits and farmers, it has evolved into a world-renowned destination, captivating visitors with its breathtaking views and unique construction. The guesthouse is built into one of the Wildkirchli caves, below the Ebenalp peak. The Wildkirchli caves themselves have a rich history, having served as living spaces in ancient times and later as a hermitage. Priest Ulmann is thought to have been the first hermit to live in the hermitage in 1658. Findings of stone tools and bones from cave bears show that the caves have been used as an ancient living space. Visitors can explore the caves and a small chapel built within them. To reach the Aescher Guesthouse, most visitors take a cable car from Wasserauen to Ebenalp, followed by a scenic 15-25 minute walk through the Wildkirchli caves. The path leads along the cliff face, offering stunning views of the surrounding Alpstein mountains. The Aescher Guesthouse is open from May to November, offering traditional Swiss cuisine and a chance to experience the simplicity of mountain life. The guesthouse has guestrooms, but does not have guest wifi. The kitchen is open until 8 pm, and dinner can be enjoyed à la carte. It's recommended to bring warm and cozy clothes for the evening and night, as the house is not heated.

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