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Schwägalp: Gateway to Säntis and Alpine Wonders

Experience the Swiss Alps at Schwägalp: Hike, explore, and ascend to the Säntis summit for breathtaking panoramic views.

Schwägalp, a mountain pass in the Swiss Alps, serves as the base for the Säntis cable car and a hub for outdoor activities. Nestled between the Appenzell and Toggenburg regions, it offers stunning views, hiking trails, and a nature park, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

A brief summary to Schwägalp

  • Hundwil, 9107, CH

Local tips

  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, especially if planning to ascend Säntis, as the summit can be shrouded in clouds.
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes to explore the trails around Schwägalp and in the nature park.
  • Visit the demonstration dairy in summer to witness traditional cheese-making and sample local products.
  • Consider purchasing a combination ticket for the cable car and other attractions to save money.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Hundwil Post Office, take the PostBus route 191 towards Urnäsch, Bahnhof. The bus runs frequently. The ride to Schwägalp, Säntisbahn takes approximately 20 minutes. A single ticket costs around CHF 4-6. Check the SBB website or app for the most up-to-date schedule and fares.

  • Driving

    From Hundwil, follow the main road towards Schwägalp. The drive is approximately 8 kilometers and takes about 15 minutes. Parking is available at Schwägalp, near the Säntis cable car station. Parking fees vary depending on the season and duration, but expect to pay around CHF 5-10 for a day.

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Discover more about Schwägalp

Schwägalp, situated at 1,278 meters (4,193 feet) in the Alps, is more than just a mountain pass; it's a destination in itself. Located between the cantons of St. Gallen and Appenzell Ausserrhoden, it marks the transition between the Appenzell and Toggenburg regions, offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The area is renowned as the lower terminus of the aerial cableway that ascends to the Säntis peak, the highest point in the Alpstein massif. The Säntis cable car whisks visitors to the summit (2,502 m or 8,209 ft) in just 10 minutes, revealing panoramic views of six countries, Lake Constance, and the Alps. Schwägalp itself is part of the NaturErlebnispark Schwägalp/Säntis, a nature theme park showcasing the region's diverse flora, fauna, and agricultural landscape. Visitors can explore theme trails focusing on forests, mountain agriculture, geology, and the relationship between humans and the environment. In the summer, a demonstration dairy offers insights into traditional cheese-making. In winter, Schwägalp transforms into a snowy playground with a family-friendly ski lift, snowshoe trekking, winter hiking, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. The area is also a starting point for numerous hikes, including the popular route over the Rotstein Pass to Wasserauen.

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