Schwägalp: Gateway to the Säntis Mountain
Discover Schwägalp: Your gateway to Säntis, offering stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and traditional Swiss charm in the heart of the Alps.
Schwägalp, nestled in the Appenzell region of Switzerland, serves as the idyllic base for exploring the majestic Säntis mountain. This area boasts lush wetlands, scenic hiking trails, and the lower terminus of the Säntis aerial cableway. Schwägalp offers a diverse range of summer and winter activities, making it a year-round destination for nature enthusiasts.
A brief summary to Schwägalp
- Hundwil, 9107, CH
Local tips
- Visit the demonstration dairy during the summer season to witness the art of cheese-making and sample localAppenzeller cheese.
- Take advantage of the well-maintained hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit and dress in layers, as mountain weather can change rapidly.
- Consider visiting during the off-season for a more tranquil experience and to avoid crowds.
- Explore the themed trails in the NaturErlebnispark to learn about the unique flora, fauna, and cultural history of the region.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From either Urnäsch or Nesslau-Neu St. Johann, take a PostBus (PostAuto) directly to Schwägalp. The PostBus from Urnäsch runs every 30 minutes on weekends during the summer. Check the SBB website for the most up-to-date timetable. A single ride costs approximately CHF 5-10.
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Driving
From Zurich, take the A1 motorway towards St. Gallen. Then, take exit 82 towards Appenzell (A13) and follow signs for Appenzell. Once in Appenzell, follow the signs for Schwägalp. Parking is available at the Säntisbahn valley station. Parking Talstation Schwägalp offers 720 spaces. The parking fee is CHF 16 per night.
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Säntis Cable Car
Once at Schwägalp, the most direct way to the summit of Säntis is via the Säntis cable car. The cable car departs every 30 minutes. A round trip ticket costs CHF 54 for adults. For those with a SBB Half Fare Card or GA travelcard, the price is CHF 27. A single ascent or descent ticket costs CHF 38 for adults or CHF 19 with a SBB card.
Discover more about Schwägalp
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Appenzell 2024
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Bärenbrunnen
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Romantik Hotel Säntis
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Skulptur in Appenzell
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Pfeff ond Lischt Weeg
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Appenzell
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Beautiful Appenzell
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Appenzeller Volkskunde-Museum Stein
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Paxmal
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Grand Tour of Switzerland - Photo Spot Appenzell Show Dairy
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Appenzeller Schaukäserei
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Schloss Werdenberg
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Werdenberg
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Unmissable attractions to see
Säntis - Schwebebahn
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Alpschaukäserei Schwägalp
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Rock Monument / Fotopoint Grand Tour of Switzerland
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Naturerlebnispark Schwägalp / Säntis
0.3 km
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Schwägalp Pass
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Alpstein
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The Experiential World
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Säntis
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Alter Säntis
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Lillyweg
2.7 km
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Wanderung Schwägalp-Kronberg
3.0 km
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Appenzeller Alpenweg
3.3 km
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Ofenloch
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Thur Waterfall
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Grand Tour of Switzerland - Photo Spot the seven Churfirsten
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Essential places to dine
Mountain Inn Kronberg
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Berggasthaus Mesmer
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Osteregg
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Urnäscher Kreuz
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Restaurant Löwen
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Appenzeller Huus - Huus Löwen
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Rose
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Panorama Hotel Freudenberg AG
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Rössli
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Hotel Hof Weissbad
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Restaurant Marktplatz Appenzell
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Gasthaus Hof
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Café-Hotel Appenzell
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Linde
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Souvenir- und Spezialitätenshop Schwägalp
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Mercato Shop AG
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Goldener Modehaus
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Appenzeller Käse
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Pottery & Gallery "zur Hofersäge"
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Appenzeller-Gürtel(17)
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Streule AG
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Margreiter AG
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Engel Welt
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Appenzeller Bier
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Falken Biergarten - Bar - Pub
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b_smart restaurant Bendern
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Reflex
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Havanna Latin Club
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Guarany Cafe-Bar
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