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Berggasthaus Aescher: Cliffside Dining in the Swiss Alps

Discover a historic cliffside guesthouse in the Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking views and traditional Swiss hospitality in a unique setting.

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Berggasthaus Aescher is a historic guesthouse and restaurant built into a cliff face in the Alpstein mountains of Switzerland, offering stunning views and a unique dining experience. Accessible by cable car and a short hike, it's a must-see destination for those seeking breathtaking scenery and a taste of traditional Swiss hospitality.

A brief summary to Aescher - Guesthouse on the mountain

Local tips

  • Check the Ebenalp cable car operating times before you go, as it typically runs from late April to early November.
  • Bring warm clothing, as the guesthouse is located at a high altitude and can get cold, even in summer.
  • Consider hiking from Wasserauen to Aescher via Lake Seealpsee for a more challenging and scenic route.
  • Reservations are possible for groups of 10 people. Contact them via email.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From major Swiss cities like Zurich or St. Gallen, take a train to Wasserauen. The Ebenalp cable car station is a short walk from the Wasserauen train station. Take the cable car to Ebenalp. From the Ebenalp mountain station, follow the marked path for approximately 15 minutes, passing through the Wildkirchli caves, to reach Berggasthaus Aescher.

  • Walking

    For a more challenging approach, hike from Wasserauen to Berggasthaus Aescher. Follow the trail towards Seealpsee, then ascend to Aescher via a steep mountain path. This route is recommended for experienced hikers with appropriate footwear. Allow approximately 2.5 hours for the hike.

  • Cable Car

    The most common approach involves taking the Ebenalp Cable Car from Wasserauen to the Ebenalp mountain station. A round-trip ticket on the Ebenalp cable car costs CHF 34 for adults. From the Ebenalp station, it is a 15-minute walk to Aescher through the Wildkirchli caves.

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Discover more about Aescher - Guesthouse on the mountain

Berggasthaus Aescher, nestled in the Alpstein mountains of Switzerland, is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience. Built into a cliff face at an elevation of 1,454 meters, the guesthouse has been welcoming hikers and tourists since the mid-19th century. Originally constructed in 1860, it provided shelter for farmers and their grazing goats. Today, it stands as one of the oldest mountain guesthouses in Switzerland, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's rich history and stunning natural beauty. The journey to Aescher is an adventure in itself. Most visitors begin in Wasserauen, a village in the Schwendetal Valley. From there, a cable car ascends to the Ebenalp plateau, offering panoramic views of the surroundingAppenzell region. A short, 15-minute walk from the Ebenalp station leads through the Wildkirchli caves, a complex of prehistoric caves that once housed hermit monks. Emerging from the caves, visitors are greeted by the breathtaking sight of Aescher clinging to the cliff face. The guesthouse offers traditional Swiss cuisine, with warm dishes served from 11 am. The menu features local specialties, providing a taste of the Appenzell region. For those seeking a longer stay, Aescher also offers overnight accommodations, including double rooms and dormitory-style rooms. Keep in mind that water is a precious resource, as it is collected from a reservoir in the Wildkirchli cave. Berggasthaus Aescher's fame skyrocketed after being featured in National Geographic's book 'Destinations of a Lifetime'. The guesthouse is a popular destination, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually. Despite its popularity, Aescher retains its charm and offers a unique and unforgettable experience for all who visit.

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