Ebenalp
Overview
Intro
Even the Neanderthals came here. Today, the cable car sweeps over the rugged rocks and once inhabited caves to the Ebenalp, the starting point for a wide range of discoveries.
Wasserauen is the last stop on the Appenzell Railway. From there, the ultra-modern cable car carries passengers up the steep 723-metre climb to the Ebenalp (1,644 metres above sea level) in just six minutes.
From the upper station, the path leads down through the prehistoric Wildkirchli caves, which were inhabited around 40,000 years ago, then on to the hermit’s dwelling and the famous Berggasthaus Aescher mountain inn. Prehistoric stone tools were found in the area 100 years ago, evidence that the area was inhabited by hunter-gatherers during the Palaeolithic era (45,000 – 30,000 BC). The remains of cave bears were also found alongside the stone tools.
The Ebenalp is the ideal starting point for numerous easy to challenging hikes in the Alpstein massif. Taking in fragrant alpine meadows, impressive rock formations and magnificent lookout points, the hikes showcase the very best of the Appenzell region.
Information
Altitude: 1,640 metres
How to get there: Train to Appenzell and on to Wasserauen, cable car to the Ebenalp.
Views: To the Seealp and Meglisalp, Säntis, Altmann and Hoher Kasten, across the Appenzell region and Lake Constance to Germany and further west to the Feldberg
Attractions: Alpine garden at the Berggasthaus Ebenalp mountain inn
Food and drink: Hearty, home-style, Appenzell specialities
Winter: Winter sports area with ski lifts on the Ebenalp
Special comments: The secure path to the Aescher mountain inn passes through the caves
Discounted mountain ascent with Swiss Travel Pass/GA travelcard.
Buy your tickets on arrival at the station.
General information
Season |
May - November
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Time required |
4 to 8 hours (full day)
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Suitable for children with age |
10 to 13 years, 14+ years
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Suitable for |
Children, Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
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Action / Fun factor |
Medium
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Accessible |
Partially wheelchair accessible
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Difficulty |
Low
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Weather |
Outdoor
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Category |
Active, Adventure, Education, Nature
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Group & pricing information
Group Size |
1 - 25
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Discover the surroundings
Contact
Luftseilbahn Wasserauen-Ebenalp AG
9057
Wasserauen
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)71 799 12 12
Fax +41 (0)71 799 12 13
info@ebenalp.ch
ebenalp.ch
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