Experience map
Plan your next trip conveniently with our interactive map, which includes all the hiking trails, restaurants and inns, fire pits, bike tracks, and access and parking zones in the area.
Nature discovery park
The NaturErlebnispark Schwägalp/Säntis natural park is located in the center of a wide network of hiking trails. Both new and experienced mountain hikers will get their money’s worth. Whether you’re on a casual stroll or a mountain tour, we know you’ll marvel at the natural surroundings and tranquility of this incredible region.
Hike Schwägalp - Hochalp - Urnäsch
A partially secluded hike away from the hustle and bustle of the Alpstein. In the early summer, the high moors explode with marsh orchids, and the route features both steep and flat sections for hiking.
Hike Schwägalp - Tierwis - Säntis
If you like to hike at high altitudes, this route is for you. The shortest connection between the Schwägalp Pass and the Säntis, it features a steep ascent and is suitable for hikers who aren’t afraid of heights, with difficult sections secured by steel cables. The Säntis summit can also be reached via cable car from pylon 2 onward.
Hike Säntis - Lisengrat - Meglisalp - Seealpsee - Wasserauen
A challenging hike that leads from the highest point in the Alpstein to Wasserauen.
Alpwirtschaft (Alpine farming) theme trail
About halfway along the “Alpwirtschaft” (Alpine farming) theme trail, you will find a beautifully situated fire pit – the perfect place to have a rest and do some grilling. Enjoy your lunch by the open fire, smack-dab in the middle of this glorious natural landscape. The fire pit is open to the public and firewood is available for use.
Mensch und Umwelt (people and the environment) theme trail
Sustainability is key when it comes to agricultural use and tourism on the Schwägalp Pass. Discover how people have shaped this region and what they are doing to preserve it for future generations.
Geologie-Steinpark (geological stone park) theme trail
From the Cretaceous period to the more recent chapters of our era, from limestone rocks and tidal flats to continental drift and the changing seas: explore the mighty rock formations of the Säntis massif layer by layer, and learn how they formed over 140 million years.
Moor (moors) theme trail
The Schwägalp Pass is located in a moor landscape that is listed in the Swiss federal inventory of landscapes and natural monuments of national importance. An elevated footbridge leads into the heart of the mystical moors, which are home to rare flora and fauna.
Lower station Schwägalp
The lower station of the Säntis cable car is located on the Schwägalp Pass at about 1,350.5 meters above sea level. You can reach the Schwägalp Pass by bus or car via Nesslau in Toggenburg or via Urnäsch in Appenzellerland.
Guided tours
Take a sneak peek behind the scenes of the Säntis. We offer guided tours with a focus on the weather, the summit, the technology we use, the hotel and many other topics. Our team will be happy to advise you.
Worlds to discover on the summit
The Säntis experience: a fascinating experience for all ages on the Säntis summit.
The Säntis summit will broaden your horizons in any weather. Immerse yourself in our interactive experience for all ages, where you’ll learn fascinating facts about wind and the weather, snow and ice, plus the history of the cable car.
Our Stores
Our stores on site
Whether you want to take a piece of Säntis home with you or put a smile on someone else’s face, we have a wide range of memorable gifts and products available in our two souvenir and specialty stores on the Schwägalp pass and the Säntis summit.
Our stores
Our stores on site
Whether you want to take a piece of Säntis home with you or put a smile on someone else’s face, we have a wide range of memorable gifts and products available in our two souvenir and specialty stores on the Schwägalp pass and the Säntis summit.
Fire pit
About halfway along the “Alpwirtschaft” (Alpine farming) theme trail, you will find a beautifully situated fire pit – the perfect place to have a rest and do some grilling. Enjoy your lunch by the open fire, smack-dab in the middle of this glorious natural landscape. The fire pit is open to the public and firewood is available for use.
Snowshoeing
A trip to the mesmerizing Appenzell mountains is also worthwhile in winter. Snowshoeing is environmentally sustainable, healthy and a way to enjoy up-close encounters with nature. So why not get those snowshoes on, get out and start exploring our winter wonderland? Snowshoes and poles are available to rent at the hotel reception.
Laternliweg lantern trail
Pristine nature you have to see to believe. A truly magical evening!
Dreamy winter hikes along the illuminated Laternliweg lantern trail, followed by a cozy fondue feast – it’s like being in your very own wintertime fairy tale! The lantern trail on the Schwägalp pass is open after dark from November to March. Enjoy the romantic atmosphere along the groomed trail, which is lit by countless oil lamps, as it winds through the snow-covered forests of the NaturErlebnispark natural park.
Cable car
Enjoy a 10-minute ride in the cable car at lofty heights as you glide almost weightlessly up to the Säntis summit, a whopping 2,502 meters above sea level. Keep your eyes peeled and, with a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of some wild animals on the move!
Alpine cheese factory
Where tradition and cheese meet
In the middle of the idyllic landscape between the Schwägalp pass and the Säntis lies our Alpine cheese factory. Business is in full swing during the summer, so stop by and discover how the finest Schwägalp cheese is made from fresh Alpine milk.
Schwägalp mountain chapel
Not far from “Säntis – the hotel”, there is a small ecumenical mountain chapel on the Schwägalp pass. Up to 100 people can witness your special moment and enjoy an exclusive aperitif in front of the mountain chapel afterwards, if desired.
«Säntis-the hotel»
A place like no other, smack-dab in the middle of the great outdoors.
The three-star superior hotel «Säntis – the hotel» is located at the foot of the Säntis. It’s modern, inspiring and charming. Stay overnight on the Schwägalp pass and unwind in our spa oasis with a view of the stunning Alpine pastures.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available for cars, motorized vehicles and buses directly at the lower station of the Säntis cable car.
Public transport
You can reach the Schwägalp Pass by public transport every hour. The ride through Toggenburg or Appenzellerland will give you a taste of the enchanting scenery to come.
Bus stop
The Schwägalp Pass bus stop is located directly in front of the entrance to the cable car and “Säntis – the hotel”. Buses run to Schwägalp every hour.
Wald (forest) theme trail
The enchanting forest in the Schwägalp Pass is a place of relaxation, but is also used for forestry. This circular theme trail shows you both sides of the primeval landscape and demonstrates how they relate to each other at every turn.
Summit station Säntisgipfel
The summit station of the Säntis cable car is located on the Säntis summit at 2,472.98 meters above sea level. The cable car will take you over the Schwägalp Pass and up to the summit within 10 minutes.
Webcam/weather station
Up on the Säntis, known as the weather mountain, the weather has been measured and all weather phenomena recorded since 1882. Would you like to experience the view from the summit from the comfort of your home? Then check out our 360-degree webcam.
Alter Säntis mountain inn
About two minutes’ walk from the summit station of the Säntis cable car, the Alter Säntis mountain inn is located in a sheltered position with spectacular views. The superb deck and cozy interior of the establishment invite guests to linger.
Mountain inn Tierwis
The mountain inn is situated on the border between the communes of Wildhaus (St. Gallen) and Hundwil (Appenzell Ausserrhoden), and offers 360 degrees of stunning Alpine views.
Säntisgipfel Restaurant
The restaurant’s view from 2,502 meters above sea level shows quite clearly that freedom knows no bounds up on the Säntis summit – and the culinary and cultural possibilities are equally endless.
Gasthaus Passhöhe restaurant
It’s hungry work, being out in the fresh mountain air, so a hearty meal is just what you need. The Gasthaus Passhöhe is a cozy restaurant that serves classic and traditional Swiss cuisine, with regional products and seasonal specialties. It also offers a separate room and a large deck with spectacular sweeping views.
Schwägalp Restaurant
The Schwägalp restaurant is located on the first floor of “Säntis – the hotel” at the foot of the Säntis. Our guests can enjoy spectacular views of the Säntis massif while they savor typical regional dishes of the highest culinary standard. Celebrate with excellent food at your family, company or New Year’s celebration.
