Some winter days, cities like Zurich are wrapped in a thick grey blanket. It’s dark, gloomy, and a bit depressing. After Christmas especially — when the festive lights disappear and the fog settles stubbornly over cities and valleys — I start feeling it not just in my mood, but deep in my bones: a serious lack of feel-good sunshine and Vitamin D.
On one of those days, I knew I had to escape the fog — and fast. Luckily, living in Switzerland means that sunshine is often just a train ride away.
So I did what I often do as a public-transport-loving Swiss local: I looked for a destination close to Zurich, high enough to rise above the fog, and easy enough to feel like a true winter escape without a full alpine commitment. My choice? Hoher Kasten – the Top of Appenzell.
Perched high above the Alpstein, Hoher Kasten has been around forever — yet somehow I hadn’t visited in years. Big mistake. Just about 2.5 hours from Zurich by public transport, this mountain is a reliable sun magnet when the lowlands are drowning in fog. Thanks to its exposed summit plateau, the views are spectacular in every direction. At the top, an easy circular trail makes it simple to enjoy the panorama without needing serious hiking experience — though in summer and autumn, there are plenty of longer routes for more adventurous visitors.
If you’re wondering whether Hoher Kasten is worth visiting in winter, especially if you’re traveling without a car or based in Zurich, this guide will help you decide. In this article, I’ll take you along on my winter escape to Hoher Kasten and share how to get there by public transport, what to do on the summit, where to eat, and practical details like the Hoher Kasten cable car price — so you can decide if this sunny escape above the fog is exactly what you need.
So grab your jacket, hop on the train with me, and let’s head up into the sunshine.
How to get to Hoher Kasten – Top of Appenzell – by Public Transport
Getting to Hoher Kasten is part of the experience, and honestly, it’s one of those routes where I’m once again grateful for Swiss public transport. From Zurich, I hop on a train in the direction of St. Gallen and get off in Gossau. There, I change to the charming Appenzell Bahn, which immediately slows life down a notch. The train winds its way through gentle hills, scattered farmhouses and classic Appenzell scenery until it reaches Weissbad.
From Weissbad, it’s just a short bus ride on bus 192 to Brülisau, Kastenbahn, where the valley station of the Hoher Kasten cable car is located.
When you arrive in Brülisau, it almost feels like you’ve reached the end of the world — quiet, small, surrounded by steep rock faces. But don’t be fooled. On sunny weekends, this area is buzzing with hikers.
How much does it cost – Hoher Kasten cable car price
Let’s talk money, because mountain railways in Switzerland don’t always have the best reputation when it comes to prices.
The good news? The Hoher Kasten cable car price is actually very reasonable compared to many other mountain gondolas and funicular. A return ticket costs CHF 40 for adults and CHF 20 for kids between 6 and 15.99999 years. Children under 6 years travel for free. Unfortunately, there are no discounts for half fare or Swiss Travel Pass card holders.
But if it’s your birthday, you ride up Hoher Kasten for free 🎉. I mean, that alone is a good excuse to plan a birthday outing, right?
The cable car climbs 857m in altitude and reaches the summit in just under 8 minutes — fast enough to be impressive, slow enough to really enjoy watching the landscape drop away beneath your feet.
Top Things to Do on the Summit of Hoher Kasten
Enjoy the 360-degree view
The moment I step out of the cable car at 1,794 metres above sea level, I know I made the right decision. Up here, the sun often shines while the lowlands remain stuck in their grey foggy soup. Height isn’t everything, but in the case of Hoher Kasten, its exposed summit plateau makes all the difference. The views are wide, open, and endlessly fascinating.
On a clear day, the panorama stretches across six countries — Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria, France and even Italy if visibility is especially good. Not bad for a mountain that doesn’t even crack the 2,000-metre mark.
Standing there, slowly turning in circles, I can’t help but smile at the slogan “Top of Appenzell” — a playful nod to the Jungfraujoch’s “Top of Europe”, and honestly, quite fitting. The real star of the show is and always will be the Säntis and the rugged Alpstein massif, which looks particularly dramatic from this angle.
The Europa-Rundweg – an easy circular walk with big rewards
One of my favourite things about Hoher Kasten is that you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy it. The Europa-Rundweg is a short and easy circular trail that loops around the summit and delivers exceptional views in every direction. Large parts are wheelchair-accessible, making it suitable for families with prams and visitors with limited mobility as well.
Along the path, you’ll find seating areas, viewing terraces, panorama boards, and even telescopes with labels showing the surrounding peaks and villages. It’s one of those places where you naturally slow down, sit for a moment, and simply watch the clouds drift by.
In winter, the path is cleared of snow daily (weather permitting), and in summer it turns into a gentle botanical journey as well. After heavy snowfall, access may be limited, but on most days, the loop is perfectly walkable and wonderfully peaceful.
Alpine Garden – a summer highlight
Sadly, the Alpine Garden wasn’t in bloom during my winter visit, but it’s absolutely worth mentioning if you’re planning a trip between June and August. Along the Europa-circular trail lies this beautifully maintained garden, home to around 300 different alpine plant species spread across roughly 5,000 square metres. Depending on the time of year, different flowers take centre stage, each labelled with small information boards that explain more about alpine flora and their incredible ability to survive at this altitude.
The garden is part of a protected plant conservation area, so picking flowers is strictly forbidden — and rightly so. Hoher Kasten is also home to a fascinating variety of wildlife, from majestic golden eagles to shy snow hares, and even the rare Eurasian lynx.
During summer, free guided tours of the Alpine Garden take place on Wednesday afternoons, offering deeper insights into this fragile alpine ecosystem. Even without a guide, it’s an inspiring place to wander slowly and mindfully.
A touch of magic – the virtual animation tunnel
Before heading fully outdoors, don’t rush past the tunnel near the mountain station. A newly installed virtual animation transforms this passage into a surprisingly magical experience. Mystical sounds echo through the space while colourful projections dance across the tunnel walls, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. It’s a modern and artistic contrast to the raw alpine landscape outside — and a lovely reminder that Hoher Kasten blends nature with thoughtful design in unexpected ways.
Hiking options from Hoher Kasten
While Hoher Kasten is perfect for a relaxed half-day trip, it’s also a fantastic starting point for longer hikes — especially in summer and autumn. From the summit, several routes lead down into the Alpstein region, offering everything from gentle descents to more demanding mountain trails.
Popular options include hikes towards Staubern, Saxerlücke, or down to Brülisau, each revealing different perspectives of the Alpstein’s rugged beauty. Even if you’re not in the mood for a long trek, just walking a short section away from the summit can give you a wonderful sense of solitude.
Personally, I love combining Hoher Kasten with slow hiking, plenty of photo stops, and generous breaks to simply sit and observe — clouds, birds, and the ever-changing light.
Where to Eat on Hoher Kasten – Top of Appenzell
Fresh mountain air has a way of making me hungry, and luckily Hoher Kasten has you well covered when it comes to food. At the summit, you’ll find two restaurants, catering to different moods and budgets.
The highlight is without a doubt the rotating restaurant, the only one of its kind in Eastern Switzerland. Since its opening in 2008, it has been slowly turning its guests around its own axis — one full rotation per hour — meaning the view constantly changes while you eat. I love places where you can linger without feeling rushed, and this is definitely one of them. The menu focuses on regional specialities, and the breakfast buffet and the classic Vesperplättli are particularly popular. It’s the kind of place where you sit a little longer than planned, simply because the scenery keeps pulling your attention back to the windows.
If you’re looking for something more casual, the self-service restaurant is a great alternative. It’s ideal if you’re on a tighter schedule, visiting with kids, or just want a quick and uncomplicated meal before heading back down or continuing your walk around the summit.
Best Time to Visit Hoher Kasten – Top of Appenzell
One of the things I really appreciate about Hoher Kasten is that it’s a year-round destination. The cable car operates daily throughout the year, with a short maintenance break between early March and April. For the most up-to-date timetable, I always recommend checking the official Hoher Kasten website.
Each season brings its own charm.If hiking is your main goal, summer is the obvious choice, with endless trails and alpine flowers in bloom. Autumn offers crisp air and beautiful colours, while winter is my personal favourite for spontaneous fog escapes. On days when Zurich disappears under a thick layer of grey, Hoher Kasten is often bathed in sunshine — and sometimes that alone is reason enough to go.
Even if I don’t stay long, just soaking up a bit of sun above the clouds does wonders for my mood.
Conclusion – Why Hoher Kasten is Worth a Visit
Hoher Kasten may not be the highest or the most famous mountain in Switzerland, but that’s exactly part of its charm. It’s easy to reach, surprisingly affordable, and incredibly rewarding — especially when the lowlands are stuck in winter fog. Whether you come for the views, the gentle summit walk, a meal in the rotating restaurant, or simply to recharge in the sun, it’s a place that delivers every single time.
If you’re exploring Appenzell, I can also highly recommend combining your trip with other highlights in the region. Don’t miss the dreamy Seealpsee, the iconic Säntis, or the family-friendly Kronberg — all of which I’ve written about in more detail here on the blog. Appenzell has a special way of slowing you down, grounding you, and reminding you how powerful nature can be, even on the simplest of day trips.
So next time the fog rolls in and you’re craving a little light, you know where to go. Maybe I’ll see you up there, turning slowly in a restaurant, watching the Alps glide by outside the window.
