Are you ready to discover one of Switzerland’s best-kept secrets, hidden among the majestic peaks of the Alpstein range? Imagine a place where turquoise waters mirror the grandeur of the surrounding mountains, where lush green pastures – where cows and goats graze peacefully – stretch as far as the eye can see. Welcome to Seealpsee, a beautiful Swiss mountain lake.
Located in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden in Northeastern Switzerland, the Seealpsee can be reached by a scenic hike from Wasserrauen train station in about an hour. The lake is an ideal spot for hiking, picnicking, and even for swimming during the warmer months. Join me as I share with you my ultimate guide for visiting this hidden gem.
How to get to Wasserauen – the Starting Point
The Seealpsee hike begins at Wasserauen Train Station, which is easily accessible by train or vehicle.
By Train
Wasserauen is easily accessible by train. If you’re coming from Zurich, follow these steps:
- Take the train (IR13 or IC1) in the direction of St. Gallen.
- Get off at Gossau. The train ride from Zurich to Gossau takes approximately an hour.
- From Gossau, change to the Appenzellbahn S23 train that will take you directly to Wasserauen. This leg of the journey takes around 50 minutes.
- Trains from Zurich to St. Gallen run frequently, departing every half hour.
The train journey offers scenic views of the Swiss countryside and is a convenient way to reach Wasserauen.
By Car
- If you prefer driving, Wasserauen is approximately 1.5 hours away from Zurich by car.
- Enter “Schwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen” into your navigation device to reach the train station.
- The drive takes you through picturesque landscapes, winding roads, and charming villages.
Embarking on the Seealpsee Hike
- When you get at Wasserauen, you’ll be ready to begin your Seealpsee hike.
- The walk to Seealpsee is well-marked and provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, rich flora, and crystal-clear lake.
- Experience the natural splendor of the Appenzell region, relish the climb, and breathe in the clean mountain air.
Remember to check the train timetable and plan your trip appropriately. Whether you take the train or drive, Wasserauen and the Seealpsee hike provide a memorable experience!
The Best Route for Families and Beginners: Hiking to Seealpsee on the Service Road
One great way to reach this beautiful Swiss mountain lake is by taking the service road that starts right at the train station. The road is paved and easy to follow, but be ready for a steady uphill climb for about 2.9 kilometers until you reach Berggasthaus Seealpsee, a cozy guest house and restaurant by the lake. The hike itself is lovely, though it can be a bit tough—so feel free to take breaks and enjoy the stunning views along the way!
If you’re hiking with a child, I’d definitely recommend using a carrier instead of a pushchair. While the path is suitable for both, pushing a stroller uphill is a lot of work, and going downhill can be tricky as well.
The Best Route for Nature Lovers and Experienced Hikers: Hiking to Seealpsee on the Mountain Trail
Another way to reach the picturesque Seealpsee lake is by taking the scenic mountain trail starting from Wasserauen. Look for the ‘Seealpsee’ sign on your left just after you leave the village—it’s easy to spot. This route takes you through a beautiful forest where you’ll pass by a cascading waterfall, some cool caverns, and cross a wooden bridge with amazing views of the valley. It’s a much more adventurous and varied hike than the paved road, but it does require a bit more stamina and skill.
The Ebenalp and Aescher Route: A Spectacular Way to Reach Seealpsee
For a more adventurous way to hike to Seealpsee, consider combining it with a visit to Ebenalp and the famous Aescher Wildkirchli. Start by hopping on the Ebenalp cable car from Wasserauen, which will whisk you up to 1,460 meters in just a few minutes. The views of the Alpstein mountains along the way are absolutely breathtaking!
Once you reach the top, you can explore the Ebenalp area, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It’s also a windy spot, so you’ll often see paragliders taking off from here. From the Ebenalp station, follow the signs to the Wildkirchli caves and the Aescher Mountain Hut, about a 20-minute walk away. The Wildkirchli caves are fascinating—they were once home to hermits and even cave bears! And Aescher is a must-visit—a cliffside restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Swiss dishes and drinks with an unforgettable view.
After admiring the Wildkirchli and Aescher, you can continue your hike down to Seealpsee, but be prepared for a challenging descent. The trail is steep and narrow, so it requires careful footing and good balance. It’s definitely a route for experienced, well-prepared hikers. Unfortunately, there were five fatal accidents on this path in the summer of 2022, so it’s important to avoid this trail after rain or if you have small children. If you do bring kids, make sure they’re safely secured with a rope.
Top Activities at Seealpsee
Hike around the Lake
One of the nicest things to do in Seealpsee is to walk around the entire lake (follow the sign “Seerundweg”), which is less than two kilometers long. The lake is surrounded by gorgeous mountains, which provide various reflections, sceneries, and vistas as you walk along the coast. You will be astounded by the beauty and quiet of this location, and you will undoubtedly discover your favorite area to rest and snap photos.
Rent a rowing boat!
Another fun and romantic activity at Seealpsee is renting a rowboat from the restaurant. It’s a great way to experience the lake from a different perspective and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the water. The rental is super affordable—just CHF 5 for 30 minutes—and you can pay in cash at Berggasthaus Seealpsee. Keep in mind, boat rentals are limited to half an hour so that everyone gets a chance to enjoy it. It’s a perfect way to spend some quality time with family or your partner while soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
Taste the Delicious Cheese from the Seealpsee Dairy
If you’re a cheese lover, you definitely don’t want to miss the chance to visit the cheese dairy at the end of the lake. This family-run enterprise is in full swing during the summer months—June, July, and August—producing up to seven different kinds of cheese, including both cow and goat varieties. You can sample their delicious alpine cheese, which ranges from “creamy-mild” to “creamy-spicy” and even “very spicy.” Their cheese is fresh and absolutely amazing, and it will make your picnic or memento more memorable.
The Whey Bath: A Unique and Rejuvenating Way to Enjoy the Seealpsee
If you’re seeking for a peaceful and renewing experience at Seealpsee, take a whey bath. Imagine relaxing in a warm whey bath at 40°C while taking in the spectacular views of the Alpstein mountains. This is a one-of-a-kind way to experience the lake’s natural beauty and environs.
A whey bath is not only soothing, but also beneficial to your skin and body. Whey, a liquid byproduct of cheese manufacturing, includes vitamins, calcium, potassium, and lactic acid. These components nourish, hydrate, and exfoliate your skin while soothing any irritations or inflammations.
You can book a whey bath during the alpine season, from June to August, when the cheese dairy at the end of the lake prepares fresh whey for you.
You just need to bring your bathing suit and a towel, and reserve your bath in advance by calling +41 79 441 22 73 or +41 77 468 04 90.
The wooden bathtub can fit up to three people, and the prices are CHF 45 for one person, CHF 80 for two people, CHF 100 for three people, and CHF 10 for kids. The whey bath also includes a cold shower, a drink, a piece of alpine cheese, and a visit to the cheese dairy.
Visit the Bruderklausen Chapel
Another attraction that you should not bypass at Seealpsee is the Bruderklausen Chapel, a small and simple chapel that invites you to a moment of reflection and silence. The chapel is dedicated to Bruder Klaus, a 15th century Swiss saint and mystic, who was also the patron saint of Switzerland. The chapel is located behind the Berggasthause Seealpsee, and you can reach it by following a short path. During the alpine season, there is a mountain service every Sunday at 10:30 am in the chapel. The chapel, which was built in 1967, is also a venue for weddings and baptisms.
The Best Time to Visit Seealpsee: When to Enjoy the Lake at Its Fullest
The Seealpsee can be visited from May to November, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The lake is a popular attraction among locals, especially on sunny weekends and holidays, so it can get busy. If you want to enjoy the lake in peace and quiet, try to visit on a weekday or early in the morning.
Where to Eat at Seealpsee
There are two options for dining at the Seealpsee: Gasthaus Forelle and Berggasthaus Seealpsee. Both are located by the lake and offer Swiss and European cuisine, with outdoor seating and beautiful views.
You can also bring your own food and have a picnic on the lakeshore, where you can find two fireplaces for grilling. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also swim in the lake, which is cold but refreshing. There is a small beach near the Berggasthaus Seealpsee, where you can sunbathe and relax.
What to Bring and Wear for a Comfortable and Safe Hike
The hike to the Seealpsee is not very difficult, but it does require some preparation and equipment. If you are taking the service road, you can wear any comfortable walking shoes, but if you are taking the mountain trail or the Ebenalp route, you should wear hiking shoes with good grip and bring hiking poles for stability. The weather and temperature can change quickly in the mountains, so you should dress in layers and bring a fleece and a windbreaker or rain jacket. You should also protect yourself from the sun, by wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Don’t forget to bring enough water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized.
Where to Stay at Seealpsee
If you want to stay overnight at Seealpsee, you have two options for accommodation: Berggasthaus Forelle and Berggasthaus Seealpsee.
Both hotels are cozy and rustic mountain inns that serve delicious local dishes and offer comfortable rooms. However, they do not provide luggage transfer, so you will need to hike up from Wasserauen with your belongings. Make sure you pack light and only bring the essentials.
For those who prefer to stay at a lower altitude, Hotel Alpenrose Wasserauen is a convenient and charming option. It is located close to the parking and train station, making it easy to access the cable car and other attractions. The hotel has a lovely garden, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
Another unique place to stay is the Aescher Berghaus, a famous guesthouse built into the cliff face of the Ebenalp. It is accessible by cable car and a short walk through a cave. The guesthouse has a spectacular terrace, a simple menu, and basic rooms. It is a popular destination for hikers and photographers, so book in advance.
A great benefit of staying at any of these places for three nights or more is that you will receive the Appenzell Holiday Card, which gives you free travel on public transport and cable cars in the region, as well as free or discounted entry to museums, cheese factories, beer tastings, and other activities. It is a fantastic way to explore the culture and nature of Appenzell.
Conclusion
Discovering the peaceful beauty of Seealpsee is like stepping into a hidden gem in the heart of the Appenzell region. Whether you’re hiking along scenic trails, savoring delicious alpine cheese, or treating yourself to a relaxing whey bath, this charming Swiss mountain lake offers something truly special. Personally, I love coming here just to relax by the lakeside, listening to the soft sound of cow bells in the distance—it’s the perfect way to unwind. It’s an experience that really lets you recharge and soak in the stunning Swiss landscapes, and it’s one you won’t forget!
