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A Photographic Hike Through the Alpstein: From Ebenalp to Seealpsee

The Appenzell region in eastern Switzerland is often celebrated for its cheese and postcard-perfect hills dotted with contented cows and quaint villages. But hidden within this pastoral landscape rises a surprisingly rugged and dramatic massif: the Alpstein. This striking subrange of the Alps is home to jagged ridges, narrow ledges, and some of the most scenic hiking trails in Switzerland—making it a dream for photographers.


We set off with a group of friends who, like us, prefer to experience the mountains through camera lenses. Armed with my camera (I was testing Sony FE 12-24mm lens), tripods, and sturdy hiking shoes, we arrive at the car park in Wasserauen and take the cable car up to Ebenalp, reaching an altitude of 1,531 m. The cramped ride is quickly forgotten the moment we step out into the open mountain air.



Our first goal is Schäfler, a spectacular ridge about 400 vertical meters above us and less than 3 km away. But we’re not only chasing views—the cozy mountain inn at the summit is calling too, especially since our minimalist breakfast left us running on fumes. On the way, we pass the famous Äscher Cliff Restaurant, a location that’s graced countless photography feeds, and our appetites grow as much for composition as for calories.



The trail is mostly gentle, though a map comes in handy as the intersecting paths can be confusing. As with many Alpstein routes, we often find ourselves traversing rocky ledges: sometimes wide, sometimes just enough for a boot. The scenery is thrilling—on one side a sheer drop, on the other a vertical rock face. It’s the kind of landscape where a photographer constantly battles between pausing for the shot and soaking it in with the naked eye.


The final approach to Schäfler is a broad gravel path—almost tame compared to the rest. But the view from the summit is anything but. We’re treated to an extraordinary panorama, with crisp autumn air revealing the distant silhouettes of the Austrian and Liechtenstein Alps. It’s October 20, but the day feels like late summer.


Motivated by the promise of brunch, we hurry the last stretch. Our reward? A steaming plate of rösti and pork schnitzel served just minutes after ordering. Rich, hearty, and satisfying—exactly what you need before tackling the second leg of the hike.



The trail between Schäfler and Läden is where the drama kicks in. Hugging the ridge, the path narrows and becomes more exposed, with metal cables bolted into the rock for safety. For some, it’s a thrilling rush of dopamine and adrenaline. For others, it’s a test of nerves. But for all of us, it’s a goldmine for photography—though a steady hand is not guaranteed!



From there, the descent to Seealpsee is steep and requires focus. Ropes line the trail again, and only as we approach the lake does the terrain begin to ease. Seealpsee itself is a gem of the Swiss Alps, especially photogenic at dawn and dusk. We arrive just after sunset—too late for golden light, but the reflections and peace of twilight offer a moody, cinematic close to the day.


Practical route information in the Alpstein






 
 
 

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