The Ebenalp forms the end of the northern Säntis range situated between the Weissbach and the Schwendebach valleys. Looked at from a distance, the Ebenalp resembles a slanted plain in spite of its hillocks and hollows, which explains the origin of the name Ebenalp (eben = flat).

The Ebenalp is not actually flat at all. But it does offer a sort of plain for mountain walkers: in contrast to other hikers' mountains it is not only the starting point but also the end of many easy as well as demanding walks in the Alpstein region.
Thanks to its optimum location and excellent thermal conditions, the Ebenalp attracts many hang glider and paraglider pilots for whom it has become a popular meeting place. From it's summit you have a view over the Bodensee and Swarzwald, the Altman and Säntis and Austria.

Routes

This route leads from Wasserauen to Lake Seealp (Seealpsee) where you can rest or stay at Berggasthaus Seealpsee. From here the trail continues along steep hillsides to the Wildkirchli. In the middle of the south-east wall of the Ebenalpstock Mountain two spacious caves can be seen. Below the arches of these caves stand a spire of a chapel and a little stone cabin: the Wildkirchli. Here you find Berggasthaus Aescher. The trail went finally to the summit station and to Berggasthaus Ebenalp.
Take care when walking along this good mountain path. Small children should be secured by a safety rope.

Another popular route is the trail from Ebenalp summit to the highest mountain of this region the Säntis (2502m.) It can be done on a very well marked trail via Schäfler (1924m.) and it will take you 5 hours.

When To Climb

The Ebenalp mostly is climbed from May to October. In May there can be a lot of snow which can make the area slippery and dangerous. It seems that this part off Switzerland is a very snowy region.

There are no permits required.
current weather in N-E Switzerland

On a clear day and evening you have a fascinating sunset view in western direction

Where to stay

In this region there are a lot Berggasthauser where you can rent a room or a place in the so called "matrazenlager", a large room with a lot off beds. You can also sleep on top of this mountain.
Berggasthaus Ebenalp. tel: 071 799 11 94. Open May-Okt. / Dec-April
Berggasthaus Seealpsee. tel: 071 799 11 40. Open April-Nov.
Berggasthaus Forelle. tel: 071 799 11 88. Open April-Nov.
Berggasthaus Aescher. tel: 071 799 11 42. Open May-Nov.
Berggasthaus Hotel Alpenrose (Wasserauen). tel: 071 799 11 33. Open March-Dec.

Maps

Wanderkarte 1: 40000 Säntis - Alpstein
wanderkarte Wanderwege in Appenzellerland.
For other map details, look at Hoher Kasten in the Maps section.

Getting There

Alpstein or Appenzellerland is very easy to reach. It's situated 30 km. below St. Gallen and the Bodensee. Mainvillage is Appenzell (785m.).
From Zürich, wich can be reached by air (Kloten Airport), drive into eastern direction on the 1 / E60 to Winterthur / St. Gallen. From there follow the signs Appenzell, Weissbad, Schwende and finaly Wasserauen (868m.). This is where the road stops and many trails starts to the Säntis, Meglisalp, Seealpsee and Altman. Also the Ebenalp cablecar can be taken to this summit.

Avalanche info

For avalange info: SLF Gefahrenkarte

Wildlife

Images



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