Trail Conditions

Beware! The trail section Kastensattel to Hoher Kasten (including the summit) is closed due to falling rocks! We are rebuilding the connecting tunnel in the mountain station. There is a risk of falling rocks due to the construction work. You can find more information about the construction activities here.

We ask you not to hike to the summit of Hoher Kasten until the opening in May 2021. Your safety is very important to us and it is our concern that the construction workers on the summit can work undisturbed.  The entire building on the Hoher Kasten is closed. We thank you very much for your understanding.

There is another blanket of snow in Appenzell and there is a considerable danger of avalanches in the mountains. Most mountain inns are still in winter dormancy and will not open their doors until a later date. At the moment, we recommend hiking in the valley and in the beautiful hilly landscapes.

The opening hours of all restaurants and cable cars in the Alpstein can be found here alpstein.ch.

Those who are well prepared can react appropriately to different situations. So that you can enjoy your hike without any worries, please note the following:

• Follow the signposted trails.
• Close fences and pasture gates.
• Take regular rest breaks. Drink a lot – even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• In case of bad weather: Turn around early or seek shelter in a hut or shelter.
• If you suddenly feel unwell or get into other difficulties, do not take any risks and do not force anything, turn back in good time.
• Observe the regulations in nature reserves.
• Take care when lighting a fire. If droughts persist, avoid lighting fires entirely.
• Grazing livestock: Dogs should be kept on a leash. Walk around herds of cattle calmly and at a distance of 20 to 50 metres.
• Unexploded bombs: Do not touch under any circumstances. Mark the location and notify the police.
• For the sake of nature and the environment: Hike according to the motto «Take nothing with you but your impressions – leave nothing but your footprints».

Hiking trail: yellow
Hiking trails often run along wide paths. But they can also be narrow and uneven. Steep passages are overcome with steps and locations with a high risk of falling are protected by hand rails. Apart from the usual attention and caution, hiking trails do not place any special demands on the users. Wearing sturdy shoes with non-slip soles, weather-appropriate equipment and topographic maps are recommended.

Mountain hiking trail: yellow with white-red-white peak
Mountain hiking trails go through rough terrain and are mostly steep, narrow, and partially exposed. Particularly difficult passages are secured with ropes or chains. Users must be sure-footed, not afraid of heights, and in good physical shape and must be aware of the dangers in the mountains (falling rocks, risk of slipping and falling, sudden changes in the weather). The equipment recommended for hiking trails is required.

Alpine hiking trail: blue with white-blue-white peak
Alpine hiking trails lead partly over snow fields, glaciers, or scree slopes and through rocks with short climbing sections; partly without trails. Structural precautions cannot be assumed. Users must be sure-footed, not afraid of heights, and in very good physical shape, as well as being very familiar with the dangers of the mountains. In addition to the equipment for mountain hiking trails, a compass, rope, ice axe, and crampons may be necessary.

Winter hiking trail: pink
Winter hiking trails are only signposted during the winter months. They do not place any special demands on the users, but there is a risk of slipping on snow.

We refer to the official information of the SAC.

Spending the night outdoors in the mountains is a special experience in nature. The stars above you twinkle in the clear night air. In order for you to wake up as peacefully as you fall asleep, it is important to pay attention to a few points.

When you peel yourself out of a dry sleeping bag the next morning, you have already done a few things right: For example, you have not camped in a wetland or directly next to a mountain stream that has surged overnight. In order for the rest of your adventure to go well, it is important that you behave considerately, avoid sensitive habitats, and comply with the relevant legal regulations. You can find more information in the leaflet.