Ernstböhl – Aescher – Ebenalp (1640m) – Ernstböhl
Short, but simply amazing hike - don't miss this one!
This is one of THE most wonderful hikes - especially on a sunny summer's evening. It starts "behind" Ebenalp, climbs up to Aescher, past the Wildkirchli, through the Eremitenhöhle caves and then to the highest point of the hike at Ebenalp. Stunning!
This is a circular hike starting from Erstböhl in Appenzellerland (north-east Switzerland).
Time of year: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tags: Circular hike, Suitable for families, Food en-route, Accommodation en-route, Views of mountain lakes
Rating: 
Hiked by us on: 24th July 2018
This is a steep but wonderful and short hike up to restaurant Aescher, one of the most amazingly placed restaurants in the Alps. The walk can easily be squeezed into a summers evening. So you could walk up to Ebenalp and watch the sun go down. Start at Erstböhl, where there is plenty of parking and head uphill towards Aescher.
After passing the alpine huts at Bommen, walk along the vertical walls below Ebenalp and the beautiful Alpstein comes into view.
It is now too long before the amazing located Bergrestaunt Aescher, perched on the mountain-side, can be seen.
Leaving Aescher you pass the tiny church Wildkirchli Altarhöhle…
… and then enter the Eremitenhöhle cave. You don’t need a head torch, it is lit, but it can be slippy, so a little care is needed – but wow – it is impressive.
It is now another 30 minutes to the Guesthouse at Ebenalp – and even more amazing views.
Leaving Ebenalp there are wonderful views to the north across Appenzellerland and beyond. They are amazing at any time of day but with the sun dipping low in the summer, the light is just amazing.
The hike now takes a longer way down, turning left at Pt1367 towards Chäsbach. It is steep and through the woods, and there are not many views on this section, but when you reach Neuenalp it will be worth it for the lovely views.
It is now a short stroll back to the car, enjoying the last of the views across the meadows. A lovely little walk!
We did not find any places for food or accomodation on this hike. Take your own supplies!
The 5 day forecast in Appenzell
Webcams
We could not find any webcams in the area close to this hike.
Need some hiking down-time?
If you need a day off from hiking, below are some of the great things you can do within 30 km from the start of this hike.
Appenzell outdoor pool
(3.7 km away)
Great outdoor pool in the shadow of the Alpstein mountain range
Appenzell town
(4.2 km away)
Wonderful historic picturesque town at the foot of the Alpstein mountain range
Kronberg Alpine park
(7.3 km away)
Alpine "park" with summer sledge run and rope park - fun for all!
Hot-pot Appenzellerland
(8.6 km away)
Relax in a a unique hot-tub surrounded by Appenzeller hills and mountains
Gais outdoor pool
(8.8 km away)
Small quiet outdoor pool in Appenzellerland
Kobelwald crystal caves
(9.3 km away)
Fascinating underground caves - worth a visit in any weather
Badi Schönenbodensee, Wildhaus
(10.3 km away)
Beautiful small lake for swimming above Wildhaus below the Alpstein
Werdenberg
(14.3 km away)
800 years of history and the smallest city in Switzerland - beautifully preserved places to visit
Götzis outdoor pool
(18.4 km away)
Beautiful area for enjoying the sun and a relaxing swim
Heiden Schwimmbad
(18.8 km away)
A lovely outdoor pool with large grassy areas on which to relax.
Walenstadt lakeside beach
(20.5 km away)
Large grassy swimming area with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains
Berneck outdoor pool
(20.7 km away)
Wonderful, quiet outdoor pool with lots of grassy areas. Perfect place to relax
Badestrand am Rohr
(21.6 km away)
Relax and swim in the lake which is the old Rhine
Festungsmuseum Heldsberg
(23.7 km away)
Look back into Switzerland's second world war history in this perfectly preseved fort built into the hillside
St Margarethen mineral baths
(23.9 km away)
Recently fully refurbished wellness center - spend an afternoon to recover
Laterns summer sledge run
(24.8 km away)
Sledging in the summer on the Laterns Sommerrodelbahn
Lichtensteig outdoor pool
(24.9 km away)
Wonderful relaxing pool in the Toggenburg region
Rhein railway
(25.0 km away)
Travel on the Rhein railway to the delta of the river
Bischofszell outdoor pool
(25.8 km away)
Relax in this lovely pool in the historic town of Bischofszell.
Sargans castle
(27.1 km away)
900 year old castle full of history (and a restaurant)
Lago Mio
(28.2 km away)
Lovely little swimming area on the banks of the Walensee close to Weesen
Rolls Royce museum
(29.2 km away)
Fascinating museum of the world's most famous car.
Rappenlochsclucht
(29.3 km away)
Impressive stroll on elevated walkways through narrow gorge
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