Schwägalp – Hochalp (1529m) – Urnäsch
Lonely hike with not so many height metres to enjoy stunning views from Hochalp
This is a beautiful hike passing through quiet, beautiful woods and moorland and then slowly climbs to enjoy stunning, 360 degree views from Hochalp. After leaving Hochalp it continues through pretty alpine meadows to Urnäsch.
This hike starts from Schwägalp and ends at Urnäsch (Appenzellerland, north-east Switzerland).
Time of year: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tags: Public transport, Food en-route, Accommodation en-route, Ice-cream at end of hike
Rating: 
Hiked by us on: 27th May 2018
What a great hike this was! We took the post-bus from Urnäsch with the wonderful Swiss Post Bus service to way-too-busy Schwägalp to start the hike.
A top tip from Järvi who left a comment on this hike is… “get off the post-bus one stop before the gondola at Schwägalp – that is at Schwägalp Passhöhe, it’s easy to find the hiking route pointer“. Correct – thanks Järvi!
We quickly left the crowds behind who were enjoying the gondola ride to Saentis – a perfect day for it!
We were soon in the pretty and peaceful woods and moorland of Chrazerenpass – a spring flower paradise!
We slowly wound our way through the woods, the views opening up. As the path winds around we could see more and more of the impressive north side of Saentis.
We continued further past Spicher, Hochfläschen and occasional deserted farmhouses. This really is a quiet hike with very few people around – not sure why – the views are constant!
After around 3 hours and a final steady climb, we reached the ridge to Hochalp.
There is a restaurant at the top – the Berggasthaus Hochalp. A perfect place for a drink and bite to eat before the steady walk down through peaceful woods and the pretty meadows above Urnäsch.
Wonderful!
Food, accommodation and/or villages we found on this hike
Berggasthaus Hochalp
(Food only)
A homely guesthouse with beautiful panoramic views over the Alpstein. In winter the starting point for sledging to Urnäsch.
The 5 day forecast in Schwägalp
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.
Badi Schönenbodensee, Wildhaus
(6.5 km away)
Beautiful small lake for swimming above Wildhaus below the Alpstein
Kronberg Alpine park
(7.1 km away)
Alpine "park" with summer sledge run and rope park - fun for all!
Hot-pot Appenzellerland
(8.7 km away)
Relax in a a unique hot-tub surrounded by Appenzeller hills and mountains
Appenzell town
(10.8 km away)
Wonderful historic picturesque town at the foot of the Alpstein mountain range
Appenzell outdoor pool
(10.9 km away)
Great outdoor pool in the shadow of the Alpstein mountain range
Walenstadt lakeside beach
(14.4 km away)
Large grassy swimming area with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains
Werdenberg
(14.4 km away)
800 years of history and the smallest city in Switzerland - beautifully preserved places to visit
Gais outdoor pool
(16.1 km away)
Small quiet outdoor pool in Appenzellerland
Kobelwald crystal caves
(17.8 km away)
Fascinating underground caves - worth a visit in any weather
Lichtensteig outdoor pool
(18.8 km away)
Wonderful relaxing pool in the Toggenburg region
Lago Mio
(19.8 km away)
Lovely little swimming area on the banks of the Walensee close to Weesen
Sargans castle
(24.6 km away)
900 year old castle full of history (and a restaurant)
Heiden Schwimmbad
(26.4 km away)
A lovely outdoor pool with large grassy areas on which to relax.
Götzis outdoor pool
(26.7 km away)
Beautiful area for enjoying the sun and a relaxing swim
Bischofszell outdoor pool
(26.8 km away)
Relax in this lovely pool in the historic town of Bischofszell.
Berneck outdoor pool
(29.1 km away)
Wonderful, quiet outdoor pool with lots of grassy areas. Perfect place to relax
Flaesch village
(29.5 km away)
A beautiful small village renowned for its wine growing and opportunities to buy local wine.
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One comment
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This is a great hike, thank you!
I would add a tip to get off the bus one stop before the end, that is Schwägalp Passhöhe, because this is the only point to find a route pointer.