Brülisau – Stauberen Ridge – Fählensee – Brülisau
Wonderful hike along the Stauberen ridge with views into the Alpstein and the Rhine valley
This is a stunning hike with everything - along a ridge with views to the left into the Rhine valley over 1000m below and to the right, into the beautiful Swiss Alpstein. It's then down to the amazing Fählensee before returning via the Sämtisersee back to the start at Brulisau.
This is a circular hike starting from Brulisau in Appenzellerland (north-east Switzerland).
Time of year: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tags: Circular hike, Public transport, Mountain transport, Food en-route, Accommodation en-route, Views of mountain lakes, Ice-cream at end of hike, Can be shortened
Rating: 
Hiked by us on: 15th July 2018
We parked in the small Appenzell village of Brülisau, north-east Switzerland. Most people take the gondola directly to Hohe Kasten, or hike directly toward Sämtisersee. We found a quiet route up towards the Ruhesitz restaurant and the views into the beautiful Alpstein soon opened up.
We did not hike all the way up to Hohe Kasten – that would be an additional 1 hour. Instead we headed towards the guesthouse Staubern. On the way were views to the left down into the Rhine valley, over 1000m below.
This really is the best direction in which to do this walk – there also views to the right into the Alpstein with views of Sämtisersee and later Fählensee.
After 1 hour from Staubern we headed down towards the Saxerlücke. There are some amazing rock formations to gaze at – if you are a geologist or not, you will be impressed!
The Saxerlücke is a crossroad of hiking paths – too many options!
We turned right and headed towards the Bollenwees guesthouse and shortly after reached the stunning Fählensee.
It’s well worth to spend some time here – if it’s winter you may be able to skate on the lake. If it’s summer you can swim (but it will be cold!). From here we headed down steeply towards Rheintaler Sämtis. Although we were now in the valley it was still beautiful – alpine huts and of course cows with bells all over the place!
Don’t forget to look backwards – there are equally stunning views in the opposite direction!
After the Sämtisersee lake, it is a very steep road down to Brülisau – you have been warned! We were back at Brülisau after 7 hours – a glorious hike!
Food, accommodation and/or villages we found on this hike
Ruhsitz
(Food and accommodation)
The family run business in Appenzellerland lays in a beautiful location above Brülisau. Enjoy the open views on the surrounding magical Alpine world. The guesthouse is an ideal starting-point for hikes, mountain bike and snow-shoe tours.
Berggasthaus Staubern
(Food and accommodation)
We would like to introduce our mountain inn, the Staubernbähnli and our beautiful location, with the magnificent Stauberngratpanorama. A special experience is to enjoy our panorama at night, with friends, with an excellent meal or a fine glass of wine. Of course you also have the opportunity to spend the night with us and to start the new day with an atmospheric sunrise.
Berggasthaus Bollenwees
(Food and accommodation)
The Berggasthaus Bollenwees is located directly on the idyllic Fählensee amidst breathtaking mountains. It is the starting point and stage destination of the most beautiful hikes and climbing tours in the Alpstein. With us you experience Appenzellische tradition and hospitality.
Rheintaler Saemtis hinteres Recht
(Food and accommodation)
This is a simple, basic hut - but a guaranteed Alpine experience! Call us on +41 (0)79 737 9125
Berggasthaus Plattenbödeli
(Food and accommodation)
Would you like to relax in a unique landscape in Alpstein and inhale the clean mountain air of Appenzell? In our Berggasthaus Plattenbödeli you will experience the personal Ah and Oh moments. Whether families, hikers, fishermen, recreation seekers or club-trippers - enjoy the fascinating atmosphere around the "Seeersee".
The 5 day forecast in Brülisau
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
(4.4 km away)
Great outdoor pool in the shadow of the Alpstein mountain range
Appenzell town
(5.2 km away)
Wonderful historic picturesque town at the foot of the Alpstein mountain range
Kobelwald crystal caves
(6.4 km away)
Fascinating underground caves - worth a visit in any weather
Gais outdoor pool
(8.1 km away)
Small quiet outdoor pool in Appenzellerland
Kronberg Alpine park
(10.0 km away)
Alpine "park" with summer sledge run and rope park - fun for all!
Hot-pot Appenzellerland
(11.1 km away)
Relax in a a unique hot-tub surrounded by Appenzeller hills and mountains
Badi Schönenbodensee, Wildhaus
(12.1 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
(15.4 km away)
Beautiful area for enjoying the sun and a relaxing swim
Heiden Schwimmbad
(17.2 km away)
A lovely outdoor pool with large grassy areas on which to relax.
Berneck outdoor pool
(18.3 km away)
Wonderful, quiet outdoor pool with lots of grassy areas. Perfect place to relax
Badestrand am Rohr
(18.9 km away)
Relax and swim in the lake which is the old Rhine
Festungsmuseum Heldsberg
(21.4 km away)
Look back into Switzerland's second world war history in this perfectly preseved fort built into the hillside
St Margarethen mineral baths
(21.7 km away)
Recently fully refurbished wellness center - spend an afternoon to recover
Laterns summer sledge run
(21.9 km away)
Sledging in the summer on the Laterns Sommerrodelbahn
Walenstadt lakeside beach
(22.2 km away)
Large grassy swimming area with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains
Rhein railway
(22.6 km away)
Travel on the Rhein railway to the delta of the river
Rolls Royce museum
(26.3 km away)
Fascinating museum of the world's most famous car.
Rappenlochsclucht
(26.3 km away)
Impressive stroll on elevated walkways through narrow gorge
Bischofszell outdoor pool
(27.2 km away)
Relax in this lovely pool in the historic town of Bischofszell.
Sargans castle
(27.5 km away)
900 year old castle full of history (and a restaurant)
Lichtensteig outdoor pool
(27.8 km away)
Wonderful relaxing pool in the Toggenburg region
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