Wasserauen – Ebenalp – Schäfler – Saentis (2501m) – Meglisalp – Wasserauen

This hike is the “classic” circular route up to Saentis and back down – and it’s long! But it is absolutely worth it. The hike will take you along some of the most beautiful sections of Alpstein, the views are amazing, and at the top, the hike becomes something of an adventure. You will pass numerous huts, so there are plenty of opportunities to make this a multi-day hike.

Start in Wasserauen and make your way up towards Aescher and Ebenalp. You will first walk steeply uphill through the woods. But once you are out of the trees, the uphill becomes more gentle and you will see some beautiful open areas with gorgeous views.

It’s not far from Alp Bommen to the restaurant Aescher, which is hangs precariously below a rock wall. This may be one of the most photographed restaurants in the Alps. From here, carry on to the Gasthaus Ebenalp. The path passes by a little chapel in the rock and also through an impressive little cave. Getting to Ebenalp, there will be more people, as a gondola goes up to here. After Ebenalp it gets quieter again and you will find yourself on the broad ridge where the views become more and more impressive as you go.

Soon you will reach the next accommodation possibility – the Gasthaus Schäfler. This is a lovely wooden hut with impressive views and a great place for a drink or a stop over night. Past Schäfler you can clearly see the amazing rock formations of the Alpstein. You will also see the pretty Seealpsee way down below.

In the area of Rossegg you will enter one of the most beautiful sections of this hike. The rock type changes to sandstone and you will even walk on sections of beach-like sand. This is a great place for a break as there is so much to see from up here.

You are now getting closer to Saentis and the only section of this hike which needs a little care. But don’t be too worried, it is not at all difficult and is very well secured. You will climb up a very steep section, which will require you to use your hands. But there is a rope or metal handles to hold onto where needed.

The final section to Seantis is even more well secured with steps and steel wires on both sides. It can be busy, so passing spaces have been built in!

And then you are on the top with 360° panoramic views! It is difficult to describe the views from here as there is so much to spot from up here. You will see mountain peaks and lakes and ridges and huts and then of course the Rhine valley, Alpstein and all the surrounding areas.

Saentis can be reached with a gondola and is consequently very busy, but it is still a wonderful place to be. After enjoying the views, head down towards Meglisalp.

Meglisalp is a charming place and well worth to stop overnight or simply to enjoy another drink.

Leaving Meglisalp, you will head down a very steep path to Seealpsee, which is often very wet, so take care on the slippery steps.

The area around Seealpsee is delightful and you will have one last opportunity to look back to Saentis. From the far side of Seealpsee, the view back at the mountains is amazing.

It’s then a further 1 hour hike steeply downhill back to Wasserauen. This truly is a wonderful hike and highly recommended.