Pictures on social media make these famous Saxer Lücke peaks difficult to reach. But it's actually quite easy since you can ride a cable car up to the trail, then 1 hour hike to the viewpoint.

This is a perfect choice for casual hikers and families that want spectacular views without hiking all day to get there. If you prefer a long hike, just start further up the ridge at Hoher Kasten instead for a 16 km trek (we loved that too!).

The trail is rocky with some stairs, often with steep slopes to the side. So best for those with steady footing and with some hiking experience. But my 72 year old dad who rarely hikes was able to manage it, if a bit slowly.

I highly recommend hiking another 1 km down to the Fälensee lake, where you can lunch at the Bollenwies mountain restaurant - best Rösti in Switzerland! But if you can't manage that, bring a picnic and settle in near the peaks.

Trail

The trail starts at the top of the Staubern cable car. From there, it is about 3 km to the Saxer Lücke viewpoint to see the spiky peaks. Optional 1 km detour down to the hut for lunch. You can return the way you came.

Trail to viewpoint: Moderate • 2.5 h • 6 km • 240m up and down

Learn more in our Saxer Lücke article.

How to get there

This hike starts at the top of the Frümsen-Staubern cable car - Frümsnerbergstrasse 9467 Sennwald (47°14’51.5″N 9°28’14.0″E). There is parking next to the cable car station, but it can fill up very quickly on weekends. Best to arrive before 9:30.

The closest bus stop is Frümsen, Luftseilbahn Staubern, about a 500m walk from the cable car valley station. The bus schedule is quite infrequent, so check the schedule carefully on SBB.ch before heading out.

When to go

This area is usually open for hiking from late May through early November, depending on the snow conditions. In summer, it's bright green with lots of wildflowers. But also gorgeous in October, when the hills turn bright orange and yellow and the shadows become dramatically long. 

Cost

In 2024, a return cable car ticket costs: Adult CHF 40, Child CHF 20, Dogs CHF 10. No discounts for Swiss travel cards or passes. See current prices.

More info: appenzell.ch • nearby webcam: Hoher Kasten • forecast