Wasserauen: Hiking Trails, Mountain Scenery and Culture

Wasserauen is a distinctive rural settlement of scattered farms in the district of Schwende-Rüte in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. A few farmhouses define the area. If you are looking for a hotel in Wasserauen, you can first consider whether hiking trails and mountain scenery or cultural sites will shape your stay more. Wasserauen is a starting point for hikes to Seealpsee, Ebenalp, Äscher, Wildkirchli and Säntis. The Appenzeller Bahnen railway station and the valley station of the Wasserauen–Ebenalp cable car are important landmarks in the area.

Hike to Seealpsee

The “Up,up and away to Seealpsee” route begins at Wasserauen railway station. It first follows a stream, then crosses an alpine pasture and passes through Hüttentobel Forest; after that, Seealpsee comes into view. The sequence of stream, open pasture and forest makes the changing landscape along the trail tangible before the lake appears as the route’s destination. Seealpsee has clear water and two mountain inns. The route also includes a boat trip on the lake; you should check its seasonal availability in advance. Swimming in Seealpsee is also possible, although conditions may vary by season. The route thus combines a specific trail with activities on the lake.

Trails to Ebenalp and Wildkirchli

The “Through cool forests to Ebenalp” route passes through a beech forest and then continues to Alp Bommen. Along the way, it offers views of the Alpstein peaks and towards Lake Constance. To reach Wildkirchli, a short path leads from the Ebenalp mountain station to a well-built walkway through the caves. Prehistoric finds discovered in the Wildkirchli caves show that Neanderthals also inhabited the Alpine region; traces of cave bears have also been found there. A visit therefore combines a walk through the caves with an insight into the early settlement of the Alpine region. The two routes have different focuses: one highlights the forest, Alp Bommen and the views, while the other features the walkway through the caves and their history.

Village character and getting your bearings

Wasserauen’s rural character sets it apart from a densely built-up centre: the scattered settlement consists of a few farmhouses. The railway station and valley station provide clear reference points for arriving by Appenzeller Bahn and taking the Wasserauen–Ebenalp cable car. Wasserauen is also a landing site for paragliders who launch from Ebenalp. Several hiking destinations are listed from Wasserauen, including Seealpsee, Ebenalp, Äscher, Wildkirchli and Säntis. The railway station is also the starting point for the route to Seealpsee described here. This makes it possible to consider the local transport hubs and the different hiking themes together, without treating them as a single route.

Chapel and railway history

The Im Bild Chapel stands on the valley path on the left side of the valley from Schwende to Wasserauen. It is closed; the caretaker opens it on request when needed. Visits must therefore be arranged in advance. The chapel houses a late Gothic lindenwood Crucifixion group from 1600 depicting Christ, Mary and John. This work of art gives the chapel its own cultural and historical significance alongside the area’s hiking themes.

Wasserauen also has a railway history: the Appenzeller Bahnen Museum is housed in the historic rolling-stock depot of the former Säntisbahn. On display is a diesel-electric narrow-gauge railcar from 1929. It is in original condition and is considered the only one of its kind in Switzerland. While the chapel is associated with a religious work of art, the museum represents railway history and a specific historic vehicle. Together, they offer two distinct cultural themes to consider alongside the trails and scenery when choosing your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Weissbad, Appenzell, Rüte, Schlatt-Haslen, Oberegg, Gonten.

Back to the main travel overview: Appenzell Innerrhoden.