Seealpsee Lake, Switzerland: Visitor’s Guide and Top Hiking Routes
Seealpsee is a stunning mountain lake in the heart of the Appenzell region, Switzerland. It’s at the foot of the famous Schäfler mountain and is one of the most beloved Swiss summer destinations.
As this pristine lake can only be reached on foot from the nearby settlement of Wasserauen, its serenity is fully protected and therefore it’s an ideal place to relax and spot some of Switzerland’s best wildlife.
One of the best benefits of Seealpsee is that, unlike some other lakes in Switzerland, swimming is allowed and therefore it’s a popular bathing place for locals and tourists alike to refresh themselves during hot summer days. A few huts and inns can also be found along the shoreline offering cool drinks or a filling meal to energise visitors.
Whilst you can take a direct hike up to the lake and back, this landmark is also situated on the route of some of Appenzell’s best longer hikes so you can easily combine a trip to Seealpsee with a day of alpine walking.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before you head out on your visit to Seealpsee. I'll detail some of the best hiking routes to access this beautiful lake and what to expect on your arrival, as well as providing some tips on van life or camping in the Appenzell area.
Seealpsee Lake Quick Facts
Nearest Village: Wasserauen | Google Maps
Altitude: 1143 metres.
When to Visit: May-October.
Swimming: Allowed
Dogs: Allowed, but should be on a lead around cattle and other animals.
Boat Rental: You can rent a rowboat at the Gasthaus Forelle restaurant. The price is CHF 5 for 30 minutes.
Where is Seealpsee Located?
Appenzell region of Eastern Switzerland, Near Wasserauen
Seealpsee lake is located in the Appenzell region of Eastern Switzerland, but its closest area of civilisation is Wasserauen. Wasserauen is a small settlement in the Schwendetal Valley and is a popular location due to it being the starting location for many well-known hikes in this area, such as the Schäfler ridge hike.
How to Get to Seealpsee?
As Seealpsee can only be reached by foot, you must start your journey at Wasserauen before hiking to the lake. As Wasserauen is a very small settlement, it only contains a cable car station, train station, and a hotel.
You can reach Wasserauen by car, or by train. To drive to Wasserauen takes just 10 minutes from Appenzell. From St.Gallen, you’ll have a 30 minute drive to Wasserauen, or from Zürich, it’s a 1-hour 20-minute journey.
By train, you can reach Wasserauen in just 15 minutes from the village of Appenzell when travelling along the Gossau–Wasserauen train line.
Parking in Wasserauen
If you’re travelling in a van, camper, or motorhome, you are forbidden from parking at the cable car station, however there are plenty of sizeable parking spaces available in the large train station car park across the road. This is a paid car park, which accepts EUR and CHF coins. Alternatively, you can pay using the EasyPark app.
Seealpsee Hiking Options from Wasserauen
Seealpsee lake is situated on the route of many gorgeous hikes in the Appenzell Alps, and as a result there are a few route options to reach this stunning location. The hiking option you choose will depend on how much time you have and your level of hiking experience.
I’ve described two of my favourite hiking routes to Seealpsee below, with the first being the easiest and shortest, followed by a moderate route. Both offer wonderful alpine views, an almost certain chance of seeing cattle adorned with cowbells, and of course a refreshing dip in the lake to finish.
Hike One: Wasserauen to Seealpsee Circuit
Begins from: Wasserauen
Distance: 7km
Time needed: 2.5-3
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
The hike to Seealpsee from Wasserauen takes up to 1.5 hours one way and there are a couple of trails you can choose from that take you up to the lake from the settlement. One is a forest access road - a wide paved track leading steeply up on a direct route - and the other is a mountain hiking trail winding through mountain pasture towards the lake.
I recommend taking the mountain trail up to the lake, as this is the most scenic route, then returning down along the access road.
To find the beginning of the Seealpsee mountain trail from Wasserauen, first head towards the train station car park, then continue along the road in the direction of the Hotel Alpenrose. Once past the hotel, you will see a yellow signpost indicating all the hiking trails beginning from this area. Follow the sign that points left towards Seealpsee.
Begin climbing the forest trail up a series of timber reinforced steps. After about 20 minutes, the route opens out into alpine pasture where you’re likely to see cattle accompanied by the classic sound of their cowbells.
After a few more steps you’ll reach a junction, where you should turn right to continue following signs for Seealpsee. At this point, the trail eases and you can enjoy a level ramble across the peaceful meadow.
At the next junction, bear right again and descend slowly towards the lake, passing a few alpine huts towards its shore.
Once at the lake, there is a clear path leading all the way around its parameter and past each of the inns and cafes offering refreshments.
To return, find the Berggasthaus Seealpsee, one of the largest restaurants on the lakeshore, and follow the wide gravel path that leads from here away from the lake. This soon merges into the access road that winds steeply all the way back down to Wasserauen.
Hike Two: Wasserauen to Ebenalp Via Seealpsee
Begins from: Wasserauen
Distance: 7.5km with cable car descent
Time needed: 3.5-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This hike begins the same as hike one, following the directions from Wasserauen up to Seealpsee along the mountain trail. Once you reach Seealpsee, however, this option continues your hike up to Berggasthaus Äscher, rather than returning to Wasserauen via the access road.
At the lake shore, head to the Berggasthaus Seealpsee - one of the largest restaurants at Seealpsee - and follow the road past this building for around 10 minutes until you reach a junction. Here, turn left towards the Aether hut.
The path soon begins to ascend, scaling the mountainside through a forest. Some sections of the path are reinforced with metal cables or steps as the rocky trail can be slippery.
As you exit the forest, a vertical face of rock will emerge on your right. Follow the trail along the side of the mountain until you can turn right to the Berggasthaus Äscher.
This picturesque hut clinging to the side of the steep cliffside is one of the oldest in Switzerland, and offers a variety of food and beverages to hungry hikers. Take the opportunity to stop here for a rest and take photos of this iconic viewpoint.
From the Äscher hut, continue to follow the boardwalk ledge to the Wildkirchli caves. These four magnificent caverns were created millions of years ago by the force of water, and were used as hunting quarters by Neanderthals. Nowadays, you can hike through these ancient spaces and appreciate the fascinating history of the Appenzell Alps.
Upon exiting the caves, it’s an easy route along the well-used trail through pasture to the Ebenalp cable car station.
Ride the Ebenalp cable car back down to Wasserauen.
The cable car costs 24 CHF for a single trip and there’s usually up to a 15 minute wait to begin your journey.
Ebenalp cable car tickets prices and timetables | Ebenalp.ch
Eating Options at Seealpsee
Berggasthaus Seealpsee: Serving Swiss and European cuisines right on the lake shore with a large outdoor terrace overlooking the water, I would highly recommend stopping at this inn for refreshments during your trip to Seealpsee.
Reserve a table or overnight stay | seealpsee.ch
Gasthaus Forelle: Similarly, the Gasthaus Forelle also offers comforting Swiss meals and cosy overnight stays in addition to a large terrace overlooking the lake.
Reserve a table or room | gasthausforelle.ch
Seealpkäserei Dairy: If you’re interested in purchasing local products, there is a small hut on the western edge of the lake that sells local cheeses, butter, and milk, including the award winning Seealpchäs.
Note - The produce on sale will vary depending on season and availability.
What to Wear for Visiting Seealpsee
As Seealpsee is at an elevation of 1,143 metres, the temperature is likely to drop slightly as you hike your way up to the lake from Wasserauen. This temperature difference will probably be fairly minimal however so it doesn’t require major changes to your clothing choice.
As always, your clothing will be dependent on the time of year you choose to visit Seealpsee. In May, September, or October I’d suggest wearing trousers or leggings with a long sleeve top to hike and packing a warm waterproof jacket.
If you’re planning to visit Schäfler in June, July or August, it is often shorts and t-shirt weather.
As swimming is authorised in Seealpsee lake, I highly recommend packing a swimsuit and towel as there’s nothing better than a refreshing wild swim after a hike.
The weather can be unpredictable in Switzerland, so whatever time of year you’re visiting Seealpsee, always check the weather beforehand and adjust your clothing accordingly.
Van life and Overnight Parking near Seealpsee in the Appenzell Alps
Although wild camping is technically not permitted in most areas of Switzerland, there are many well-used Park4Night spots in and around Wasserauen near the start of the Seealpsee lake hikes where campers park trouble-free overnight.
During my stay in this area, I used a couple of scenic car parks to sleep in and was joined by numerous other van lifers each night.
On my first night in the area, I stayed at a small scenic car park situated above Wasserauen. There is room for around 6 vans here, although I wouldn’t recommend vans over 6m or motorhomes try to use this spot as it’s a 10 minute drive up a small single track road to access it with no spaces to turn around. The views from this park-up are lovely, as you’re situated next to a patch of pine trees and surrounded by mountains. Inevitably, you’ll wake to the sound of cowbells in the morning - the sound of Switzerland.
The car park is not totally free, however it only costs 5 CHF for 24 hours so it very inexpensive. There is a pay and display machine to one side of the car park which accepts coins. Alternatively, you can pay using the EasyPark app.
After my first night, I moved to another car park down in Wasserauen itself, from which I could walk to the cable car and train station in 15 minutes. This was an absolute gem of a spot, as it’s completely free and right next to the small river that runs through the settlement which you can wash in. I loved this spot so much I extended my stay by 2 nights and remained in this location the entire time. Each night, there were numerous other vans parked alongside me.
