Hiking Guide: Saxer Lücke in Appenzell, Switzerland

This is currently the bitesized version of “Hiking Guide: Saxer Lücke in Appenzell, Switzerland”. The full and detailed version is in the works as we speak and will be jam-packed with even more info. It will be ready before summer hiking season starts. Keep your eyes peeled! 🙂

Overview of the Saxer Lücke Hike

Location:	Appenzell Region
Difficulty:	moderate
Distance:	6km
Duration:	2.5 hours
Elevation Gain:	240m up and down
Starting Point:	Staubern cable car station
End Point:	Staubern cable car station
Trail Type:	There and back trail, from the cable car station to the Saxer Lücke viewpoint
Trail Conditions:	red and white mountain trail, rocky paths so sturdy hiking boots and poles are recommended

Route Variations to the Saxer Lücke Hike

There are actually many different routes you can take to get to and from the Saxer Lücke viewpoint. They vary from long to short, and easy to more difficult. Therefore it’s a great hiking destination since you can adapt your plans and route to whatever suits your level and needs best!

The route that we did, and that is detailed in this blog post, is the easiest version of the hike: a there and back trail from the Staubern cable car to the viewpoint.

Here are the other main route variations of the Saxer Lücke hike:

• Include a visit to the lake of Fälensee – extend your there-and-back trail by continuing down to the beautiful alpine lake of Fälensee after the Saxer Lücke viewpoint (adds on an extra 2km)
• Loop hike starting at Hoher Kasten – take the cable car up to Hoher Kasten from the village of Brülisau to start the hike. From there hike along the ridge to Staubern, then Saxer Lücke, Fälensee and finally continue on until you end back at Brülisau. The total hike is about 17km.

Summary of the Saxer Lücke Hike

The hike to the Saxer Lücke viewpoint is located in the Alpstein mountain range in the Appenzeller region of Switzerland. It’s an extremely popular spot so don’t expect to be alone there. But it’s one of those places which just has to bee seen with your own eyes, meaning you can understand why it gets a little busy!

The famous viewpoint isn’t the only reason to visit though! The whole area is stunning and the hike will offer incredible views of mountain peaks, green valleys and bright blue lakes.

How to Get There

You’ll start your hike at the top station of the Staubern cable car, which is also where Berggasthaus Staubern is located. You can reach here easily by public transport or by car.

• By public transport: it’s easy to get to but will likely require a few changes onto different trains and buses. The nearest bus stop is Frümsen, Lüftseilbahn Stauben, which is serviced by bus 411, from there you’ll need to walk around 10 minutes to the cable car station. If you’re travelling from Zürich, you’ll likely need to catch one or two trains to Buchs SG, then a bus to Gams, Zentrum, and then finally from there catch the 411 bus.

• By car: searching for Frümsen Lüftseilbahn should take you there. There is a car park at the cable car station.

I recommend going as early as possible to beat the crowds, not only on the trail but also at the gondola station. Officially, the cable car only runs every 30 min and only holds 8 people. If you come at a busy time this can mean a very long wait in line!

Trail Highlights

There are lots of things to love about the Saxer Lücke hike! Here are the main highlights you can expect to enjoy:

• The incredible Saxer Lücke viewpoint: of course, the main highlight HAS to be the Saxer Lücke viewpoint itself! The jagged and dramatic rock formations are a wonder to behold, and this viewpoint make the perfect lunch picnic spot.
• Views over Switzerland and Austria: yes, thats correct – you can enjoy the views over two different countries up here! Infact, this trail is so close to the border that I got a “Welcome to Austria” text while we were hiking here!
• The stunning Fälensee lake: contrasting greatly with the deep green of the valley, is the blue of Fälensee. You’ll get gorgeous views of this lake from up above, and after you’ve reached the viewpoint, you can optionally hike all the way down to its shores.
• Ridgeline hiking: this hike takes you along a ridgeline which I always think gives such special panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.

Tickets and Prices

To do this hike you’ll need a return ticket for the Frümsen – Staubern cable car. This costs 40 CHF and unfortunately they don’t do any discounts for GA or Half-Fare Cards. Return tickets for children cost 20 CHF and for dogs is 10 CHF. (This information is correct as of March 2025 – you can find up-to-date information here.)

The Route: Maps and Information

The route is well sign-posted. On arrival at Staubern, look for the sign pointing to “Saxerlüke” and follow that. Afterwards, there is only one trail until you reach the viewpoint, so no chance of getting lost!

Below I’ve attached a Google Map to help you plan your hike. I’ve marked on all the key spots, as well as the hiking route that we took, and the optional extras if you want to extend your hike.

My experience of the Saxer Lücke hike

Arriving at the top of the Staubern Cable Car

On the Trail

The first Glimpse of the famous peaks

Arriving at the Viewpoint for a Picnic Lunch

Hiking Back the Way we Came

FAQs About the Saxer Lücke Hike

What Time of Year is Best for the Saxer Lücke Hike?

What Facilities are There?

What Should I Bring and Wear on the Saxer Lücke Hike?

Where Should I Stay When Doing the Saxer Lücke Hike?

What Other Hikes and Activities are Nearby?

Final Thoughts on the Saxer Lücke Hike

This hike to the Saxer Lücke viewpoint should be on everyone’s list for summer in Switzerland – it’s truly spectacular! I hope you’ve found this post helpful and please do let me know if you do this hike yourself!

Looking for more summer hikes in Switzerland? I’m sure you’d love the Engelberg 4 Lakes Trail or the route from Monte San Salvatore to Morcote!