Saxer Lücke Hiking Guide

Questions

How do you hike to the Saxer Lücke?

The Saxer Lücke is a gap in the Alpstein ridge above the Fälensee, on the border between Appenzell Innerrhoden and St. Gallen. I reached it on the second day of a 2-day hike from Wasserauen, up from Berggasthaus Bollenwees at the east end of the Fälensee: 26 minutes and about 590 ft of climbing (the signpost says 35 minutes). From the gap a ridge trail runs northeast to Staubern, where a cable car goes down to Frümsen in the Rhine valley.

How long is the hike from Wasserauen to the Saxer Lücke?

My route was 19.7 miles (31.7 km) over two days, with about 7,740 ft of climbing: 7.1 miles on Day 1 from Wasserauen past the Seealpsee, the Aescher and Ebenalp to the Berggasthaus Schäfler, and 12.6 miles on Day 2 past Mesmer, the Seealpsee again and Meglisalp, over the Widderalpsattel to Bollenwees, the Saxer Lücke and Staubern.

Is the Saxer Lücke hike open?

Yes. In October 2026 the official Swiss closures map showed nothing on the route, and Appenzell tourism's trail report said the trails were in very good condition. A rockfall warning was posted above the Seealpsee in September 2026. Most of the mountain inns are open from May to about November 1.

Can you camp at the Saxer Lücke?

No. Appenzell tourism says wild camping isn't allowed in the Alpstein, the canton is drafting a law that would allow a bivouac only with the landowner's permission, and the St. Gallen side says wild camping up high isn't wanted. Sleep in one of the mountain inns, such as Bollenwees, Meglisalp or Staubern.

How do you get back from the Saxer Lücke?

Walk northeast along the ridge to the Berggasthaus Staubern and take the Staubern cable car down to Frümsen; in 2026 it ran daily until 10 p.m. from May to October, CHF 20 one way. Bus 411 runs hourly from Frümsen to the trains, about 1.5 hours to St. Gallen. Or walk back down to Bollenwees and on to Brülisau.

When is the best time to hike the Alpstein?

The high trails have their season from about the end of June to October, and the inns open from about May to early November. I went in mid-September, a few days after an early snowstorm left snow on the high passes. Summer has the most rain and thunderstorms; September and October are drier.