Hike Three Lakes Tour: Seealpsee – Fälensee – Sämtisersee • Appenzell region • Map

Route description

From Wasserauen, the hiking tour leads along the Schwendebach stream into the valley. After a small ascent, you reach the picturesque Seealpsee lake. At the end of the lake, the hiking path leads towards the left uphill through a mixed forest to the Felsbändern am Unterstrich. Then, you reach the idyllic Sennen village Meglisalp.

The path continues with a very steep ascent towards the southeast, then to the Bötzelsattel and the Widderalpsattel. What follows is a pleasant descent to the Wisseralp. Through the forest and along the Stiefel rocks you soon discover a surprising and breath-taking view on the Fälensee lake, which is embedded between rugged cliffs. Here you have the possibility to enjoy a short rest in the mountain guest-house Bollenwees.

Thereafter, take the little road leading via the Alp Furgglen and through a mountain forest to the Sämtisersee lake. Both the Fälensee as well as the Sämtiesersee flow underground and continue flowing on the surface in the Rhine valley again. An ascent follows towards the mountain guest-house Plattenbödeli before the hike takes you downhill towards Brüelobel. Finally, passing the Hexenwäldli, you reach Brülisau, the final destination of the hike.

Sturdy shoes necessary

Eating options available

Interesting facts

With an overall length of 18 km the hike is among the 10 longest hikes in Switzerland available on TouriSpo.
Three Lakes Tour: Seealpsee – Fälensee – Sämtisersee is among the 3 best rated Hikes in Switzerland.
You're facing an uphill climb of 1275 vertical meters on this hike. This makes the hike one of the 10 hikes with the most ascent in Switzerland. The hike takes you to an elevation of 1,864 m.
You shouldn’t forget to bring your hiking boots. There are some sections on the trail where sturdy footwear is required. If you get hungry along the way, there are places to rest and get food. Nevertheless it’s recommended to also have enough water and food in your backpack when hiking or biking.