Wasserauen is a distinctive rural settlement of scattered farms in the district of Schwende-Rüte in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden; a few farms define the area. The Appenzeller Bahnen railway station and the valley station of the Wasserauen–Ebenalp cable car are important landmarks. Wasserauen is also a starting point for hikes to Seealpsee, Ebenalp, Äscher, Wildkirchli and Säntis. You can shape your stay around the landscape, caves or railway history.
Hikes to Seealpsee and Ebenalp
The route to Seealpsee begins at Wasserauen railway station. It first follows a stream, then crosses an alpine pasture and passes through HĂĽttobel forest; only after that does the lake come into view. Stream, open pastureland and forest form a clear sequence before the view opens out onto the lake. Seealpsee has clear water and two mountain inns; swimming is also possible. The route also includes a boat trip on the lake. Before setting out, check whether the boat trip is operating during your travel dates; swimming conditions can vary seasonally.
Another hike is titled “Through cool forests to Ebenalp”. It passes through a beech forest and then heads to Alp Bommen, offering views of the Alpstein peaks and towards Lake Constance. The two routes have different highlights: on the Seealpsee route, you follow a stream, pasture and forest, while the route to Ebenalp is defined by beech forest, Alp Bommen and distant views. These landscape sequences offer a practical guide when choosing your hike, without assuming a particular pace or walking time.
Wildkirchli: Cave Trail and Prehistoric Finds
From the Ebenalp mountain station, a short path leads to a well-built walkway that passes through the Wildkirchli caves. Prehistoric finds discovered in the caves show that Neanderthals also inhabited the Alpine region. Traces of cave bears have also been found. The route therefore combines a specific stretch through the caves with a glimpse into the early settlement of the Alpine region. Those interested in history will find a different focus here from the trails described mainly for their sequence of landscapes and views.
Chapel and Railway History in Wasserauen
The Im Bild Chapel stands on the left-hand valley path from Schwende to Wasserauen. It is closed; the caretaker will open it on request if needed. Inside is a late Gothic limewood Crucifixion group from 1600, depicting Christ, Mary and John. This place brings together a specific stretch of the valley path and a work of sacred art. If you would like to visit the chapel, factor in that it opens on request when planning your trip.
The Appenzeller Bahnen Museum is housed in the historic vehicle depot of the former Säntisbahn in Wasserauen. Its exhibits include a diesel-electric narrow-gauge railcar from 1929, which is in its original condition and is considered the only one of its kind in Switzerland. The depot brings railway history together with a preserved vehicle: the railcar stands out not only for its year of construction, but also for its distinctive status. The museum thus adds a technical and historical focus of its own to the nature and cave themes.
Discover more destinations: Weissbad, Appenzell, Gonten, Schlatt-Haslen, Oberegg, RĂĽte
Go to the regional travel overview: Appenzell Innerrhoden.
