June 17, 2023
Above photo: overlooking view of Schäfler
Elevation: 8,208 ft/ 2502 m
Difficulty: Advanced / Experienced
Temperature: 63F to 70s F
Hike time: 09:45-14:33 one way from Ebenalp to Säntis
Vignette: Swiss vignette is required to drive around Switzerland.
Vignette cost: 42 CHF one year pass
Parking: Wasserauen parking lot
Wasserauen 3,
9057 Wasserauen, Switzerland
Parking fee: 5 CHF for 24 hrs
*Pay at the machine. It does not accept credit cards so make sure you have
change. You will also need to input your license plate. Don't forget to write/
take a picture of your license plate.*
Gondola lift station: Wasserauen Station will take you to Ebenalp
Ebenalp Cable Car fee: 34 CHF round trip
Säntis Gondola fee: 34 CHF one way
Arrived at Ebenalp station around 09:30. Parking lot was full so I suggest to go there earlier if you can. I believe the first cable car station departs at 07:30.
The cable car ride is less than 15 mins to reach Ebenalp summit.
Brought my rookie friend and was patient enough to wait for me throughout the hike. This trail is pretty gnarly and I complained the entire time. Yes, I usually complain and talk to myself thinking what did I get myself into? It's a love and hate relationship I suppose.
Along this trek, we met Andreas and Sarah from Switzerland. We parted ways once we reached Höchnideri.
Above: last photograph prior our ascend.
One hour prior reaching our destination, I was running low on energy. I got tired of taking photos and videos. I had to put my device away prior our ascend.
Once we reached Säntis around 2:30pm, we had to reevaluate our plan since the last cable car at Ebenalp departs at 6:00pm. There is no way we’re going to make it back in time. If we were to attempt to return back to Ebenalp and missed the 6:00pm cable car, we would have to hike an additional 2 hrs (return hike time would be approximately 6hrs + one way).
Due to the terrain and ample of snow after Höchnideri; it was too dangerous for us to return back with steep/ slippery one way trail. We then both decided to take the cable car from Säntis. We had a wonderful freezing late lunch at Säntis. Our pair of shoes and socks were soaked from snow, so if you go around this time... make sure to bring an extra pair of socks.
After lunch, we purchased a last minute ticket at the ticketing machine and paid 34 CHF one way/ per person. We took the 4:15pm gondola ride from Säntis to Schwägalp gondola station. It is less than 15 mins gondola ride.
Took the 5:17pm bus 791 from the Schwägalp gondola station to Ürnach train station. Paid 2.90 CHF / per person to the bus driver. Make sure you have change/ cash.
From Ürnach train station, go to platform 1 to purchase your ticket at the machine (color red). It’s a little tricky as the machine doesn’t give you an option in English. I had to ask a local resident to help us purchase our train tickets. Don't be afraid to ask anyone for help.
If you parked your vehicle by Wasserauen station, you will need to purchase a ticket to Wasserauen. The ticket to Wasserauen is 9.60 CHF / per person. Yes, the machine accepts credit cards.
We reached Wasserauen at 6:17pm.
That's a beautiful hike. I would love to take that hike with you. What kind of boots are those?