Schwägalb Suspension Railway (Seilbahn)

The Säntis cable car, the Säntis-Schwebebahn, climbs from the Schwägalp pass to the summit of the Säntis, the highest mountain of the Alpstein range in north-eastern Switzerland, at 2,502 metres. The lower station is on the Schwägalp, a high plateau at about 1,350 metres between the cantons of Appenzell Ausserrhoden and St. Gallen, where a road crosses the ridge between the Appenzell hills and the Toggenburg valley. A large hotel and restaurant stand beside the station, and the plateau is used for summer pasture. The cable car has operated since the 1930s, and it lifts passengers about 1,150 metres in a ride of around ten minutes, passing over cliffs and steep meadows.

The Säntis has an unusual position. It stands at the northern edge of the Alps, where the mountains rise abruptly from the hills of the Swiss Mittelland, and nothing blocks the view to the north. On a clear day the panorama from the summit covers a vast area: the Rhine valley and Lake Constance, the hills of Swabia in Germany, the Vorarlberg mountains of Austria, Liechtenstein and, it is said, parts of six countries in all. Toward the south, the white peaks of the Glarus and Graubünden Alps line the horizon. Because the mountain is exposed, clouds often gather around the summit while the valley is bright, or the reverse, so visibility is a matter of luck and checking the webcams and forecasts is wise.

At the summit, a large complex of buildings houses a restaurant, a viewing terrace, a weather station and a tall transmission tower that dominates the skyline. The weather station has been in operation since the nineteenth century and is among the oldest high-altitude meteorological stations in Switzerland. The restaurant serves regional dishes, and its terraces face the view, which makes it a pleasant place to rest. A path leads along the ridge and through short tunnels cut in the rock to viewpoints, and a trail runs to a small hut and onward to other peaks for walkers with mountain experience.

The Säntis is also a starting point for hikes. A well-known route leads from the summit down to the Seealpsee or toward the Ebenalp, crossing steep, rocky ground that needs sturdy boots and a head for heights. Walkers should check conditions with the local tourist office or mountain guides, as snow can remain on north-facing slopes well into summer and paths can be icy. In winter, the area around the Schwägalp offers cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails, and the cable car continues to run when weather permits.

Timetables and ticket prices vary by season, and the cable car may be closed for maintenance or when wind is too strong, so check the operator's website before you travel. Warm clothing is essential even in July, as the summit is cold and often windy, and sunglasses and sun protection are useful on bright days. The trip suits families, hikers, photographers and anyone who wants a big view with little effort. Allow half a day, including the ride, time at the top and a meal.