Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Mountain Peaks
Switzerland
Eastern Switzerland
Appenzell Ausserrhoden
Hinterland

Urnäsch

The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Urnäsch

Best mountain peaks around Urnäsch are found within the picturesque Appenzell landscape, serving as a gateway to the broader Alpstein massif. This region is characterized by its rolling hills and rugged peaks, offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors. The area provides extensive hiking trails and panoramic views, making it a notable destination for outdoor activities.

Best mountain peaks around Urnäsch

  • The most popular mountain peaks is Säntis Summit (2,502 m), a summit that is the highest mountain in the Alpstein Mountains. Reaching the summit is made convenient by an aerial cableway from nearby Schwägalp, providing easy access to this peak.
  • Another must-see spot is Kronberg Summit, a summit accessible by aerial cableway. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views and a mountain restaurant, along with diverse recreational offerings like a summer bob-sledge run and a rope park.
  • Visitors also love Mutschen Summit, a summit offering a 360° view from 2121 m. The climb to the Mutschen summit can be reached in 10 minutes from Mutschensattel, providing views of the Reinthal and the Kreuzberge.
  • Urnäsch is known for summits, climbs, and viewpoints. The variety of mountain peaks to see and explore includes accessible peaks like Hochhamm and higher alpine challenges within the Alpstein massif.
  • The mountain peaks around Urnäsch are appreciated by the komoot community, with 11 highlights, over 940 photos, and more than 1020 upvotes.

Last updated: June 22, 2026

Säntis Summit (2,502 m)

Highlight • Summit

At 2,502 meters, the Säntis is the highest mountain in the Alpstein Mountains. The Säntis lies on the border between the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Aargau, and St. Gallen. The mountains are composed of limestone and marl. The cable car takes hikers from Schwägalp up the mountain. Even in June, snow lies here and temperatures are icy. From the Säntis, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Alpstein Mountains, the Appenzellerland, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Constance.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

See hikes here

Send to Phone

Save

Himmelsleiter (Säntis Summit Ascent)

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

A challenge on the first ascent. Easily doable for ambitious hikers who are sure-footed, have a head for heights and are equipped with the right hiking footwear. Be careful of oncoming traffic. Not recommended for hikers who are prone to dizziness or are unsteady. It is best to secure children with via ferrata equipment. Dogs must be in a backpack.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Mutschen Summit

Highlight • Summit

If you are already at the Mutschensattel, the climb to the Mutschen summit can be reached in just 10 minutes. The climb is worth it... the view of the Reinthal and a direct view of the beautiful Kreuzberge, Churfirsten, Altmann etc...
The zigzag path from the Mutschensattel to the Mutschen itself is a little narrow, but can be reached very quickly.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Kronberg Summit

Highlight • Summit

From Kronberg you have a great view of Lake Constance on the one hand and of Säntis and Alpstein on the other

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Schwägalp

Highlight • Rest Area

Be there early, it's definitely worth it. Little going on and clear air. If possible, start very early to watch the sunrise on the summit!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more peaks around Urnäsch.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Urnäsch

Lake and Alps Adventure – explore 100 dreamy places in our cycling region!

When the mountain awakens – spring hikes around the Schwägalp

Appenzeller Weg – pilgrimage routes from Austria to Switzerland

Hiking around Urnäsch

Road Cycling Routes around Urnäsch

MTB Trails around Urnäsch

Mountain Hikes around Urnäsch

Running Trails around Urnäsch

Cycling around Urnäsch

Gravel biking around Urnäsch

Other adventures around Urnäsch

Lake and Alps Adventure – explore 100 dreamy places in our cycling region!

Road Cycling Collection by

Lake and Alps

Tips from the Community

Roger Eggenberger 🐾👣
August 7, 2025, Mutschen Summit

Amazing 360° view from the Mutschen summit at 2121 m.

Translated by Google

7

0

MAC
November 17, 2024, Mutschen Summit

From the summit cross of the Mutschen (2,122 m) you have a wonderful 360° view.

Translated by Google

2

0

Artur
September 3, 2024, Mutschen Summit

Super beautiful and very worthwhile. The climb looks difficult from a distance, but it is easier than it looks. Would definitely recommend it.

Translated by Google

2

0

JR on Tour
August 30, 2024, Mutschen Summit

You should definitely take the Mutschen with you... at the top you will be rewarded with fantastic views over the Kreuzberge and the Rhine Valley all the way to Lichtenstein...

Translated by Google

5

0

Walk up and enjoy the 360° view twice.

Translated by Google

8

2

At 2,502 meters, the Säntis is the highest mountain in the Alpstein Mountains. The Säntis lies on the border between the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Aargau, and St. Gallen. The mountains are composed of limestone and marl. The cable car takes hikers from Schwägalp up the mountain. Even in June, snow lies here and temperatures are icy. From the Säntis, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Alpstein Mountains, the Appenzellerland, Lake Lucerne, and Lake Constance.

Translated by Google

7

0

Jakobsbad-Kronberg mountain station / Kronberg mountain inn Kronberg mountain inn: The boom in tourism was not lost on Josef Anton Rusch (1896–1990), "Schotz-Sebedöni". By building an inn on the Kronberg, he hoped to provide a better livelihood for himself, his wife and their son. But first he needed a patent, which he was able to acquire from the recently closed "Gontenbad" spa. With this authorization in his pocket, on December 1, 1934, he bought around 12 acres of building land near the summit of the Kronberg from the owner of the "Dorwies" Alp, the Leimbach brown cattle breeding cooperative. Included in the purchase was the right to tap a spring that was located around 300 meters west of the building site. This already provided essential prerequisites for the realization of Sebedöni's plans. However, before construction could begin, a transport cable car had to be built. In the valley, the so-called "engine house" was built near the "Anker" house on the road to the Kalchofen. In order to maintain a straight line, three supports were built, the first near the main building of the "Weissbüel" property, the second near Schotz, where Rusch was born, grew up and worked as a forest warden for the Höhe-Kronberg timber corporation, and the third in the "Klein Hackbüel" home pasture. This ensured that building materials and construction workers could be transported without any problems. But unauthorized persons such as a later president of the "Kronbergbahn AG" also made use of this fast travel option. On June 9, 1935, at Whitsun, the first toast was made in the new guesthouse, which was still under construction at the time. The construction work was mostly carried out by locals. During the construction period, a new telephone line was also laid from Scheidegg across the "Gross Chenner" Alp. Text / Source: Jakobsbad-Kronberg cable car AG, St. Josefstrasse 2 · 9108 Jakobsbad https://kronberg.ch/de/unternehmen/geschichte.html

Translated by Google

13

1

PiAr
November 14, 2022, Mutschen Summit

Beautiful vantage point with a great view of the Rhine Valley

Translated by Google

6

0

Frequently Asked Questions

Which mountain peaks near Urnäsch offer the best hiking experiences?

For diverse hiking experiences, you can explore several peaks. Säntis Summit (2,502 m), the highest in the Alpstein massif, offers challenging routes and panoramic views. For a rewarding hike directly from Urnäsch, Hochhamm (1275 m) provides scenic ridge walks. Additionally, Mutschen Summit offers a quick, rewarding climb from Mutschensattel with a 360° view.

How can I access the mountain peaks around Urnäsch, especially if I prefer not to hike the entire way?

Many peaks are easily accessible. Säntis Summit (2,502 m) can be reached conveniently via an aerial cableway from nearby Schwägalp. Similarly, Kronberg Summit also has an aerial cableway, providing access to its panoramic views and recreational activities. For peaks like Hochhamm, direct hiking routes from Urnäsch are available.

Are there family-friendly mountain peaks or activities near Urnäsch?

Yes, Kronberg Summit is particularly known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Beyond panoramic views, it offers a summer bob-sledge run, a rope park, and a mountain restaurant. The Schwägalp area, near Säntis, also features the Schwägalp/Säntis Nature Discovery Park, adding an educational element suitable for families.

What is the best time of year to visit the mountain peaks near Urnäsch for hiking?

The summer and early autumn months (May to September) are generally ideal for hiking, offering pleasant temperatures and lush landscapes. During this period, you can also experience the traditional alpine cheese production at places like Schwägalp. However, even in June, higher peaks like Säntis can still have snow and icy temperatures, so always check conditions.

What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks around Urnäsch?

The region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Besides hiking, you can explore gravel biking routes like the 'Urnäsch – Landsgemeindeplatz Appenzell loop' or enjoy cycling tours such as the 'Rural idyll! – View of the Säntis North Face loop from Urnäsch'. For more specific mountain hikes, consider routes like the 'Säntis Summit – View of Lake Constance loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Urnäsch, Mountain Hikes around Urnäsch, and Cycling around Urnäsch guides.

Are there challenging mountain hikes for experienced trekkers in the Urnäsch region?

Yes, for experienced trekkers, the region offers challenging routes. The ascent to Säntis Summit (2,502 m), particularly via the Himmelsleiter (Säntis Summit Ascent), is a demanding climb suitable for sure-footed hikers with a head for heights. The 'Säntis Summit – View of Lake Constance loop' is also rated as difficult. Always ensure you have appropriate gear and experience for these routes.

What kind of views can I expect from the mountain peaks near Urnäsch?

The mountain peaks around Urnäsch are renowned for their spectacular panoramas. From Säntis Summit, you can enjoy unparalleled 360-degree views across six countries. Kronberg Summit offers great views of Lake Constance and the Alpstein massif. Mutschen Summit provides a direct view of the beautiful Kreuzberge and the Rhine Valley. Even lower peaks like Hochhamm offer wonderful autumnal panoramas of the Appenzell landscape.

Are there any specific cultural or natural attractions near the mountain peaks?

Beyond the peaks themselves, the region offers unique attractions. Near Säntis, the Schwägalp area features an Alpine Show Dairy where you can learn about traditional alpine cheese production, a seasonal product made from May to September. The entire Alpstein massif is known for its rugged beauty and extensive hiking trails, often described as one of the most beautiful mountain ranges.

What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain peaks around Urnäsch?

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from summits like Säntis and Kronberg. The accessibility of some peaks via cable car, combined with diverse recreational offerings, makes them appealing to a wide range of visitors. The opportunity for challenging hikes, the natural beauty of the Appenzell landscape, and the family-friendly activities are also highly valued.

Are there options for dining or accommodation near the mountain peaks?

Yes, mountain restaurants are available at popular peaks. Kronberg Summit has a mountain restaurant where visitors can enjoy refreshments and panoramic views. The Schwägalp area, the base for the Säntis cable car, also offers facilities including dining options. For more extensive accommodation, the village of Urnäsch itself serves as a gateway to the region.

Can I find circular hiking routes around Urnäsch's peaks?

Yes, there are several circular hiking routes available. For instance, the 'Säntis Summit – View of Lake Constance loop' and 'View of Säntis – Säntis Summit loop' offer circular options for exploring the Säntis area. Near Kronberg, you can find routes like the 'Kronberg – Scheidegg Inn loop'. For routes directly from Urnäsch, consider the 'Urnäsch Rundtour, über Tüfenberg zum Hochhamm' which takes you to Hochhamm.

Most popular routes around Urnäsch

Hiking around Urnäsch

Most popular attractions around Urnäsch

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

See even more amazing summits around Urnäsch with these guides:

Stein (AR)WaldstattHerisauSchönengrundSchwellbrunn

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do in Hinterland

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy