Berggasthaus Äscher – The Cliffside Guesthouse

Berggasthaus Äscher (1,454 m / 4,770 ft) is one of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain inns – dramatically built into the side of a cliff in the Appenzell Alps. With its wooden façade pressed against sheer rock, it looks almost unreal, as if grown out of the mountain itself. It became world-famous after appearing on the cover of National Geographic and is today a must-visit for hikers and photographers.

How to Get There

1. Travel to Wasserauen (in Appenzell region).

2. Take the cable car up to Ebenalp.

3. From the mountain station, it’s a 15–20 minute hike through a cave and along dramatic cliffside paths until you reach Äscher.

What Awaits You

• A traditional Swiss mountain guesthouse with authentic food – Rösti, cheese, sausages, and cold beer.

• Breathtaking cliffside views over the rolling green Appenzell hills and valleys.

• The unique experience of sitting on a terrace literally built into the mountain.

• Nearby: the Wildkirchli caves, once used by hermits and early humans, just a short walk away.

Insider Tips

• Best season: May–October (accessible only in summer months).

• Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.

• Bring cash – some mountain huts don’t always take cards.

• If you love hiking, continue further from Ebenalp to Schäfler ridge or Seealpsee lake.