The Fälensee is a stunning alpine lake in the Alpstein region near Appenzell. You have to hike a couple hours to get here, so it feels really special when it finally comes into view.

Next to the lake, you'll find Berggasthaus Bollenwees, a mountain hotel and restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking the lake. They serve the best Rösti in Switzerland, which we highly recommend.

How to get there

We typically visit the Fälensee via the short-ish hike from the Staubern cable car to the Saxer Lücke viewpoint. From there, it's just another 30 mins to the lake, well worth the extra effort. This is the easiest and shortest way to get here.

You can hike here for free by starting in Brülisau, about 2 hours to reach the lake, then back the way you came. Lots of Swiss do this hike but I think it's not the prettiest or most enjoyable way to get there.

For a more challenging day, you can do the Three Lakes Hike, which starts in Wasserauen and hikes up to the popular Seealpsee. Then a challenging rocky ascent up to the Meglisalp mountain hut. Then down to the Fälensee and through alpine meadows back to the valley. 7 hours • 17.6 km See trail map.