This trail hikes along the Schäfler Ridge, one of the most famous parts of the Alpstein mountain range. It's a somewhat dangerous trail, with exposed sections with cables and ladders. Only suitable for experienced hikers comfortable with risk.

Ridge trail loop: moderate difficulty but risky • 7.5 km loop • 3h30 • 450m up and down • See trail map.

After riding the Ebenalp cable car, you hike up to the Schäfler mountain hut. Then continue past the hut, following signs to Seealpsee.

The first couple minutes are on a narrow path with a very steep drop off to one side - no fence, just a handrail on the rock wall next to you. Then you'll navigate a ladder and other obstacles as you traverse the ridge.

After about 30 mins, the trail starts to fork in several directions. We did a loop, traversing the mountain back to the Ebenalp cable car. Another popular option is to hike to the Mesmer hut, then down to the Seealpsee lake. This is a very long route and has more tricky exposed sections (rated T4) to navigate. See trail map.

➡️ More trail info on SwissFamilyFun.com

Safer option: You don't have to hike on the ridge to enjoy the view. You can hike just to the Schäfler mountain hut, which has a spectacular view of the ridge. You can snap your photos a safe viewpoint and enjoy lunch with a view. This is much better good choice for casual hikers, families and anyone not comfortable with risk.

How to get there

This trail is accessed with the Ebenalp cable car - Schwendetalstrasse 82, 9057 Wasserauen.

By train, go to Wasserauen, Bahnhof, which is directly across from the cable car station.

Tickets

You'll need a ticket on the Ebenalp cable car but it depends on where you intend to hike. If you hiking to the hut and back or doing our ridge loop trail, you'll need a round trip ticket on the cable car.

We suggest buying the ticket online so you can skip the ticket office line.