Hoher Kasten is a tall mountain park in the Appenzell region. You can ride a cable car to the panoramic viewpoint at 1791m, where you can see six countries on a clear day.
At the top, there is a large observation deck and metal walkways allowing you to walk all around the peak. They have a revolving restaurant, popular for brunch and sunset dinners.
Contents
| Region: | Appenzell, Eastern Switzerland |
| By car: | Parking GPS: 47°17’48.4″N 9°27’23.2″E Zurich 1hr20, Appenzell 10 mins |
| By public transport: | Bus stop: Brülisau, Kastenbahn Zurich 2hr10, Appenzell 30 mins |
| Open: | year round |
| Cost: | Cable car round trip – CHF 40/adult No discounts with Swiss travel cards |
| Extras: | restaurant |
| More info: | www.hoherkasten.ch • forecast • webcam |
Gallery
Hoher Kasten map overview
This map shows Hoher Kasten in the Appenzell and Alpstein region.
At the top, you’ll see this map showing all the features you’ll find at the top.
How to get there
Hoher Kasten is located in eastern Switzerland, near Appenzell.
You can reach the top with the Hoher Kasten cable car – Dorf 22, 9058 Brülisau. Note that there are two cable cars in Brülisau, so make sure you are at the main one: Hoher Kasten, not Sigelbahn.
By car:
The cable car is located at Dorf 22, 9058 Brülisau, about 10 mins south of Appenzell. There is a large parking lot next to the cable car station. This is a very popular area so the parking lot can fill up quickly on weekends.
By public transport:
The Brülisau, Kastenbahn bus stop is directly at the Hoher Kasten cable car station. From Zurich, it takes about 2 hours. From Appenzell, it takes about 12 mins.
Planning your day
Tickets
If you are just visiting the viewpoint and not hiking, you’ll need a round trip ticket on the cable car. In 2025, it costs CHF40/adult. Children under 16 ride free.
No discounts for Swiss travel cards. Free with regional guest cards: Appenzell Card, Oskar Guest Card, and Bodensee Card PLUS
Ride free on your birthday with ID.
Opening Times
The Hoher Kasten cable car runs mostly year round, with a short maintenance break typically in March. If you want to hike, the trails are usually open from mid May through October.
The cable car runs every 20 mins, generally from 8:00 – 17:00. It opens a little earlier in summer and opens a little later in fall and winter.
Check Hoher Kasten website for current opening times and trail status.
Hiking
There is a “family” hike that leads down from the peak to a pretty lake in the forest. About 3.4 hours. See details.
For a challenging day, you can follow the Alpstein Geological Trail along the ridge to the Saxer Lucke viewpoint. Then it loops back down to Brülisau. About 6 hours. See details.
Photo story
Riding up the cable car
The view of Hoher Kasten from the cable car station.
View down to the station as we are riding up.
View while you are riding up.
I took this pic while hiking to give some perspective of how high the cable car goes.
Another perspective of the cable car line going to the peak, pic taken from the trail.
When you exit the cable car, you walk up a short tunnel. If you prefer not to walk, there is a very short funicular next to the path.
Observation Decks
At the top of the cable car, you’ll find a large complex with a restaurant, gift shop, bathrooms, and a large outdoor viewing area.
Walk outside and wander around the peak on the gravel paths and stairways to different viewpoints.
If you walk around the complex, to the northwest, there are some benches and fenced viewing platforms so you can safely enjoy the view with your children.
The best view is over the Alpstein mountain range, looking down to the lake.
Lots of info boards explaining the geological features.
Looking towards Liechtenstein and the Rhine valley.
Stairways
On one side of the peak, there are metal walkways and stairs built into the side of the mountain.
View from the stairs.
It’s an exciting walk.
Wrapping around the east side.
Looking east. You can see one of the hiking trails traversing the mountain.
Activities
There are a couple info boards for children with little activities.
Restaurant
The restaurant is open year round and slowly rotates so you can enjoy the entire 360 panorama over an hours time.
Hope you enjoy your visit to Hoher Kasten!
See more hikes and activities in the Appenzell region.
