Mt. Säntis is a tall mountain peak in eastern Switzerland. At the top, there is a large visitor center built on the rocky peak, where you can safely enjoy the views from outdoor observation decks.
It’s particularly good for visitors who don’t want to hike but still want to get some amazing mountain views. Säntis is nice even in winter, a nice option when your kids are still too small to participate in winter sports.
| Location: | Eastern Switzerland |
| Address: | Säntis-Schwebebahn |
| Car: | parking near cable car station: Schwägalp 791, 9107 Schwägalp 1hr15 from Zurich |
| Train: | bus stop: Schwägalp, Säntis-Schwebebahn 2hr from Zurich HB |
| Cost 2024: | Cable car adult round trip CHF 58 SBB Half-fare and Junior cards accepted |
| Open: | year round |
| More info: | www.saentisbahn.ch • webcam |
Video from our visit in early April 2018.
How to get to Säntis
Säntis is located in eastern Switzerland accessible by a cable car in Schwägalp.
By car: Drive to Schwägalp and park in the lot next to cable car base station.
By public transport: Take a train t Urnäsch, then bus 791 to Schwägalp, Säntis-Schwebebahn.
Planning your day
Tickets
In 2024, a round trip ticket costs CHF 58/adult.
50% discount: Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare, GA, children aged 6-15,
Free: Children under 6, SBB Junior card, Bodensee card.
Check website for current prices.
Operating Times
The Säntis cable car is generally open year round, with a short maintenance break typically at the end of January-beginning of February.
It runs every 30 mins from 8:30 -17:00. In summer, slightly longer hours from 7:30-18:00. Check website for current operating times.
Nearby hiking
Säntis is primarily a tourist destination, where most people stay within the confines of the complex. There are hiking trails from the top as you can see on the map below. But they are difficult and dangerous, not appropriate for most casual hikers. See trails here. My friend hiked up from the bottom, which she said was dangerous and scary, only 4.4 km but 1132m of elevation gain.
Photo story
Views of Säntis
You can see Säntis from many other popular mountain hikes in the Alpstein region. This is what Säntis, the tallest peak with the tower, looks like from from Kronberg.
From the Seealpsee, you can see Säntis in the distance.
Here’s what it look like from the Schäfler hut and ridge, near Ebenalp.
Riding up to Säntis
Here’s the Säntis cable car station with parking and bus stop.
Looking up at Säntis from the cable car station in Schwägalp.
Looking down at the cable car station as we ride up the cable car.
Exploring the top of Säntis
At the top, you arrive at this big complex, which has a cafe, gift shop, and other services.
You can exit the complex onto several viewing platforms and stairs that wander around the top of the peak.
On a clear day, you can see forever.
From Säntis, you get a great view from the Toggenburg region and the Churfirsten mountain range, one of my favorites in Switzerland.
In summer you can access viewpoints on the rocky peak itself, not just the observation decks.
In winter, you need to stay on the platforms and stairs for your safety. This photo was taken in late March after a big snowstorm.
This view is south towards Liechtenstein.
Lower viewpoints and mountain hut
Below the main complex, you can walk down some stairs to the Alter Säntis mountain hut and a viewpoint on the rocky peak.
Instead of the stairs, you can use the covered walkway shown in this pic.
Another view of that walkway to the hut.
At the bottom of the stairs, there is another semi-enclosed viewpoint on the rocky peak. Below you can see the popular Seealpsee lake.
Where to eat
We like to eat at the Berggasthaus Alter Säntis mountain hut, where you can eat on their terrace patio – such an amazing view.
The menu is small but hearty mountain food. Best to bring cash. Last time we went, we couldn’t pay with a card. It’s not open in winter.
We’ve also eaten at the restaurant in the Säntis complex. It has a lovely outdoor terrace (see side of picture).
The restaurant also has nice indoor seating.
In winter, you can eat inside behind these large windows, allowing you enjoy the view in comfort.
Safety for children
I must mention many of the walkways are dangerous for small children. There are lots of stairs and the railing and barriers are often quite minimal (widely spaced cables that small children could easily slip under), with sheer cliffs on the other side.
In some areas, I keep my kids very close and don’t let them wander. However, there are lots of areas that are properly fenced in and are safe for most children. So just use your best judgment.
The danger factor is especially noticeable during winter when the pathways are often covered in snow and ice and it’s a little tricky to walk on.
In winter, there is a sledding hill (with a lift for a small fee) at the gondola base, so bring your sleds for some extra fun.
antis
3 responses
This is one of the best trail guides and for someone relatively new to Switzerland, new to hiking like me this is very helpful. Plus the public transportation information is spot on, I do not own a car and use public transportation for all my travels.
I did the Ebenalp to Santis hike on a weekday and it was one of the best, challenging and scary hikes. I read your posts, watched your youtube videos for the Santis hikes to prepare for the challenge. My plan was to hike Ebenalp to Seealpsee and then to Wasserauen following through the details you had shared for the same hike. On reaching Ebenalp I chose to challenge myself with attempting the hike to Santis.
Initially it was ok until I passed the restaurant/hut to start the ridge walk. I could see it was perfectly safe with the cables and proper shoes, however the lack of company made me feel nervouse and I started walking back to the hut where I met a couple going that path. With a company in front of me I continued my journey and it was thoroughly amazing, challenging and scary in many sections.
Thanks for all the information you have shared and continue to share.
Wow, you are very brave to do that hike. Glad you found my tips helpful on part of your journey.
What a fabulous post. Thanks for all the tips!