Säntis der Berg
Säntis der Berg
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Säntis der Berg and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
7 within 5 kms
Attractions
25 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
393 reviews
Excellent
277
Very good
89
Average
13
Poor
10
Terrible
4
DesignandTravelGuide
Ermatingen, Switzerland1,710 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
What a wonderful mountain!
Free parking and a short ride with the cable car to a stunning view from lake Constance to the Lake of Zürich. Not forgetting the surrounding mountains and valleys.
We had lunch in the restaurant and it was absolutely fabulous.
Obviously we had the Rösti with Appenzeller cheese.
We would come again.
Free parking and a short ride with the cable car to a stunning view from lake Constance to the Lake of Zürich. Not forgetting the surrounding mountains and valleys.
We had lunch in the restaurant and it was absolutely fabulous.
Obviously we had the Rösti with Appenzeller cheese.
We would come again.
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana Margarida R
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Friends
We came in a summer day and the weather conditions up in the mountain were horrible and still no staff told us about them, they sold the ticket to everyone still knowing that none of us would get the experience we paid for. When we talked to the staff afterwords they justified that it was not mandatory for them to tell us the weather conditions and that we still had access to a exibition at the top. Not at all what we paid to see.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank Geisler 🇨🇭
Zurich, Switzerland15,442 contributions
Sept 2022 • Solo
I came alone to explore the base station Schwägalp and the Säntis mountain which is very impressive.
Definitely a must see if you are in the region.
Plenty of explanations and a great exhibition about the weather on top of the mountain.
Is this a helpful review? Then please give me a "Thumbs up Thank FrankGeisler" by clicking the button below.
Definitely a must see if you are in the region.
Plenty of explanations and a great exhibition about the weather on top of the mountain.
Is this a helpful review? Then please give me a "Thumbs up Thank FrankGeisler" by clicking the button below.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GSuperV
Washington, DC23 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
Just came back from a hike up the Saentis via Ebenalp, Schaefler and Oehrli. Took the train from Appenzell to Wasserauen, then the cable car to Ebenalp (tip - if you stay 3 nights you usually get a free attractions card with free cable car rides, train & bus rides and much more). From Ebenalp we hiked to Schaefler - this was a bit hard going since the way is narrow and there were many older and inexperienced hikers who were not only slow, but most were also not willing to let us by. A lot of these folks also use the telescopic hiking poles that drive me nits. They are unsuited for alpine terrain, make things more dangerous for their users and ensure (since they are always place diagonally from their wearer) that there is no way you can get by.
Anyway, beyond Schaefler things got much quieter but more difficult. You MUST have good hiking shoes with good soles and be in reasonably good shape. It is also necessary to be free of vertigo, since some spots along the trail are right at the edge of the cliffs. The most difficult spots have cable ropes to use as a handhold, but there are still other spots where you have to climb over rocks, walk over loose gravel and over packed snow (even in late summer). You can ask at one of the alms (Schaefler?) for a safety rope. I believe this is a harness with two clips so you can clip in at the cable ropes (and use two clips - one before each post and one after, etc.). On the other hand, if you need a harness and ropes for this hike it may be better to take the cable car from Schwaengeralm or to choose a mountain that is not as demanding. The most difficult piece comes at the end, just before the summit. You have to climb up through some rocks and then a very steep area where there is a cable rope and iron or rock steps - not for the faint hearted! Although the route is at times strenuous (e.g., going steeply uphill over gravel fields), it is a gorgeous hike where every few feet you get to see new vistas of the four countries (Switzerland, Italy, Germany & Austria). We took a huge amount of pictures of the mountains and vistas as well as the many flowers. We even saw some 'Steinbock' (mountain goats), which were extinct in this area until the 1950s (I believe). The hike from Ebenalp took us about six hours with two longer breaks. We did not rush, otherwise the hike might have been closer to five hours. We did not want to hike down, so we took the cable car from Saentis to Schwaegalp (at $34 per person for a one way fare). We also managed to miss the last bus to Umaesch (the time table had a bus at 6:22PM listed but I did not notice that it only runs on Weekends. So we ended up begging someone at the parking lot for a ride. In usual nice Swiss fashion the lady agreed to take us to Umaesch.
Anyway, beyond Schaefler things got much quieter but more difficult. You MUST have good hiking shoes with good soles and be in reasonably good shape. It is also necessary to be free of vertigo, since some spots along the trail are right at the edge of the cliffs. The most difficult spots have cable ropes to use as a handhold, but there are still other spots where you have to climb over rocks, walk over loose gravel and over packed snow (even in late summer). You can ask at one of the alms (Schaefler?) for a safety rope. I believe this is a harness with two clips so you can clip in at the cable ropes (and use two clips - one before each post and one after, etc.). On the other hand, if you need a harness and ropes for this hike it may be better to take the cable car from Schwaengeralm or to choose a mountain that is not as demanding. The most difficult piece comes at the end, just before the summit. You have to climb up through some rocks and then a very steep area where there is a cable rope and iron or rock steps - not for the faint hearted! Although the route is at times strenuous (e.g., going steeply uphill over gravel fields), it is a gorgeous hike where every few feet you get to see new vistas of the four countries (Switzerland, Italy, Germany & Austria). We took a huge amount of pictures of the mountains and vistas as well as the many flowers. We even saw some 'Steinbock' (mountain goats), which were extinct in this area until the 1950s (I believe). The hike from Ebenalp took us about six hours with two longer breaks. We did not rush, otherwise the hike might have been closer to five hours. We did not want to hike down, so we took the cable car from Saentis to Schwaegalp (at $34 per person for a one way fare). We also managed to miss the last bus to Umaesch (the time table had a bus at 6:22PM listed but I did not notice that it only runs on Weekends. So we ended up begging someone at the parking lot for a ride. In usual nice Swiss fashion the lady agreed to take us to Umaesch.
Written September 3, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
#rooftopfoodie
Zurich, Switzerland4,985 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
The Säntis offers one of the most fantastic hikes in Switzerland, it is not a long one, around three to three and a half hours but it is steep in some locations and can get particularly tricky in snowy conditions. Alternately of course there is the cable car to go up and down the summit.
Once on the top several beautiful panoramic restaurants await with all the mountain top Swiss specialties, including lovely platters of cold cuts and Appenzeller butter and cheese. There is also a lovely cheese manufactury and shop at the bottom station of the cable car which is definitely worth stopping by for some tasty souvenirs.
Once on the top several beautiful panoramic restaurants await with all the mountain top Swiss specialties, including lovely platters of cold cuts and Appenzeller butter and cheese. There is also a lovely cheese manufactury and shop at the bottom station of the cable car which is definitely worth stopping by for some tasty souvenirs.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S
Wallisellen, Switzerland25 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
If you are in switzerland, this could be one of your peaks to see. On the peak (2500m) you have some great restaurants with local specialities. Go to the old peak restaurant it's nice to eat there (the others are good too) but there is a special experience. If you are there you should go to the peak l. There is a small platform. See if you find the was to the tracking path, it's a great experience to see the view from there.
Written October 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jschwa1
United Kingdom190 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
The views from the to of the Säntis are stunning when the weather is good and there is no haze. We have has many troops to the Appenzell region and this was the first time we have ever been up due to cloud etc.
It is not a cheap trip at 45.5CHF each, but a great way to increase the value for money is to go for the cable car and snack option when you buy your ticket. This only costs an extra 4CHF per adult but you get a plate of meat, cheese, pickles and cake plus slices of bread that normally sells for 20.50CHF. There is enough food to make a reasonable lunch. It also means you can east on the terrace enjoying the views, if not too windy
It is not a cheap trip at 45.5CHF each, but a great way to increase the value for money is to go for the cable car and snack option when you buy your ticket. This only costs an extra 4CHF per adult but you get a plate of meat, cheese, pickles and cake plus slices of bread that normally sells for 20.50CHF. There is enough food to make a reasonable lunch. It also means you can east on the terrace enjoying the views, if not too windy
Written July 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill E
Brisbane Region, Australia126 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
The trip to the top of Santis is well worth doing – if the weather is clear! It is worth planning your days around a visit. We were very fortunate in having a clear day with virtually no wind at the peak, though I'm told that this is a rare event. Swiss friends recommended that we should take plenty of heavy clothing for being outside at the peak because it is usually very windy.
The good thing is that you can ''cheat " beforehand by checking the WebCams located at the top of the mountain to see whether it is worth going up from Urnasch, which is approximately 45 minutes drive from St Gallen. There are 7 different WebCam views available from the top of Santis so you can check how the weather is looking before investing the money on the cable car.The cable car is large and very smooth.
We spent approximately one hour at the summit, (a total of around 2 hours by the time you take the cable car time and the waiting time) and we did not have time to go into the restaurants at the top. There are a series of places where you can go out of the building on the summit and check the views in various directions, but if the weather is not kind, you could stay inside and enjoy the panorama from the picture windows.
You can see 6 countries on a clear day, and we certainly got a money's worth on the day we were there !!
The good thing is that you can ''cheat " beforehand by checking the WebCams located at the top of the mountain to see whether it is worth going up from Urnasch, which is approximately 45 minutes drive from St Gallen. There are 7 different WebCam views available from the top of Santis so you can check how the weather is looking before investing the money on the cable car.The cable car is large and very smooth.
We spent approximately one hour at the summit, (a total of around 2 hours by the time you take the cable car time and the waiting time) and we did not have time to go into the restaurants at the top. There are a series of places where you can go out of the building on the summit and check the views in various directions, but if the weather is not kind, you could stay inside and enjoy the panorama from the picture windows.
You can see 6 countries on a clear day, and we certainly got a money's worth on the day we were there !!
Written April 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zenchief
New York City, NY20 contributions
Oct 2014 • Family
I hope this helps foreign travelers to Santis. My family and I traveled to Santis after visiting my wife's hometown of Nesslau. When you near Santis, you'll probably notice a sea of cars parked along the road leading up to the hotel. Don't worry about driving to the hotel, best you just find a place to park and walk.
The gondola leaves about every 15mins, you can buy tickets at the entrance right at the top of the hill. The ride is fantastic, lasts about 15mins or so. At the top of Santis, you have the option of two restaurants: one is a cafeteria with other is more formal sit down. You want the cafeteria. Off the front, there is an outside balcony with a birds eye view of the neighboring countries bordering Switzerland. Given the up draft, birds will hover right next to you as you eat. If you want to be daring, hold out a fry and they will slowly drift over and eat from your hand. Really a lot of fun!
There are other places to eat around the mountain top, really depends how good of a hiker you are. There are definitely some advanced hiking trails all across the top and bottom of the mountain. For my tourist family and I, the view, some drinks and a few pictures at the top was more than perfect.
If you want to buy gifts, try the shop at the top of the mountain. As of writing this, they were building a new "lodge" below, and the legacy hotel's gift shop was small and poorly stocked.
Absolutely worth going to Santis, beautiful view and fun to hike around for a few hours.
The gondola leaves about every 15mins, you can buy tickets at the entrance right at the top of the hill. The ride is fantastic, lasts about 15mins or so. At the top of Santis, you have the option of two restaurants: one is a cafeteria with other is more formal sit down. You want the cafeteria. Off the front, there is an outside balcony with a birds eye view of the neighboring countries bordering Switzerland. Given the up draft, birds will hover right next to you as you eat. If you want to be daring, hold out a fry and they will slowly drift over and eat from your hand. Really a lot of fun!
There are other places to eat around the mountain top, really depends how good of a hiker you are. There are definitely some advanced hiking trails all across the top and bottom of the mountain. For my tourist family and I, the view, some drinks and a few pictures at the top was more than perfect.
If you want to buy gifts, try the shop at the top of the mountain. As of writing this, they were building a new "lodge" below, and the legacy hotel's gift shop was small and poorly stocked.
Absolutely worth going to Santis, beautiful view and fun to hike around for a few hours.
Written October 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Petra Martina K
Schaffhausen, Switzerland86 contributions
Apr 2013 • Friends
Regardless, the how maniest time I go up Santis with the Cableway, I still get goose bumps allover by the look at the mountain panorama. It is basically stunning and breathtaking. For the second time I was up on THE Mountain for the Appenzeller sunday buffet, which is purely great! The staff is extremely friendly, helpful and professional, the food provided is delicious, fresh and for me almost more important, it's local. To get the real Swiss feeling, there is a folk music group playing, maybe a bit corny, but its authentic, classic and lovely! If you're a tourist in the eastern part of Switzerland and you have a spare day: this is a must, you will not regret it!
Written May 6, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am looking for information about the Whiskey Trek. We are looking to do a small day trek first weekend in September, maybe travel over from St. Gallen or staying in Appenzell. Thank you
Written August 15, 2019
We plan to visit Santis in end September. What's the weather and visibility to expect?
Written July 30, 2017
Weather in mountains can change quite a bit from day to day - I'm not sure about what the visibility will be like in the average September - maybe plan a nice daytrip to the nearby areas (St. Gallen and its abbey district with the Stiftsbibliothek (world cultural heritage site)) with Säntis being a second option on the day - and then decide with the weather on the day which way you'll go.
We were really lucky the day we went - but I've also been on a trip to Jungfraujoch (Berner Oberland) on a nice day in Kanton Bern only to figure out that Jungfraujoch itself was pretty much engulfed in a cloud - so visibility zero, when we arrived... :-(
Written July 30, 2017
Whats the best way to reach Santis peak from Zurich. I am planning to go first week of May. How is the weather and will I get to see snow, any idea ?
Written March 10, 2017
You can use public transport (train, post bus and cable car, check SBB web site). There will be snow at the top, but not at the bottom.
Written March 10, 2017
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing