Instant PDF
Directions in Google Maps
Seasonality
Summary
Limestone
Incredible Schrattenkalk in a beautiful landscape.
Description
The Alpstein mountain range is a subgroup of the Appenzell Alps in Switzerland. The Alpstein massif is in Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden and St. Gallen.
Despite it being rather low when compared to other Alpine peaks - the highest mountain is the Säntis at 2502 metres - the Alpstein, due to their northern "outpost" position only a short distance from Lake Constance (nearly 30 km) are relatively tall when compared to the surrounding area. The range also includes the Altenalp Türm as the northernmost summit above 2,000 metres in Switzerland.
To get an impression of this beauty check out the 360° panormas presented by appenzellerlinks.ch.
Approach
Steep hike
1-2 hour
Because of its size the area has 4 major starting points:
Schwägalp (North)
Wasserauen (North/East)
Brülisau (East)
Wildhaus (South)
From this starting points most climbs are accessible within 2 hours. Some approaches can be accelerated by using cable cars but they are very expensive.
Where to stay
The villages around the area provide a lot accommodations and there are a lot of huts where you can stay. Above 2000m its generally allowed to biwak.
Ethic
Sport climbs are very well protected but the historic multi pitch routes are sometime strange bolted and you have to take long run outs. Generally it is a good advice to bring some gear to improve protection where necessary.
New routes should be discussed with local authorities and the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) before hand. Especially if routes may distract animals and destroy vegetation.
History
Already at the beginning of the 20th century mountaineers started to explore and ascent the summits of the Alpstein. Marcel Halbeisen from the Swiss mountain club St. Gallen scanned the old guide books and published them on his website.
Tags
Plan your Trip
Did you know?
Did you know that you can create an account to record, track and share your climbing ascents? Thousands of climbers are already doing this.
Photos Browse all photos
/d5/50/d550623e67f0dcac13bc07545e34ea89e83f7a11)
Gierenspitz - Gierenspitz
/a5/ce/a5ce81635d9fce5b190aedc035dfc9caf0132cb7)
★★★ Alpsteinmarathon 6b+ - 7DDA2AD7-186B-4DA1-A7B9-F057B5644B3A.jpeg
Schafbergwand - South west overview
Altenalp Türm - Westface