The cliff
Embraces the guesthouse.
Gzzz — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Deralpinbergsteiger — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Daniel Kraft — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Daniel Kraft — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Fattaholmanan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Daniel Kraft — CC BY-SA 3.0
Aescher is an old wooden mountain guesthouse built under a huge rock cliff in the Alpstein mountains of Appenzell Innerrhoden, eastern Switzerland, below the summit of Ebenalp, about 5 km in a straight line south of the village of Appenzell. The wooden building clings to the vertical rock face as if the cliff were embracing it, while steep grassy slopes fall away below to the valley. It has become one of the best-known views in Switzerland since its pictures spread around the world, and it serves food to walkers in season. Most visitors take the cable car from Wasserauen to the top of Ebenalp, then walk down about 15 to 20 minutes on a mountain path that passes the Wildkirchli caves, where Stone Age remains were found. From the guesthouse there is a view over the Alpstein peaks and green valleys. Walkers can carry on down to the Seealpsee lake in the valley. The site is free, the cable car is paid and runs most of the year, and the guesthouse usually opens from spring to autumn. The path is narrow and can be slippery in rain, so wear good walking shoes.
Embraces the guesthouse.
Ancient remains.
Valley lake.
Ebenalp, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland
By cable car to Ebenalp, then about a 20-minute walk.
Usually spring to autumn.
