Hiking to Saxerlücke: The Most Stunning Rock Gap in the Alpstein – 3 Routes for Every Level

The Saxerlücke is one of the most iconic photo spots in eastern Switzerland: a narrow gap in the rock at 1,649 m, framed by the jagged limestone walls of the Alpstein massif, with a view down to the turquoise Fählensee. The best part? You don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer to see it. Depending on your fitness, time, and appetite for elevation gain, there’s a route here for (almost) every level. I’ve put together three of them, ranging from relaxed to demanding.

Route 1: The Easy Option: From Berggasthaus Staubern

If you want to experience the Saxerlücke without much effort, this is my go-to tip: from Frümsen, take the little cable car (the Staubernbahn) up to the mountain station at Berggasthaus Staubern. The cable car does most of the climbing for you that you’d otherwise have to cover on foot, making this route doable even for families with kids or less experienced hikers.

From the Restaurant Staubern, it’s just a short, pleasant stretch on a well-built path to the Saxerlücke. Once you’re up there, the view opens down to the Fählensee and the Berggasthaus Bollenwees below. It’s a postcard scene that’s worth the trip on its own. For the way back, you can either retrace your steps to the Staubernbahn, or, if you’ve still got some energy left, add a short detour down to the Fählensee (where you can go for a quick swim) before heading back up to the mountain station and taking the cable car back down to Frümsen.

Find the whole route on Alltrails.

Good to know:

• Start/end: Frümsen, up via the Staubernbahn to Berggasthaus Staubern (Prices: ascent and descent costs 40 Swiss Francs for an adult, 20 for a child under 16 years old and 10 Francs for a dog)
• Character: short, minimal elevation gain, well-built path
• Refreshments: Berggasthaus Staubern (spectacularly perched right on the ridge) serves cold drinks and warm food every day from May to October
• Best for: families, hiking beginners, anyone short on time

Not sure what to pack for this hike? Check out this complete checklist for summer hikes in Switzerland.

Route 2: The Moderate Option: Loop Hike from Berggasthaus Bollenwees

If you’re after more movement and a real hiking experience, but don’t have alpine experience yet, this loop from Schwende (Appenzell Innerrhoden) is the right fit. The route covers around 8 km with roughly 390 m of elevation gain from Resturaurant Bollenwees up to the Saxerlücke and on to Berggasthaus Staubern, before looping back to Schwende via the same or a slightly different path. Plan on around 3 hours and 15 minutes for the full loop.

The trail is mostly easy to walk but does call for a reasonable level of fitness and sure-footedness, it gets rockier and narrower in places, especially around the Saxerlücke itself. Scenically, this is the sweet spot for anyone who wants a more intense taste of the Alpstein without venturing into truly alpine terrain: you get both the dramatic rock formations at the Saxerlücke and the sweeping views from the ridge at Berggasthaus Staubern.

Find the whole route on Komoot.

Good to know:

• Start/end: Schwende (Appenzell Innerrhoden)
• Distance: approx. 8 km, approx. 390 m elevation gain, approx. 3 hrs 15 min
• Difficulty: moderate, requires reasonable fitness and sure-footedness
• Refreshments: Berggasthaus Staubern

Looking for more hikes in the Swiss Alpes? Check out the Pizol 5 Lake Hike.

Route 3: The Challenging Option: From Nasseel via the Underalp

For those who like it a bit more alpine: this route starts at the Nasseel car park near Sax and climbs steeply up via the Underalp to the Saxerlücke, continuing on to the Roslenalphütte. In total, you’re looking at around 9 km and a solid amount of elevation gain, for which you should plan roughly 6 hours. The trail is marked as a mountain hiking trail (white-red-white) and moves into T3 terrain in places, meaning steep, sometimes rocky and root-covered ground that calls for sure-footedness, a head for heights, and sturdy hiking boots.

Along the way, there’s a good chance of spotting chamois or marmots on the rocky slopes, and depending on the season, the alpine meadows bloom with gentian and mountain avens. At the top, the gap opens onto a sweeping view over the Rhine Valley all the way to Liechtenstein. There are no refreshment options on the way up to the gap, so pack plenty of water and food. As a reward at the end, you can stop in at the Roslenalphütte.

Find the whole route on Komoot.

Good to know:

• Start: Nasseel car park near Sax
• Distance: approx.15 km, approx. 7 hrs, difficulty rating T3
• Difficulty: challenging, requires alpine experience, sure-footedness, and a head for heights
• Refreshments: only at the end, at the Roslenalphütte
• Best time to hike: mid-June to September

Thinking about visiting Switzerland in Autumn? Here’s everything you need to know.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saxerlücke

How difficult is the hike to Saxerlücke?

It depends entirely on which route you choose. The route from Berggasthaus Staubern (reached via the Staubernbahn cable car from Frümsen) is easy and suitable for families. The loop from Schwende is rated moderate and calls for reasonable fitness and sure-footedness. The route from Nasseel via the Underalp is rated as challenging, moving into T3 terrain with steep, exposed sections.

Can I reach the Saxerlücke without a long hike?

Yes. Taking the Staubernbahn cable car from Frümsen up to Berggasthaus Staubern cuts out most of the elevation gain, leaving only a short, easy stretch to the Saxerlücke itself.

Is the hike suitable for kids?

The easy route via the Staubernbahn works well for families, since the cable car removes most of the climbing. The moderate and challenging routes are less suitable for young children, as they involve longer distances, more elevation gain, and, on the Nasseel route, exposed and steep terrain.

What’s the best time of year to hike to Saxerlücke?

The warmer months are best, roughly from mid-June to September, once the trails are free of snow. In winter, the Alpstein massif can be challenging, with snow and ice making some paths impassable or requiring specialized winter hiking equipment and experience.

Are there places to eat or drink along the way?

On the easy and moderate routes, you can stop at Berggasthaus Staubern. On the challenging route from Nasseel, there are no refreshment options until you reach the Roslenalphütte at the end, so bring enough water and food.

What should I pack for the hike?

Sturdy hiking boots are recommended for all three routes, along with enough water, snacks, sun protection, and layers for changeable mountain weather. For the challenging route via the Underalp, sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential, as some sections are steep and exposed.

How do I get to the starting points by public transport?

Frümsen (for the easy route via the Staubernbahn) and Schwende (for the moderate loop) are both reachable by public transport, which fits well with a car-free day trip. The Nasseel car park, the starting point for the challenging route, is reached by road, so check current transport options if you’re relying on public transit.

Not sure when you want to visit Switzerland? Check out this season-by-season guide for Switzerland.

Final Thoughts

The Saxerlücke reveals a different side of itself depending on how you approach it. Taking the cable car from Frümsen gets you there in just a few steps, the loop from Schwende turns it into a solid half-day hike, and the route via the Underalp from Nasseel becomes a proper mountain hike with real alpine character. What all three routes have in common: that moment of looking through the rock gap down to the Fählensee. It’s a view worth earning, however you choose to get there.

Note: Distances, elevation figures, and difficulty ratings are provided without guarantee, please check current trail conditions and weather before starting your hike.