Aescher Mountain Guesthouse
Appenzell Innerrhoden
Nestled in the Appenzell Innerrhoden canton of Switzerland, the Aescher Mountain Guesthouse is a remarkable restaurant and historic inn built directly into a cliff face beneath the Ebenalp summit. Established in 1846 and rebuilt in 1860 on the site of a former hermitage, it stands as one of Switzerland's oldest mountain guesthouses. The guesthouse is part of the Wildkirchli cave complex, a site of significant Paleolithic archaeological importance, with evidence of Neanderthal habitation and cave bear remains dating back tens of thousands of years. Visitors access the guesthouse via a cable car from Wasserauen followed by a scenic 15-minute hike through a path featuring three interlinked caves and a small chapel. The inn has gained international fame for its breathtaking location and authentic alpine atmosphere, earning accolades such as being featured on the cover of National Geographic's "Places of a Lifetime". Despite its popularity, the guesthouse operates seasonally, typically from May to October, and has faced challenges managing high visitor numbers, leading to infrastructure renovations and a temporary suspension of overnight stays. Today, it remains a symbol of alpine heritage and a must-visit destination for hikers and cultural tourists alike.
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Astuce: Visit during the summer months, from May to October, to ensure the guesthouse is open. Purchase cable car tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak season. The hike from Ebenalp to Aescher is moderately steep and passes through caves; sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Be cautious on the trail, particularly with children, as the path can be challenging. Expect busy periods due to the guesthouse's popularity; planning an early visit can help avoid crowds. Overnight stays are currently suspended, so plan accordingly.
Faits intéressants
- •The guesthouse is built into a cliff face below the Ebenalp summit at about 1,640 meters altitude.
- •It is adjacent to the Wildkirchli caves, which contain evidence of Neanderthal habitation and cave bear remains dating back up to 90,000 years.
- •The guesthouse was featured on the cover of National Geographic's "Places of a Lifetime" in 2015, boosting its global fame.
- •The hiking path to the guesthouse passes through three interlinked caves and a small chapel established in the 17th century.
- •The guesthouse is a symbol of alpine heritage and has been depicted on the label of Appenzeller Alpenbitter since 1960.
Histoire
The site originally hosted hermits from the 17th century, starting with Paulus Ulmann who founded a chapel in the lower cave in 1658 and established a hermitage in the upper cave.
Over centuries, hermits provided hospitality to pilgrims visiting the chapel.
In the mid-19th century, the hermitage was transformed into an inn, with the current building dating from 1860.
The area is also historically significant for archaeological discoveries of Neanderthal tools and cave bear bones dating back up to 90,000 years.
The guesthouse became internationally renowned in the 21st century, especially after being featured by National Geographic in 2015, which led to a surge in tourism and subsequent infrastructure challenges.
Guide du lieu
Wildkirchli Caves17th century (chapel)
Three interlinked caves known as Altarhöhle, Untere Höhle, and Obere Höhle, notable for archaeological finds including Neanderthal flint tools and cave bear bones. The caves also feature a small chapel and a museum displaying prehistoric artifacts.
Aescher Mountain Guesthouse1860
A historic mountain inn built into the cliff face beneath Ebenalp, offering food and lodging with spectacular alpine views. The current structure dates from 1860, replacing an earlier hermitage shelter.
Contact
Téléphone: 071 799 11 42