Hike from Schwägalp to Urnäsch via Hochalp

By Vicky · Published Nov. 10th, 2024

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This hike from Schwägalp to Urnäsch via Hochalp is a super scenic, yet relatively easy hike with a hut at the top and a bus back.

Location

This walk starts from the parking on the edge of the road by Schwägalp. It’s free but can get busy during summer weekends. You could also stay overnight at nearby Säntis Das Hotel*, or take the bus to Schwägalp, Passhöhe Bus Stop. To return from Urnäsch to Schwägalp, there’s an easy bus (check here for the timetable).

Schwägalp to Urnäsch Hiking Map

Schwägalp to Urnäsch Hiking Route

Schwägalp to Hochalp

From the car park at Schwägalp, there are already great views of Mount Säntis. Head out on the hiking trail on the opposite side of the road from Passhöhe Gashaus. Follow this path through the woods, where there are more glimpses of the high mountains.

You’ll soon reach a little road. Turn right here to follow the road as it winds through the woods. After roughly 1 km on the road, take the hiking trail to the left, through a meadow and up along a ridge in the trees. After some uphill, you’ll come out again in a clearing near the top of a little hill.

The path heads left around this hill and left again around the next grassy hill. This next section is a really nice part of the hike, in the middle of nature with gorgeous views. You can already see Hochalp in the distance, and it’s not too far to walk there, though there is quite some uphill!

Hochalp To Urnäsch

At the top of Hochalp ridge, turn left to reach the hut. You can see the high mountains from one side, and the flatter countryside and Urnäsch from the other side of the hut. After a break here, continue onwards along the ridge and follow the quiet road to the right as it winds down the hill.

Continue along the road until you get to a T-junction. Head straight across onto a hiking trail and left heading down towards the valley. You’ll eventually reach a small lane again, not far from Urnäsch. Instead of following the road as it takes some large bends, look out for the hiking trail signs which point to shortcuts heading down the hill.

You’ll soon be near the valley floor. Turn left on the road. There are now a few different routes you can take to the centre of Urnäsch, which is about 1.5 km away. There are also several bus stops on the road here: Urnäsch, Sonne Thal is the closest if you don’t want to see Urnäsch town itself. This saves roughly 1.5 km of walking.

If you do walk to the town centre, there are signposts pointing the way to backroads so you don’t have to walk on the main road to get there. Once you’re in the centre, you’ll find a Coop, several restaurants, the train and bus station, and the interesting Appenzeller Brauchtumsmuseum. To return to Schwägalp from Urnäsch, take the bus.

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If you prefer overnight hikes in the Alps, check out the Swiss National Park 3-Day Hike, the Berchtesgaden National Park hike or the hike up Großer Krottenkopf. Or check out other nearby walks: from Schwägalp to Kronberg, or Schwägalp Short Walk. For more hikes and city walks, see our hiking routes in nearby Germany.