Up To A Cozy Alp

Once you leave Berghaus Forelle, you enter a cool forest and start zig-zagging up the hill. You soon rise high above the Seealpsee, and get a great view of the valley below (That's Forelle on the small spit of land sticking out into the lake).

Next, you end up on a narrow trail that passes under the cliff above. Only slightly rocky, this is a great uphill climb - with handholds anywhere that they are required.


A final climb and you come out onto the hanging valley that holds Meglisalp. The farm and mountain inn sit nestled in amongst the mountains in a very picturesque setting. There's even a pretty little alp chapel to explore.

Behind the cluster of buildings, you'll find the rocks alive with marmots. Go for a quiet afternoon walk and keep your eyes peeled for these shy creatures.



The view from the edge at Meglisalp is breathtaking. Here's a look back at the Seealpsee and the steep cliffs that make up the Alpstein.



Another great reason to spend a night at Meglisalp are the beautiful old-fashioned rooms. Pine paneled walls, old washstands, and soft lighting make this a very romantic inn. And, the restaurant is outstanding - with great meals being served and lots of camaraderie.

Through An Old Bear Cave And Along A Narrow Ledge

To get to Aescher, you drop down from the top station of the Ebenalp cable car and scramble down a slippery trail through the Wildkirchli Hoelle (Wild Church Cave) and onto a narrow ledge. The cave can be seen on the right in the picture above - along with a small chapel - and the trail leads along the rock face towards Aescher (just around the corner on the left). A small covered bridge (tan structure on the left) lets you get across the most treacherous part of the trail.

Not to worry! A stout handrail make this a very safe walk - just a bit giddy for those with fear of straight dropoffs. Well worth it once you get to Aescher.

The Wildkirchli cave itself once housed cave bears (about 90,000 years ago) and you can imagine the huge lumbering beasts in this large cavern. Later, it was inhabited by hermits and became a chapel in the wilderness.

A brief detour on your destination up into the Alpstein, the Wildkirchli Cave and Berggasthaus Aescher are well worth an hour of your morning.