[content_slider]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[content_slide]
[/content_slide]
[/content_slider]
ST. GALLEN | Säntis is the highest mountain in the Alpstein massif of northeastern Switzerland, and offers amazing views for those who visit its summit. From the peak, 2,502 metres above sea level, you can see across to six countries on a clear day – Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France, and Italy.
The mountain, which meets at the intersection of three cantons – Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden, and St. Gallen, has been a popular tourist destination since the mid-19th century. The peak is accessible by taking an eight minute cable car ride from Schwägalp, at Säntis’ base.
During summer, popular activities include hiking, cycling, and simply relaxing and taking in the views. There’s an Alpine show dairy at the base of the mountain where you can see cheese being made a sample/purchase some. During winter, Säntis walks, snowshoe treks, and fondue and raclette by the fireplace. The Laternliweg, a lantern-illuminated forest walk that’s open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and every day over Christmas and New Year from November to March, is also very popular.
For mountain top dining, Restaurant Säntisgipfel (formerly Panorama Restaurant), offers food that can stand its own ground, even without the spectacular views. Think traditional regional dishes like alpine cheese and dried meat boards, and schlorzifladen, a creamy pear flan. One must order dish is the Älplermagronen, which is essentially Swiss macaroni and cheese. The macaroni is cooked like rice, and has potatoes added, which helps to form a creamy sauce. Once cooked, local alpine cheese is added before it’s topped with little fried onions and served with apple puree, and a local Olma sausage.
Those looking for something to drink can try a local wine, a beer brewed by Schützengarten especially for Säntis, or Appenzeller Alpenbitter, a dark liquor similar to Jagermeister, brewed using 42 different herbs.
Säntis
St. Jakob-Strasse 48
St. Gallen
St. Gallen 9000
Switzerland
Telephone: +417 1244 8175
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Mon – Thu: 7:00am to 12:30pm; 3:00pm to 6:30pm
Fri: 7:00am to 12:30pm; 2:00pm to 6:30pm
Sat: 7:00am to 4:00pm