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How to Hike to the Dramatic Saxer Lücke Pass in Switzerland

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How to Hike to the Dramatic Saxer Lücke Pass in Switzerland

If you’re dreaming of a hike in Switzerland that delivers jagged ridges, a turquoise lake, and dramatic peaks, then Saxer Lücke hike is calling your name. Nestled in the Alpstein region of Appenzell, this hike is one of those “how is this real?” experiences that blends accessible trails with jaw-dropping views.

On our visit, Saxer Lücke delivered everything I love about the Swiss Alps. It boasted wide open meadows with cowbells echoing in the distance, soaring peaks rising above the trail, and that unforgettable view over Fälensee lake, framed perfectly by the jagged Stauberenkanzel ridge.

Panoramic view of the Saxer Lücke hike in Switzerland with dramatic mountain peaks.

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Quick Facts about Saxer Lücke Hike

The Saxer Lücke hike is rated moderate, though difficulty depends on where you start and your level of fitness. The pass itself sits at about 1,649 meters (5,410 ft), and is approximately 6 km round trip. You can complete the entire hike in as little as 2-3 hours if you take one of the cable cars, or make it a full-day adventure by starting from the valley in Brülisau. Expect rolling ascents, rocky paths, and some airy ridges, but nothing requiring technical skills.

The views of Stauberenkanzel and Fälensee are the big payoff. The Saxer Lücke hike is best enjoyed in spring, summer, or autumn, when trails are clear of snow. We did this hike in May and there were a few sections that still had some significant snow.

How to Get to Saxer Lücke

Step 1: Getting to Appenzell / Brülisau

Most hikers begin in Appenzell, a colorful Swiss village that looks like it belongs on a chocolate box. From Zurich or St. Gallen, trains connect easily to Appenzell. From there, buses run to Brülisau, the main trailhead.

Parking at saxer luck
Parking at cable car station

Step 2: Choose Your Starting Point

  • Staubern Cable Car: A slightly shorter route that drops you closer to Saxer Lücke. It’s perfect if you’re limited on time and it’s where we started because we hiked this on our day of arrival. Tickets are self service and a round trip cost 40 CHF. (No discounts for half fare or Swiss travel pass). Run times 0800-2200.
  • Hoher Kasten Cable Car – Longer hike (approximately 16 km)
  • Brülisau Valley Hike: For purists, hiking straight from Brülisau means earning every view with extra elevation gain.
A self service ticket counter for Staubern Cable Car to hike Saxer Lücke
A woman at a self service cable car ticket counter at Staubern
A round trip to Saxer Lücke from Staubern costs 40 CHF

Step 3: Follow the Trail

From either Hoher Kasten or Staubern, trails are well marked with the familiar Swiss yellow signs. I will be describing the Staubern trail since this is the trail I personally experienced.

The cable car drop off for Saxer Lücke Pass hike is situated behind the Staubern hotel restaurant

The trail begins behind the Staubern hotel restaurant at the top of the cable car drop off. The path winds through alpine meadows, along a ridgeline with some steep drops on each side. This can cause a little unease for those who have a fear of heights. The trail then gradually climbs toward Saxer Lücke.

Again, the ease of this hike depends on your level of fitness. Two women in our party didn’t end up completing the trail. We also started at the closest starting point, the Staubern cable car. The Trail is very steep and narrow in places and requires you to be in decent cardio shape in order to complete. The two ladies with us that chose to forgo the rest of the hike went back to the restaurant near the cable car. There is a small walking path around the restaurant with incredible 360-degree views.

A panoramic view of Saxer Lücke peaks from behind the Staubern hotel restaurant

Step 4: Reaching the Pass

After about 1-2 hours (if starting from the cable cars), you’ll arrive at Saxer Lücke. The view opens suddenly, revealing the turquoise waters of Fälensee shimmering below, framed by the towering rock face of Stauberenkanzel.

Step 5: Optional Extension to Fälensee

Feeling energized? Descend from Saxer Lücke down to Bollenwees Mountain Inn at Fälensee. This adds about an hour each way, but the chance to sit lakeside with a plate of rösti is hard to resist. It is rumored to be the best rösti in Switzerland! We did not extend our hike here because we chose to do this hike on our arrival day and had lodging in Interlaken that night.

What to Expect on the Trail

This is Alpstein at its finest. The landscape changes constantly! It goes from grassy slopes filled with wildflowers in summer, to rocky ridges with wide-open views of the Appenzell Alps. The star of the show is, of course, the viewpoint at Saxer Lücke, where the jagged cliffs are just so mesmerizing. Two years prior I hiked Schafler Ridge and fell in LOVE. This hike is very reminiscent of that one and is very close! It is no coincidence that two different hikes in the Appenzell region stole my heart.

On our hike, I couldn’t help but stop every five minutes just to stare. The sound of cowbells echoed across the valleys and every bend in the trail felt like a postcard view.

Traveler pausing to admire the scenery on the Saxer Lücke hike.

Best Season to Hike Saxer Lücke

  • Spring: The snow begins to melt, revealing green meadows dotted with wildflowers. Trails may still be muddy in spots or even snow-covered. We did the hike in May and there were a few spots that still had snow. We also definitely got muddy.
  • Summer: Peak season. Trails are fully open, the lake sparkles under the sun, and alpine huts are bustling with life.
  • Autumn: Crisp, cool days with golden foliage make this a photographer’s dream. Fewer crowds compared to summer.
  • Winter: Not recommended unless you’re an experienced mountaineer. Trails are snow-covered and potentially dangerous.
Breathtaking view of the mountain pass reached during the Saxer Lücke hike in Switzerland.

Everything Else You Need to Know

  • Trail Difficulty: Moderate. Some ups and downs, rocky sections, and narrow ridges.
  • Gear: Hiking boots with good grip, layers, and water. Trekking poles are helpful on descents.
  • Food: Pack snacks, but alpine huts along the way (like Bollenwees) serve hearty Swiss food.
  • Family-Friendly? Older kids who are used to hiking will love it. Not stroller-friendly.
  • Phone Service: A funny note, my phone actually switched between Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and even Liechtenstein during this hike. I got charged roaming fees for four countries in one day. So funny now, but not so funny upon my bill arrival. Make sure to put your phone in airplane mode unless you want a surprise bill.
Close-up of rocky cliffs and alpine greenery along the Saxer Lücke hike.

Nearby Attractions

If you have extra time in the Appenzell region after the Saxer Lücke hike, don’t miss:

  • Seealpsee: Another turquoise gem, easily reached from Wasserauen.
  • Ebenalp & Aescher Hut: The cliffside inn that has gone viral for its dramatic setting.
  • Schafler Ridge & Hut: My favorite hike in the Swiss Alps.
  • Appenzell Village: Colorful facades, cheese shops, and traditional charm.

Why Saxer Lücke Hike Is Worth It

Saxer Lücke doesn’t get the same hype as the Matterhorn or Grindelwald First, but that’s exactly why it’s special. The crowds are lighter, the trails feel more authentic, and the views are just as jaw-dropping.

Standing at the pass, looking down at Fälensee framed by razor-sharp cliffs, I had one of those travel moments where I thought: “This might just be the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.” And honestly? It might be.

If you’re exploring Appenzell or eastern Switzerland, don’t miss the Saxer Lücke hike. It’s the kind of hike that stays with you long after you’ve left the Alps behind.

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