At its south-eastern end, Lake Constance borders onto the majestic mountains of the Alps. Within a short distance from the lake, various mountain cable cars take visitors to the peaks. Up there, it’s a world apart.
Get that real “Heidi” feeling, marvel at the unique fauna and flora, and experience the rural life of the mountain dwellers. Visitors can gain an insight into traditions that have been kept alive for generations at the many cultural events on offer. With a little luck, hikers can catch a glimpse of chamois goats or ibexes, hear alphorns or yodelling, or watch alpine farmers making cheese.
Säntis Mountain
Säntis in the region of Appenzell near St.Gallen is the highest peak at 2,502 metres. More than any other mountain, it is a distinctive feature of Lake Constance. On clear days it can be seen from all over the region. The area around Säntis is known as one of the most beautiful natural settings in Europe. At the top of the mountain, spacious observation halls and sun terraces, easy paths around the summit and two panorama restaurants offer views across six countries! Hikes from the summit are only advisable for experienced mountaineers with suitable alpine equipment. The routes at the bottom of the cable car at Schwägalp, however, are suitable for families. A charming restaurant and a demonstration dairy producing cheese await the visitor.
Pfänder Mountain
One of the best-known mountains in the region is the Pfänder in Austria. A cable car conveys visitors from the centre of Bregenz up to the summit of the town’s own 1,064-metre-high mountain. From here, you can enjoy magnificent views over the whole of Lake Constance. But it is not just the view that attracts visitors: Three mountain restaurants, an alpine wildlife park, well-marked walking routes, an eagle sanctuary with birds of prey and much more will guarantee an enjoyable day out.
Hoher Kasten and Ebenalp
Two other mountains in the region of Appenzell can be reached by cable car. One is the Hoher Kasten (1,794 meters). A new rotating restaurant offers breathtaking panoramic views over four countries: Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Germany. The Alpine Garden next to the mountain station is also worth a visit.
The Ebenalp mountain is a special tip. The cable car takes visitors up to the 1,644 meter-high plateau. Follow the footpath for 15 minutes to reach the spectacular Wildkirchli caves. Five minutes further on a legendary restaurant nestles against a steep rock face.
Toboganning in summer
Careering down a mountain on a sledge is the ultimate in fun for old and for young. Bizau in the Austrian region of Bregenzerwald (approx. 40 km south-east of Bregenz) boasts the longest summer toboggan run in the world. A double chairlift takes you up to the 1,436-meter-high Hirschberg mountain. The 2-kilometer track races around 80 bends, covering a difference in altitude of 400 meters.
Kronberg, a popular destination for families in the region of Appenzell, just south of St.Gallen in Switzerland, also has a summer toboggan run. A cable car takes visitors up to an altitude of 1,633 meters. From here, you can hurtle down the one-kilometer-long Kronberg bob run into the valley.
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