Kronberg

What makes it special

From the summit cross the view runs a full circle. To the west it reaches deep into the Swiss Alps, and to the east it carries on to the Austrian Alps.

The panorama opens up on the way, as the cabin climbs from the valley station at 884 metres. The Kronbergbahn is a bicable aerial tramway: two cabins, each running on its own pair of ropes. The system has run since 1964.

The Berggasthaus Kronberg, the summit inn, stands right outside the top station. You can eat or take a coffee there before walking on or riding down.

The view works in winter as well as summer. In spring, snow can still lie on the Alpstein peaks while the first gentians come out.

Visiting

Jakobsbad's valley station is where the visit starts. Board one of the two cabins: they leave on the hour and half hour, with extra runs in between when it is busy.

At the top, an easy circular path runs south of the station and back in about ten minutes, with places to stop for the view.

With more time, walk to Jacob's Chapel, about half an hour each way. To come down without the cabin, walk to Jakobsbad in about two and a half hours, or to Weissbad in about three and a half on an easy grade. The easier paths are marked yellow.

Tips

In winter you can sledge the 7 km run from the summit cross to the valley station, the longest in Eastern Switzerland. Hire a toboggan on site and take the last ascent for sledgers by 16.00. The run is groomed daily but not artificially snowed, so cover depends on the weather.

The summer alpine coaster starts in the valley, so you can ride it without the cable car. For the zipline park, book online to avoid long waits, and wear closed shoes, which are compulsory.

Cloud on the Alpstein takes the whole view away, so check the forecast before you ride up. Some Appenzell hotel stays include free regional trains and buses; ask your hotel whether the cable car is covered.