SAC Clubhaus Bärenfang
1.5
Central Switzerland, Switzerland
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About
Bärenfang sits at 1,900m on the north flank of the Säntis massif above Appenzell. The SAC hut is reached in 2.5 hours from Säntis (2,502m) via the ridge trail south, or in 3 hours from Appenzell via Bannalp and the Säntis-Schäfler pass. A shorter approach climbs from Gonten in the Appenzell Alps in under 2 hours. The location gives access to the Säntis summit traverse and the surrounding ridge walks.
The hut runs by SAC volunteers and holds 40 people in dorms. Meals are simple and hearty—expect soup, pasta, and local cheese plates. A self-catering kitchen is available for members. Water comes from the hut's own spring. The hut stays open year-round but is quieter outside summer months. Winter access requires avalanche awareness; the approach from Gonten is safest in snow.
Book directly by phone. July and August weekends fill 4-6 weeks ahead. Midweek slots in summer are usually available with 1-2 weeks' notice. The hut is less crowded in shoulder season and winter, when booking is straightforward. Phone ahead anyway to check water availability in late summer and to confirm winter conditions before heading up.
The hut runs by SAC volunteers and holds 40 people in dorms. Meals are simple and hearty—expect soup, pasta, and local cheese plates. A self-catering kitchen is available for members. Water comes from the hut's own spring. The hut stays open year-round but is quieter outside summer months. Winter access requires avalanche awareness; the approach from Gonten is safest in snow.
Book directly by phone. July and August weekends fill 4-6 weeks ahead. Midweek slots in summer are usually available with 1-2 weeks' notice. The hut is less crowded in shoulder season and winter, when booking is straightforward. Phone ahead anyway to check water availability in late summer and to confirm winter conditions before heading up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call the hut directly to check availability and book your spot; aim for at least 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends.
Bärenfang is typically staffed from June to October, though exact dates depend on volunteer availability—confirm with the hut before planning.
Shortest approach is 2 hours from Gonten; alternatively, 2.5 hours from Säntis via the ridge trail south, or 3 hours from Appenzell via Bannalp and the Säntis-Schäfler pass.
Simple, hearty meals are served; the hut has 40 dorm beds, so expect shared sleeping quarters.
Yes—the 2-hour approach from Gonten is manageable for fit families, and the hut offers straightforward ridge walks and access to the Säntis summit traverse.
Location
47.0661, 8.6649
HutLists Score
1.5
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- SAC SAC - CAS
Contact & Booking
- Phone
- +41 41 781 09 51
- Website
- https://www.sac-zug.ch/pages/huetten/baerenfang.php
Activities
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