Berggasthaus Aescher-Wildkirchli
3.9About
Berggasthaus Aescher-Wildkirchli sits at 1,454m on the Säntis massif above Wasserauen in Appenzell Alps canton. Reach it on foot from Wasserauen village (30 minutes, mostly steep). The hut also lies on the main ridge traverse from Säntis (2,502m) or as a stopping point between Appenzell Alps valleys. Most hikers arrive from the south, climbing from Appenzell in 2 hours.
The hut offers 25 beds in simple shared rooms. Meals focus on regional Appenzell cuisine, especially the local cheese specialities. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast daily during season. Flush toilets are available; there are no showers or WiFi. The hut operates year-round, though staffing varies seasonally. Winter access depends on snow conditions and avalanche risk—check before attempting a winter visit.
Book directly by email or phone at least two weeks ahead, especially for weekends and July–August. The hut becomes very busy on weekends when day-trippers from the lowlands arrive. Mid-week visits offer more reliable beds and a quieter atmosphere. Winter bookings require advance notice due to reduced staffing.
The hut offers 25 beds in simple shared rooms. Meals focus on regional Appenzell cuisine, especially the local cheese specialities. The kitchen serves dinner and breakfast daily during season. Flush toilets are available; there are no showers or WiFi. The hut operates year-round, though staffing varies seasonally. Winter access depends on snow conditions and avalanche risk—check before attempting a winter visit.
Book directly by email or phone at least two weeks ahead, especially for weekends and July–August. The hut becomes very busy on weekends when day-trippers from the lowlands arrive. Mid-week visits offer more reliable beds and a quieter atmosphere. Winter bookings require advance notice due to reduced staffing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book at least 2–3 months ahead for summer weekends; call or email directly—the hut takes reservations by phone and email.
Open year-round, though staffing is reduced in winter; confirm availability before winter visits.
Hike 30 minutes steeply uphill from Wasserauen village, or 2 hours from Appenzell village on the main ridge route.
25 beds in simple shared rooms and flush toilets; there are no showers, so plan to wash minimally or shower before arrival.
Yes—the short 30-minute approach from Wasserauen is manageable for families with older children, though the steep climb demands reasonable fitness.
Location
47.2834, 9.4145
Need a hotel nearby?
Staying in Eastern Switzerland before or after your hike? Compare hotels on Booking.com.
Search hotels in Eastern SwitzerlandBooked through Booking.com — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. More
Don't forget to book
This hut takes bookings direct, so beds go to whoever asks first. Tell us your dates and we'll email you when it's time to reserve — with the hut's contact details.
HutLists Score
3.9
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Season
- May-Oct: Mo-Su 07:30+ "Warme Küche von 11 bis 20.30 Uhr"; Nov: Mo-Su 8:00-20:00 "Warme Küche von 11 bis 19.30 Uhr"; Dec-Apr closed
Facilities
Flush toilets
Contact & Booking
- [email protected]
- Phone
- +41 71 799 11 42
- Website
- https://aescher.ch
Featured In
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.