Berggasthof Hochbühl

Berggasthof Hochbühl sits at 1190m in eastern Switzerland's rolling limestone hills. The hut is a working mountain inn rather than a dedicated alpine shelter, set in mixed forest with easy access from the valley. Most hikers approach from the village of Säntis region or Appenzell Alps foothills — expect 1.5 to 2 hours on marked trails from the nearest car park. The location works well as a rest stop on longer east-Swiss traverses or as a base for day walks into the surrounding pastoral highlands.
The hut has rooms for overnight guests plus a popular restaurant serving hearty Appenzell regional food and standard alpine fare. The inn accommodates around 30 people and stays open year-round, though you should verify winter hours before visiting. Kitchen facilities mean you can prepare your own meals if preferred. This is a genuine working farm inn, not a spartan SAC hut, so expect comfort and full meals rather than basic bunkhouse accommodation.
Book directly by email or phone rather than through an agency — the owners manage bookings personally. Spring weekends and summer holidays fill quickly, so contact them at least two to three weeks ahead for peak season. Winter reservations are more flexible. The hut's valley location and restaurant focus mean it draws day visitors as well as overnight hikers, so midweek stays tend to be quieter than weekends.