Säntis from Schwägalp
Hundwil, Switzerland
A cable car from the Schwägalp pass climbs to the 2,502 m Säntis summit, with views over six countries on a clear day. The pass road itself is a fine drive.
The Säntis (about 2,500 metres) is the great summit of the Alpstein, normally reached by cable car from the Schwägalp. Important before you plan (as of October 2026): the cable car has been out of service since 1 May 2026, with the last trip on 30 April. It is being replaced by a new cable car costing 22 million francs; this is the first summer in decades without service.
According to freizeit.ch (as of June 2026) the first rides are due in late autumn 2026, with the official opening planned for spring 2027; in May SRF spoke of a reopening towards the end of the year. We could not confirm whether it is running again now. Blick also reported on 4 September 2026 an unstable section of rock on the north face and temporarily closed areas near the Schwägalp.
Until reopening the summit can only be reached on foot; the Alter Säntis mountain inn stays open, according to SRF. Please check timetable, prices and trail conditions in advance with the Säntis cable car.
- Nearest town
- Hundwil, Switzerland
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 47.2566, 9.3195
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Wohnmobil-Stellplatz UnterwasserMotorhome stopover7 km from Säntis from SchwägalpMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Campingplatz JakobsbadCampsite7 km from Säntis from SchwägalpTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping WerdenbergCampsite15 km from Säntis from SchwägalpTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping MurgCampsite18 km from Säntis from SchwägalpTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Waldcamping FeldkirchCampsite20 km from Säntis from Schwägalp · 128 pitchesTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Camping St. Gallen-Wittenbach LeebrückeCampsite23 km from Säntis from Schwägalp · 100 pitchesTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Switzerland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Säntis from Schwägalp?
Säntis from Schwägalp is in Hundwil, Switzerland, at GPS 47.2566, 9.3195. It is about 6 km from Wildhaus.
Can you camp near Säntis from Schwägalp?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wohnmobil-Stellplatz Unterwasser, about 7 km away; within 25 km there are 31 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Säntis from Schwägalp?
Säntis from Schwägalp is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Rhine Falls to the Säntis.
What is there to see near Säntis from Schwägalp?
Places worth a stop nearby: Seealpsee (6 km), Appenzell Village (11 km), Abbey Library of St. Gallen (19 km) and Caumasee (49 km).
When is the best time to visit Säntis from Schwägalp?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)