EBENALP
Day 6 – 09.23.2015
We headed out early to Ebenalp — the northern most summit of the Appenzell alps. To be honest, I wasn’t ready for a hike. I didn’t know there will be hiking involved on this trip but it was such a pleasant surprise. My photos aren’t doing any justice to the beauty of this place.
It was a gloomy day. Not a good day to hike, obviously, but we still went ahead.
It was already drizzling when we arrived at the cable car station. This cable car will take us to the summit where we can see the panoramic view of the hills of Appenzell. The ride was short but not short enough for Mr. A who is not very fond of heights — and swaying cable cars.
The view up there is amazing. I felt so zen. I would’ve stayed there but we had to move. We had to hike down to a series of caves called the Wildkirchli.
The caves were inhabited by hermits from 1658 to 1853. The last hermit resident fell to his death on the mountain in the mid-1800s, and the hermitage remained vacant until it was renovated to a museum in 1972. – wikipedia
There’s a “chapel” by the caves.
Berggasthaus Aescher-Wildkirchli
A little further down the trail you’ll see Berggasthaus Aesher-Wildkirchli. Dubbed as one of the most interesting restaurants in the world, this 170-year-old guesthouse is located at the edge of the cliff.
My view inside looking out. I enjoyed every bit of my hot coco with this view. Now I have bragging rights that I once had hot chocolate in the 10 Mind-Blowing Hotels To Visit Before You Die. This is also featured as one of the 48 Epic Dream Hotels to Visit Before You Die. (What’s with all the “before you die” thing? LOL)
Again, I could have stayed there longer but we had to go back up. Yes, climb back up to the cable car station, through the caves. This made me realize that I am totally out of shape! Mr. A’s mom, who was celebrating her birthday that day, was way ahead of me!
I was the last to reach the cable car. Embarrassingly, I had to ask them to chill for five more minutes just so I can catch my breath.
Ain’t about how fast I get there
Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb
– Miley Cyrus
It started drizzling again when we were inside the cable car. We were freezing but no one can stop us from doing some jump shots when we reached the main station.
If ever we go back to Switzerland, I will definitely go back to this place. Definitely.
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Heavenly place!
it certainly is! and the air is so fresh.
Wow! That is a beautiful place.!
it is! Just being there makes my heart smile.. ganon, pak!