Top 20 Lakes around Appenzell

Several lakes in the Appenzell region offer excellent swimming opportunities. Seealpsee is known for its pristine, clear waters, ideal for a refreshing dip in summer. Fählensee also has clear waters suitable for cooling off after a hike. Additionally, Lake Sämtiser, with its blue-green waters, can be pleasant enough for swimming, though its water level can fluctuate significantly.

Yes, the Appenzell region offers several family-friendly options. Seealpsee is particularly accessible, with a relatively easy hour-long hike from the Wasserauen parking lot, making it suitable for families. The hike to Lake Sämtiser from Brülisau is also considered an easy half-day tour through scenic landscapes.

The lakes around Appenzell are nestled within the stunning Alpstein massif, offering diverse natural beauty. You'll encounter crystal-clear mountain waters, dramatic backdrops of towering peaks like the Säntis, lush alpine meadows where free-roaming cows graze, and unique geological features such as the underground outflow of Lake Sämtiser.

The region is a hiker's paradise. Many visitors enjoy the popular 'Three Lakes Hike' which connects Seealpsee, Fählensee, and Lake Sämtiser. For more challenging routes, Seealpsee serves as a starting point for ascents to the Säntis or the famous Äscher mountain restaurant. You can find more hiking routes in the area by visiting our guide on Hiking around Appenzell.

Yes, there are amenities available. Seealpsee has two mountain inns directly by the lake, offering refreshments and accommodation. Near Fählensee, you'll find the Berggasthaus Bollenwees, a popular mountain inn for hikers.

The best time to visit the Appenzell lakes is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During this period, the trails are clear of snow, the weather is pleasant for hiking and swimming, and the alpine meadows are lush. Summer offers the best conditions for swimming in the lakes.

Many lakes are quite accessible. For instance, Seealpsee is easily reached via a relatively easy hike from the Wasserauen parking lot, which is also served by public transport. For other lakes like Lake Sämtiser, routes often start from villages like Brülisau, which are reachable by public transport.

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking natural beauty and idyllic scenery. The clear, sparkling waters reflecting the impressive Alpstein peaks, the tranquility of the alpine setting, and the opportunities for both relaxing and challenging hikes are frequently highlighted. The presence of free-roaming cows and cozy mountain inns also adds to the charm, creating a 'postcard idyll' experience.

While Seealpsee can be very popular, especially on weekends, lakes like Fählensee and Lake Sämtiser, while part of popular hiking routes, can offer a more secluded and dramatic setting, particularly if visited during off-peak times or by taking more challenging trails to reach them.

Beyond hiking, the Appenzell region offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking on routes like 'View of Säntis – View of the Alpstein loop from Appenzell' or explore more challenging mountain hikes. For more options, check out our guides on Mountain Hikes around Appenzell and Road Cycling Routes around Appenzell.

Yes, some lakes have unique characteristics. For example, Lake Sämtiser is notable for having no visible surface outflow; its water flows underground into the Rhine Valley, and its water level can fluctuate significantly. Seealpsee is famous for its reflection of the surrounding peaks, a view so iconic it's depicted on local Appenzeller beer bottles.