If you have ever imagined a traditional wooden cabin situated far away from everything, with nothing but nature around almost fairy tale like, this is the place that it becomes reality. Aescher-Wildkirchli is exactly what that is and much more. This beautiful guesthouse not only has the traditional Swiss charm and secludedness, but its also built on the edge of a cliff with literally nothing but nature around and spectacular views off course.
I had seen the picture of this place many times but I never imagined that I was actually going to be able to visit. Its one of those places that you look at the picture and assume that its unattainable for regular people like you and me, perhaps you need to be a pro-hiker, photographer or maybe even crew of a TV show to make it there. To be honest, this was my opinion due to lack of knowledge, about almost every place that we visited during our Switzerland trip (You can check my previous blog posts). I couldn’t have been more wrong, and how happy I am that I was!
This is not your traditional hotel that you can just put the address in the GPS and drive there, yet its still quite easy so don’t be disillusioned. The first step is to make the one and a half hour drive from Zurich to Wassarauen, where the cable car station is. Once you get there purchase your 27 CHF round trip ticket to Ebenalp. You get off at Ebenalp and take a moment to enjoy the view of the Appenzell Alps just like we did.
From there follow the signs for Aescher-Wildkirchli, and start your hike down. The hike down is only 15 minutes, it is safe and recommended for anyone who is in a healthy state. My little 3 year old did the hike down and up all by himself. Admittedly, the hike up he complained for the last minute or so when we got to the steps, but he managed.
Half way through the hike you have to pass under a cave which can be a little dark but its very short so you wont get scarred. My little one was a little scared in the beginning but nothing that couldn’t be fixed by just turning on my iPhone flashlight. Once you get out of the cave you will pass the small church, make a turn and you are treated with this almost surreal like view with a small cabin tucked on the right side of the cliff.
Believe it or not Aescher-Wildkirchli guest house is 170 years old! How did they manage to built it that long ago in this location I have no clue but it certainly is very impressive! The cabin itself is very small; the restaurant itself can only host 40 people so you can get a feel of how small and secluded this place is. We visited in August during peak season and it wasn’t crowded or load or anything like that. We had to wait approximately 5 min for a table but we were busy admiring the view and discovering how much this place had to offer!
When we decided to drive there, we never imagined there was a lot of things to do here, such as hiking down to the lake. From above it looked incredible, but we were told it is one of the most beautiful lakes in the area. Due to time restraint, we missed it. Unfortunately, we made the mistake of being too spontaneous and visiting all these spectacular places in Switzerland without doing much research.
After having a small snack, admiring the views while my little one played with the toy house that they had for kids, we had to catch to begin our hike up before the last cable car of the day left. We didn’t spend more than 2 hours of there, so it was really more like a teaser rather than anything else. The good thing is now we now that next time, this place at least deserves the whole day for itself or if you find availability in the cabin, spend the night there.
Switzerland is such a beautiful country. I have just heard so many beautiful tales of cows and cheese of Swiss land. My parents backpacked through Europe last year and they loved Swiss. I want to be able to visit some day too 🙂
Author
Backpacking through Europe sounds wonderful! Yes Switzerland is by far one of my favorites 🙂
What a great place, and it sounds very advisable! I am definitely putting it on my list so I will remember to visit when i am in Switzerland
Author
Yes it is worth it ! Wont regret it 🙂
I have seen pictures of this place before and always wondered how you get up there .. Now I know!! Hoping to visit someday.. Those views are amazing
Author
Yes just like me!I always assumed it was really difficult to find but it is not!
Aescher-Wildkirchli looks like an amazing place! I can’t believe it’s THAT old, how is it still standing? It kind of reminds me of Ostrog Monastery, how it’s just nestled inside of a huge cliff. Did you go paragliding?! I’m dying to go to Switzerland and your posts make me wanna go even more!
Author
Oh Ostrog Monastery is also one of those places that I would love to visit but dont know much about. I am so scared or paragliding but this is a perfect area to do so. In fact we saw many paragliders all over
What a gorgeous mountain retreat! Idyllic, secluded, so special! I love nature and hotels out of the ordinary, I would enjoy this place. This whole region – Alps in Switzerland, southern Germany, Austria, northern Italy and France – is absolutely stunning.
Author
Completely the agree, one of the best areas on earth!
Wow this look so like such a nice guest house! Love all your photos. I was just in Switzerland and already am making plans to go back – will have to check this out 🙂
Author
Oh you definitely should!There is so much to see and do in Switzerland that its so difficult to see it all
Stunning photos! It’s good to hear you made it to the guesthouse easily. I am yet to visit Switzerland, I think this post is going to be the one to push me to do it next time I am back in Europe. That beer at the end did it for me. I miss Europe and chilly beers with outstanding views!
Author
Yey I am glad to hear that! Switzerland is defintely a must in your European itinerary. The picture at the end is actually sparkling apple juice 😀 but everyone else was enjoying a beer ! 🙂
Wow Claudia, can’t get over how gorgeous your photos are. It must’ve been even more breathtaking seeing these stunning views up close in person. Sounds like a great and relaxing destination to escape that busy city life and them crowds of tourists. Awesome to see you guys had fun!
Author
Thank you so much Jasmine! The pictures dont do the justice at all. Hope you can visit 🙂
This is such a beautiful place! We spend a lot of time skiing in Switzerland, but I am dying to visit when it is this green. I also want to explore more of the country, so will definitely be adding this guesthouse to my list. I imagine it could make for an incredibly romantic getaway with how small it is, and those views!!!
Author
Yes its perfect for a romantic getaway and there are a lot of activities so you wont get bored. Skiing in Switzerland sounds perfect!
I would love to see this! its stunning, The nature and the location is out of this world! Switzerland is a wonderful country no there is even one more reason to go back!