Brülisau - Hoher Kasten
I did this hike together with a friend on the 21st of August, 2021. I had seen the Geologischer Wanderung Alpstein on Switzerlandmobility, and thought it looked very nice. It was my first time hiking in Alpstein, but I have been here several times since.
Full route: Swisstopo
We started the hike in Brülisau, which we reached by train and bus from Zürich. On the first part up through the valley, we passed Sämtisersee and could see Hoher Kasten in the background. We continued to Fählensee, which was really beautiful and we decided to have a short break here.
From Fählensee we made our way up to Saxer Lücke and the rock formation looked as impressive as I had seen on pictures. From up here, we could also look down at Fählensee, where we had just been.
All along the way from Saxer Lücke to Hoher Kasten, there are absolutely stunning views over most of Alpstein. It was a great day and we could also see Säntis in the background, which reaches above Seealpsee in the other valley.
The hiking trail was in some places more narrow up along the ridge, and had a few short sections where you had chains in the rock wall to hold on to. Despite the slightly more difficult trail up here, we did not find it problematic in any way and enjoyed the way up.
As we made our way along the ridge, we could also see Sämtisersee, the first lake we had passed in the morning. The views in this direction are very different, but still great, and on more clear days, you would have views to the mountains in Austria.
At times, we also had views to the other side of Alpstein, in direction Lichtenstein and to some of the mountain peaks in Graubünden. Hiking in Alpstein, you quickly forget that there is a world outside, and it was fun to experience the very different views and areas on this hike.
As we got closer to Hoher Kasten, we had stunning views back into the valley and to most of the peaks in Alpstein. I really love this area, and have quite some hikes on my list that I would like to do.
Up at Hoher Kasten, we used quite some time walking around, taking pictures and enjoying the views. It was really cool that from up here, we could see the entire trail we had just hiked.
After some time, we decided to take the cable car down to Brülisau, and from here continue the journey back home to Zürich with bus and train.
