Alpstein

P1

South view of the Alpstein

The Alpstein is a subset of the Appenzell Alps. The Alpsteinmassiv one of the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden and St. Gallen.

Despite its compared to other Alpine peaks rather low level - the highest mountain in the Santis is 2,501, 9 meters - acts of Alpstein due to its northern " outpost position " with only a short distance to Lake Constance (air line just under 30 miles) very powerful.

Shape

Geologically, the Alpstein, unlike the predominantly composed of granite Central Alps, a limestone massif and thus represents a kind of western continuation of the east runs between Germany and Austria northern Limestone Alps dar. The limestone is riddled with numerous cracks, caves and sinkholes. The effluent water thereby leading to lack of water, which must be compensated by some huts and alps by the collection of rainwater.

Morphologically, the tectonic folds have designed mainly three to Northeast running from the southwest, at the Saxer gap by Sax Schwende - breaking mutually shifted, burrs. You end up with Ebenalp, Alp Sigel and Kamor. Only the Lisengrat, the connection between the two peaks Altmann and Santis runs transversely to the Hauptgraten. Between these mountain ranges small mountain lakes are on page Appenzeller in the valleys of the Alpsteins embedded: Seealpsee, Sämtisersee and Fälensee. Two of the three lakes have no surface drainage: the water of Fälen and Sämtisersees flows through the south-east offshore ridge into the Rhine. The eastern ridge of Alpsteins drops steeply from the Rhine valley towards.

The mountain is rather steep and the valleys are cut deep. The Alpstein is an ideal, sometimes challenging hiking terrain. In winter, especially from February to April descents on skis or snowboard for experts from Santis massif down to Appenzell, Wasserauen or Brülisau or the Toggenburg underwater or wild house are possible. In this case, the current avalanche conditions shall apply appropriate care.

Summit

The Santis can be reached by cable car from Schwägalp from. Second highest peak after Santis is the Altmann, third highest in the Wildhauser sheep mountain ( 2'373 m). Other notable points are the Staubern pulpit, the High box and the Ebenalp, all three reached by the cable cars.

The Kronberg ( also cable car ) and the Hundwiler Höhi no longer belong to Alpstein. These include Nagelfluhberge already for Appenzeller foothills.

Gallery

Fälensee

Seealpsee

Sämtisersee

Appenzell region in Brülisau: View to the Ebenalp ( 1,644 m)

Meglisalp and Seealpsee

Santis

Mountain inn Rotsteinpass with Lisengrat and Santis in the background