The Berggasthaus Äscher (also known as Aescher-Wildkirchli mountain inn) is one of several inns in the Alpstein massif in the Swiss canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden (Schwende-Rüte district). It was built in one of the caves of the Wildkirchli, below the Ebenalp (at ), along the path to Äscher.
History
The mountain inn has been in existence since 1846. The current building was constructed in 1860 on the site of a rock shelter for monks living as hermits. It is a listed building of national significance and belongs to the Wildkirchli Foundation.
Since the 'Berggasthaus Äscher' appeared on the cover of National Geographic in 2015 (title “Places of a lifetime”), tourism has grown rapidly. Photos shared via social media boosted the famousness of the picturesque location. Since then, it also has become a symbol of overtourism. Car traffic has increased, especially during the peak season.
In 2019/2020, the building fabric was renovated. The external appearance of the Äscher remained almost unchanged.
Transport Wasserauen railway station, located at , is the upper terminus of the Gossau–Wasserauen railway line and situated near the valley station of an aerial tram () to Ebenalp. The railway staition is served by the S23 service of St. Gallen S-Bahn to , and stations (the latter two are served by national long-distance trains).
Gallery
See also List of restaurants in Switzerland Tourism in Switzerland
References
External links
Äscher website Panorama Ebenalpbahn (in ) Äscher on Hikr