Attractions and Places To See around Bühler - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Bühler, a municipality in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland, offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural insights. Nestled in a valley, the area provides mountain views and pastoral landscapes. It serves as a base for exploring the surrounding region, known for its traditional Swiss living and picturesque architecture.
Best attractions and places to see around Bühler
- The most popular attractions is Fähnerenspitz Summit, a summit that offers great views and is a popular mountain in every season. It is a destination for snowshoe hikes and touring skis in winter.
- Another must-see spot is Wildkirchli Chapel (St. Michael’s Cave Chapel), a religious building and historical site located within the Wildkirchli Caves. The chapel, established in 1621, has been renovated over the centuries, with a marble altar erected in 1896.
- Visitors also love Wildkirchli Caves, a natural monument consisting of three interconnected caves. These caves, including the Altar Cave and Lower Cave, have historical significance with evidence of Neanderthal presence and served as a hermitage.
- Bühler is known for its summits, caves, and historical religious sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural features to cultural landmarks.
- The attractions around Bühler are appreciated by the komoot community, with highlights receiving more than 970 upvotes and featuring over 660 photos.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Wildkirchli Chapel (St. Michael’s Cave Chapel)
Highlight • Religious Site
In 1621, Father Philippus Tanner from Appenzell went to the Wildkirchli to bless the cattle. He was so taken with this cave that he wanted to stay there. He asked the authorities to erect an altar, a small turret and a cross for him. In the same year, a service was held in the cave, which was dedicated to the chapel, with a large number of people from Appenzell. In 1649 the license was renewed. Over the years, however, the image of the Wildkirchli has changed somewhat, especially the altar cave. In 1860 the chapel-like sacristy was removed and replaced by today's wooden bell tower. The bright marble altar was erected in 1896. The altar, created by Franz Magnus Sutter in 1770, was restored in 1935 and covered with a blue canopy by painter Joh. Hugentobler. In 1958 the wooden canopy had to be almost completely replaced. In 1986 August Lnauen redesigned the place of worship.
Text / Source: Appenzellerland Tourismus
appenzell.ch/de/service/freizeitangebote/wildkirchli.html
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Fähnerenspitz Summit
Highlight • Summit
The Fähnerenspitz is a popular mountain in every season because it is harmless and yet exudes a magical attraction from a mountain. And this even in bad weather, no matter how stormy it is and you think that you are the only crazy person who goes out in that weather ... but no ... on the Fähnerenspitz you meet other people in any weather "Crazy" on 😉
In winter, the Fähnerenspitz is a beautiful destination for snowshoe hikes and you can even find touring skis up here.
The area around the Fähnerenspitz is also very nice and sunny in the winter months (especially from Brülisau), if you start the ascent from Eggerestand, you first walk in the shade, but this path is also very beautiful and recommended.
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Wildkirchli Caves
Highlight • Cave
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Scheidegg Mountain Inn
Highlight • Mountain Hut
It is not possible to determine exactly when people started travelling to Kronberg for other purposes. It can be assumed that after the discovery of spas outside the country's borders - Gontenbad in the 18th century, Jakobsbad after 1845 - people also hiked in the Kronberg area. There was certainly an increase in tourism after the Urnäsch-Gontenbad route of the "Appenzeller Bahnen" was opened to scheduled traffic on August 16, 1886. However, sources already document the existence of summer restaurants for several years before that.
Later, restaurants were set up on Kronberg but also in Gross Chenner. The following innkeepers are documented in advertisements: On Jakobi 1893, butcher Baumgartner, probably "Kreuz" innkeeper Conrad Baumgartner (1852-1900), in the summer regularly from 1894 and perhaps until 1898 Josef Anton Neff, whose dates of birth and death could not be determined in Gonten. Josef Anton Huber (1872-1931), "Mandlis", as the owner of this Alp, must also have run a restaurant on his property since 1899 or at least had someone run a restaurant there. On June 20, 1906, he had an advertisement in the "Appenzeller Volksfreund" announcing that the "Ruheplatz" inn on his Alp would be closed all summer. Perhaps this is related to the opening of the "Kronberg" inn on the Jakobsalp on July 14, 1906 by Johann Baptist Hersche in Gonten.
We do not know until when the restaurant was open every Saturday and Sunday when the weather was nice. Perhaps until 1917, because on June 13, 1918, the buildings belonging to the canton, the alpine hut and stable, were destroyed by fire and were not rebuilt due to reforestation.
Text / Source: Luftseilbahn Jakobsbad-Kronberg AG, St. Josefstrasse 2 · 9108 Jakobsbad
kronberg.ch/de/unternehmen/geschichte.html
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Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi
Highlight • Restaurant
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Tips from the Community
What was built here is simply brilliant.
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Our mountain guesthouse has seen many a proud face after the steep climb. The guesthouse, in its current form, has existed since 1860, making it one of the oldest mountain inns in Switzerland. Pastor Ulmann was the first hermit to live in the hermitage in the Wildkirchli in 1658. More than 20 men followed his example until 1853, shaping the history of the Wildkirchli as hermits and first hosts. Since then, this mystical place has fascinated generations. Stories are told of little wild people who are said to have once lived in the Wildkirchli caves and come to the aid of the herdsmen. The Aescher inspires poets and artists to create new works. Bones of cave bears and stone tools bear witness to the cave's ancient shelter. Source: https://aescher.ch/
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Very impressive, beautiful to look at! Services are also held here.
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A great cave, with very interesting information. The hiking trail leads directly through the cave.
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When visibility is good, you have a great all-round view.
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If the weather is good, you will be rewarded for the climb (moderately difficult for inexperienced hikers). The view is fantastic. The inn is closed on Mondays, but otherwise you can enjoy simple but delicious meals on a wonderful terrace.
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Since summer 2024, the inn's exterior has been completely renovated and looks very beautiful and colorful. Older photos are therefore no longer up-to-date, but the food is still superb and comparatively reasonably priced.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and viewpoints can I explore around Bühler?
The region around Bühler offers stunning natural beauty. You can visit the Fähnerenspitz Summit, which provides great views and is a popular mountain year-round, even for snowshoeing in winter. The Wildkirchli Caves are also a remarkable natural monument, consisting of three interconnected caves within a high rock face.
Are there historical or cultural sites to visit near Bühler?
Yes, Bühler is close to significant historical and cultural sites. The Wildkirchli Chapel (St. Michael’s Cave Chapel), established in 1621 within the Wildkirchli Caves, is a notable religious building and historical site. The renovated hermit's house in the Lower Cave now serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into the past. Bühler itself also features picturesque architecture with unique historical overhangs.
What kind of hiking trails are available near Bühler?
The Bühler area is excellent for hiking, with trails ranging in difficulty. You can find mountain hikes like the 'Aescher Mountain Inn – Wildkirchli Caves and Chapel loop from Schwende' or the 'Fähnerenspitz loop from Eggerstanden'. For more options and detailed routes, explore the Mountain Hikes around Bühler guide.
Are there cycling routes around Bühler?
Yes, the region offers various cycling routes. You can find challenging tours like the 'View of the Alpstein Mountains – Old Town of Appenzell loop from Steigbach' or moderate options such as the 'AB Riethüsli station – Schützenhaus Weiherweid loop from Bühler'. Discover more routes in the Cycling around Bühler guide.
Can I find mountain biking trails in the Bühler area?
Absolutely. Bühler is a great starting point for mountain biking. Trails include the 'Unterer Gäbris – Gäbrisseeli loop from Zweibrücken' and the 'Hohe Buche Summit – Gäbris loop from Gais'. For a comprehensive list of trails, check out the MTB Trails around Bühler guide.
What family-friendly activities are available near Bühler?
For families, the Scheidegg Mountain Inn is a great stop. It's categorized as family-friendly and offers a welcoming atmosphere with food. The general area with its pastoral landscapes and easy walking paths can also be enjoyable for families.
Where can I find places to eat or rest near attractions?
You have several options for refreshments and meals. The Scheidegg Mountain Inn is a beautifully situated mountain inn known for its friendly service and good food. Another excellent choice is the Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi, which offers fantastic views of the Alps while you dine.
When is the best time to visit Bühler for outdoor activities?
The Bühler region is beautiful year-round. For hiking and cycling, the warmer months from spring to autumn offer pleasant weather. However, attractions like the Fähnerenspitz Summit are also popular in winter for snowshoeing and touring skis, offering a different kind of outdoor experience.
What makes the Wildkirchli Caves historically significant?
The Wildkirchli Caves hold significant historical importance, with evidence of Neanderthal presence discovered through excavations. They also served as a hermitage from 1658 to 1853, and the renovated hermit's house now functions as a museum, showcasing their rich past.
What is unique about Bühler's architecture?
Bühler is known for its picturesque architecture, featuring buildings with unique overhangs. Historically, these overhangs served as indoor bathrooms, providing an interesting insight into the town's past and the evolution of sanitation practices.
How can I reach Bühler and explore nearby areas?
Bühler is conveniently connected to St. Gallen and Appenzell by a tram line, making it easy to access and explore nearby towns and their attractions without a car. This connectivity allows visitors to experience a wider range of the region's offerings.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Fähnerenspitz Summit?
Visitors frequently praise the Fähnerenspitz Summit for its great views and its appeal in every season. It's considered a magical mountain that attracts people even in challenging weather, and in winter, it's a beautiful destination for snowshoeing and touring skis.
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