Nestled in the heart of the Appenzell Alps lies the picturesque Kronberg Mountain. With its stunning views, especially of Säntis, the longest cable car in the Appenzell Region, family-friendly activities, and breathtaking landscapes, it is no surprise that this mountain has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and everyone else. With an abundance of activities to choose from, Kronberg Mountain is a fantastic choice for people of all ages.
Overview: Kronberg Mountain
Kronberg is primarily a summer destination in Jakobsbad, Appenzell. Kronberg Mountain offers a variety of activities, from hiking and tobogganing to playing. The mountain boasts a fantastic network of easy to intermediate trails that cater to all skill levels. Since its hiking trails are relatively easy, it is an ideal destination for beginners, families with young children, and anyone looking for easier and safer trails. You can also take in the stunning scenery and enjoy a picnic near the mountain peak if you prefer a more leisurely experience.
Since its hiking trails are relatively easy, Kronberg is an ideal destination for beginners, families with young children, and anyone looking for easier and safer trails.
Whether you’re looking to hike the whole day or simply soak up the natural beauty of the Appenzell Region, Kronberg Mountain has something for everyone. With its stunning panoramic views and endless opportunities for adventure, it’s no wonder that this mountain has become one of Eastern Switzerland’s most beloved destinations.
Things to Do in Kronberg Mountain
Kronberg Mountain is a fantastic place to visit in Appenzell, with stunning views and natural beauty. With its hiking trails, park, and play area, visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting activities:
1. Hike the Trails in and around Kronberg
One of the best things to do in Kronberg Mountain is to explore one of its hiking trails. There are mostly easy and moderate hiking trails, which are suitable for beginners and families with small children. The easier hiking trails are marked with yellow instead of red mountain trails, which are slightly more difficult. Kronberg has no blue alpine trails.
Detailed information about hiking trails will be provided below.
2. Experience the Thrilling Kronberg Zipline Park
Kronberg Mountain is home to an exciting zipline park that offers a thrilling adventure to visitors. The park features 25 zip lines, providing a unique and exhilarating experience to visitors of all ages. The zipline park is operated by trained professionals who ensure that all safety measures are adhered to.
Before beginning your zipline adventure, you will have to be briefed by their staff on safety procedures. You will also be provided with a helmet to keep you safe. It is recommended to purchase your tickets in advance online to secure a spot. You may also purchase your ticket at the park entrance.
The zipline park is located at the base of Kronberg Mountain, so there is no need to buy a ticket to go up to the summit. The zipline park is suitable for visitors who seek adventure and are not afraid of heights. It is also an excellent option for families and groups of friends who want to have fun and create lasting memories.
3. Play and Jump at Kronberg’s Play Area
Kronberg Mountain offers an exciting play area for children and adults alike called Märliwelt. The fairytale play area is well-maintained and features a variety of fun activities. One of the highlights of the play area is the trampoline. Visitors can bounce around on the trampoline and perform tricks while enjoying the beautiful scenery around them.
The trampoline is suitable for all ages and is a great way to get some exercise while having fun. You will need to purchase a jeton to be able to get on the trampoline.
In addition to the trampoline, the play area has a range of other activities that incorporate sand and water. Visitors can purchase tickets for the play area at the entrance. You can choose between half-day and full-day tickets at reasonable prices. For those who want to relax and enjoy the view, there are plenty of picnic tables and benches available close to the play area.
4. Slide Down the Toboggan Run
Kronberg Park is a popular destination for visitors looking for an exhilarating toboggan run. The toboggan run at Kronberg Park spans one kilometer of hills and curves. The ride is both thrilling and safe, with plenty of opportunities to slow down or speed up depending on your preference. You can ride it alone or with one companion.
The toboggan run is accessible for all ages, so everyone can join in the fun. Ticket sets worth CHF 90 or CHF 180 are available at a discount of 10% or 15% respectively.
5. Enjoy a Meal at One of Kronberg’s Restaurants
Several restaurants can be found both in the valley and on top of Kronberg Mountain. Here is a list of restaurants in the area:
- Berggasthaus Kronberg: For those who enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine and stunning views of the Appenzell Alps, this is a popular choice. The menu features hearty dishes such as Appenzeller Pantli (sausage) and Siedwurst (artisan sausage seasoned with caraway and spices). The Berggasthaus Kronberg can be found after exiting the cable car at the mountain summit.
- Berggastahus Scheidegg: This restaurant at the foot of Kronberg Mountain is currently under renovation. From this restaurant, you have fantastic views of Kronberg Mountain and the Appenzell region.
- Kronberg Talrestaurant: This self-service restaurant serves french fries, salads, small cakes, chips, and ice cream, as well as a variety of hot and cold drinks. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a large terrace with umbrellas. Kronberg Talrestaurant is directly beside the play area.
Overall, the zipline, play area, trampoline, and toboggan run at Kronberg Mountain offer a fun and exciting experience for visitors of all ages. There are several restaurants in the area, and the hiking map also shows grilling areas. Visitors are sure to have a great time with a variety of activities available.
Hiking Trails in Kronberg Mountain
Kronberg Mountain offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all levels of hikers. The trails are well-maintained and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Here are some of the most popular hiking trails in Kronberg Mountain:
1. Kronberg Summit Trail
This is an easy 15- to 20-minute trail that takes hikers around the summit of Kronberg Mountain. The trail is not steep at all, and the views from here are worth it. One of the great things about hiking in the area is the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, particularly Säntis. The rest of the Appenzell region can be seen on the other side.
2. Kronberg Power Trail
This is a moderate trail that will take you around 90 minutes. It takes you to power and healing places such as Jacob’s Spring (Jakobsquelle in German) as well as the St. Jacob’s Chapel (St. Jakobskapelle in German). There are places to rest near St. Jacob’s Chapel.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. Along the way, there are stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can turn back up to the Kronberg summit after reaching St. Jacob’s Chapel.
3. Kronberg to Jakobsbad Trail
This is a moderate trail that will bring you from Kronberg (mountain summit) to Jakobsbad (valley station). Along the way, you will pass by St. Jacob’s Chapel (St. Jakobskapelle) and Scheidegg where there is a restaurant.
After the Scheidegg restaurant, you can choose two ways to go down.
- The shorter way is via Löchli which will take you through a picturesque forest and past a small stream. There are several picnic areas along the trail, making it a great spot for a family day out.
- The longer way is via Chlepfhütte, Gallishütte, and Ros. If you are not in a hurry, this route will add 30 minutes to your journey, but it will be a slower descent compared to the other route.
The hiking trail can also be taken the other way around from Jakobsbad to Kronberg.
4. Kronberg to Schwägalp
From Kronberg, this high panoramic trail will take you to Schwägalp. This moderate trail takes approximately 2 hours. Along the way, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding mountain peaks, particularly of Säntis. In Schwägalp, you can take the cable car up to the summit of Säntis. The stunning scenery makes it a memorable experience.
5. Barefoot Trail
This is a short 90-minute barefoot trail that takes hikers from Jakobsbad to Gontenbad. With the barefoot trail, you can explore nature without your shoes and socks. This is a leisurely hiking trail that is suitable for all levels of experience.
The hiking trails on Kronberg Mountain are suitable for hikers of all levels, especially those looking for something light or moderate. This region does not have any blue alpine trails. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike going up to the summit from Jakobsbad to Kronberg, a leisurely stroll through the forest, or an exciting barefoot trail, Kronberg Mountain has a variety of hiking trails for everyone.
How to Get to Kronberg Mountain
The easiest way to get to Kronberg is by taking the cable car from Jakobsbad. You can reach Jakobsbad by train (take the S23 train from Appenzell) or by car. There is a huge parking lot right beside the valley station.
| Address | Kronberg 9108 Gonten |
| Cable Car | Kronberg Luftseilbahn St. Josefstrasse 2 9108 Jakobsbad |
| By Train | Jakobsbad |
Final Thoughts: Kronberg Mountain
Located in the picturesque region of Jakobsbad, Appenzell, Kronberg Mountain offers a plethora of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of attractions, Kronberg Mountain is a must-visit destination, especially for families and friends who wish to enjoy a day out in the mountains.
When visiting Kronberg Mountain, there are numerous exciting things to do. Firstly, hiking the trails in and around Kronberg allows visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking alpine scenery. The Kronberg Summit Trail offers the best panoramic views.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Kronberg Zipline Park provides an exhilarating experience soaring above the ground. Families with younger children can also enjoy the play area, complete with various play structures and giant trampolines. Additionally, the toboggan run offers a thrilling descent down the mountainside.
With its diverse range of activities and beautiful mountain trails, Kronberg Mountain provides an unforgettable experience for both those who seek peace and those who seek adventure. Kronberg Mountain offers a memorable adventure for all who visit this side of Switzerland.
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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. She is based in the Lake Zurich region in Switzerland and has a second home in Grisons. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.