Berggasthaus Äscher
Historic site
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 1,640 m above the sea), along the path to Äscher.
| Aescher-Wildkirchli mountain inn | |
|---|---|
| Berggasthaus Äscher (German) | |
Aescher inn in 2021 (Altmann in the background) | |
  Location in Switzerland  Location in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden | |
| 47°17′0.2″N 9°24′51.7″E | |
| Location | |
| History | |
| Built | 1846 (1860) |
| Site notes | |
| Governing body | Wildkirchli Foundation |
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.[1]
Since the 'Berggasthaus Äscher' appeared on the cover of National Geographic in 2015 (title “Places of a lifetime”),[2] 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.[3] Car traffic has increased, especially during the peak season.
In 2019/2020, the building fabric was renovated.[4] The external appearance of the Äscher remained almost unchanged.[5]
Transport
Wasserauen railway station, located at 869 m (2,851 ft), is the upper terminus of the Gossau–Wasserauen railway line and situated near the valley station of an aerial tram (Luftseilbahn Wasserauen–Ebenalp) to Ebenalp.[6] The railway staition is served by the S23 service of St. Gallen S-Bahn to Appenzell, Herisau and Gossau SG stations (the latter two are served by national long-distance trains).
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