Have you ever felt like a mountain was watching you?
That’s how I felt on this hike — not because of the view, but because of the story behind the peak. This is the fifth chapter in my blog series where I hike through myths, legends, and hidden stories across Switzerland.
I didn’t just hike to the top of Säntis.
I stepped into a legend.
🌄 If you’ve missed my previous two hikes, you can check them out here:
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🐉 Chasing Dragons: The Pilatus Hike — where mist, myth, and a dragon’s shadow turned me back
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⚠️ Switzerland’s Most Dangerous Hike? — hiking the Grosser Mythen, where the trail tests your balance as much as your courage
Now it’s time to meet a different kind of legend — one that doesn’t roar, but rests.
The Sleeping Giant of Appenzell
The local legend says that Säntis was once a gentle giant. He was peaceful and kind, but the people in the valley were afraid of him because he looked different.
So one day, he left.
He walked into the Alps and lay down to rest in a quiet valley, using soft grass as a pillow. He never woke up. Over time, the mountain grew around him — and that’s how Säntis got its name.
I couldn’t stop thinking about that story as I followed the trail.
🥾 From Schwägalp to the Sky
Route: Schwägalp → Säntis summit → Ebenalp → Wasserauen
Distance: 17.6 km
Elevation: +1511 m up / -1991 m down
Duration: ~8 hours
The hike starts gently in Schwägalp, with open meadows, soft green hills, and the sound of cowbells. But it gets steep fast. The higher I climbed, the quieter everything became. Fog rolled in, and suddenly, I was alone with the mountain.
The further I walked, the more the world disappeared. It felt like the mountain wanted me to stop thinking, stop rushing — and just listen.
🌫️ The Summit: No View, Just Presence
At the top of Säntis, the view was completely hidden behind thick fog. I couldn’t see anything — and strangely, I didn’t feel disappointed.
The weather, like in some of my past hikes, was tough. Cold air, wet rocks, and zero visibility. But honestly, I love it that way. There’s something exciting about not knowing what’s next. Every step feels like part of a story.
Then, on my way down, something happened that I’ll never forget.
I saw a steinbock.
It stood on a ridge, perfectly still, just watching me. It didn’t run. It didn’t move. It just existed — quietly, beautifully. And then it disappeared into the rocks.
Maybe I didn’t meet the giant himself. But I saw one of the most magical creatures in the world.
It felt like a gift from the mountain. And maybe… my new trail buddy.
🏞️ Through Ebenalp and Seealpsee: The Farewell
The trail down passed through Ebenalp, then toward the beautiful lake Seealpsee. After hours in the fog, the world slowly opened again. Green valleys, bright water, fresh air — it was like the mountain was saying goodbye gently.
I reached Wasserauen tired but full. Not just from walking, but from feeling.
🔎 Trail Info & Tips
If you’re thinking about hiking this trail too, here’s everything you need to know at a glance:
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🚩 Start: Schwägalp
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🏁 End: Wasserauen
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📏 Total Distance: 17.6 km
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⏱️ Time: ~8 hours
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⛰️ Ascent/Descent: +1511 m / -1991 m
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🌦️ Best Season: Summer to early autumn
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🎒 Tip: Bring layers, snacks, and don’t rush. Let the trail tell you the story at its own pace. Fog and rain can appear fast — check the forecast and stay safe.
- ⚠️ Note: I managed to complete the full trail in a single day — but it’s not something I’d recommend unless you’re an experienced and confident hiker. It’s long, physically demanding, and the conditions can change quickly.
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💬 Final Reflection
This hike wasn’t just about nature. It was about storytelling, silence, and presence. The legend of Säntis made me look at the trail differently — like I was walking through someone’s memory.
I felt something up there, even if I couldn’t explain it.
And in the end, maybe that’s what all legends are about — not proving they’re real, but feeling they might be.
✨ Your Turn
Have you ever felt a mountain speak to you? Or found a story hidden in a hike?
Let me know in the comments.
You can also find more trail stories, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram.
@swissmythhikes
Thanks for hiking with me through this story. See you on the next adventure! 🥾✨
Es ist grossartig, wie du deine Einsamkeit in den Bergen so wunderbar beschrieben und sie mit uns geteilt hast. Als jemand, der dieses Abenteuer nicht erleben kann, ist es schön, Nachrichten aus diesen Gegenden zu erhalten. Danke dir. (:
Vielen lieben Dank, Zeynep! Es bedeutet mir viel, dass du die Stimmung und Einsamkeit in den Bergen so wahrgenommen hast.
Can’t wait to try this hike
Hey Mauro! That’s awesome to hear—this trail is definitely worth trying. I hope you get a chance to experience it soon!
Wow, enjoyed reading it so much! I wanted to explore the area and now I have basically detailed route and even legend about it. ( I found it a bit sad though, as someone emotional, hahaha). I’m really looking forward to your blogs from week to week.
P.S Mountains are always speaking to me,but maybe that’s because I’m just a bit crazy. But as for the hidden story, never really had a case, but if I will do this hike, consider that because of your blog I would already have hidden story found!
I’m so glad the post resonated with you. It’s amazing to hear that it inspired your interest in the area and the story behind it. I feel the same way about mountains—they always speak to me too! And I’m thrilled that my blog could help you uncover a hidden story of your own.
Die Landschaften in der Schweiz hauen mich jedes Mal um.😍 Bei jeder Wanderung sieht man einfach wieder ganz neue Ausblicke. Das macht richtig Lust auf die nächste Tour. Danke dir für deine coolen Beiträge, ich freue mich schon auf mehr davon!👏😊🥾
Danke dir, das freut mich riesig! 😊Ich freue mich, dass dir die Beiträge gefallen und hoffe, du findest bei deiner nächsten Tour wieder ganz besondere Momente!
Hi Samet! Sounds like a great trail… but I think I’d have to wait till it was a bit warmer to try it! Also, super cool new trail buddy you have!
Hey Karen! Thanks so much for your kind words. And yes, the new trail buddy was a fun addition:) Hopefully, you’ll get to try it out soon.
I enjoy following your breathtaking advantures from Norway🙂Keep going💫
Thank you! Your support from Norway means a lot 💛 More adventures are on the way!
Es ist sehr respektvoll von Ihnen, an Orte zu gehen, die wir nicht so oft sehen, und sie kennen zu lernen. Ich danke Ihnen für Ihre Bemühungen. Wir erwarten, dass Sie auch andere Orte kennenlernen. Ich danke Ihnen…
Vielen Dank, Ali! Es freut mich sehr, dass dir meine Beiträge gefallen. Mehr Abenteuer folgen bald!
Incredible how I have hiked near Säntis for so often but I was never as lucky as you, to see a Steinbock, congrats! I take your blog as inspiration to go there soon again, I look forward to the next blog posts!
Thanks so much, Linda! I hope you spot one next time – it’s magical