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:

• 🐉 Chasing Dragons: The Pilatus Hike — where mist, myth, and a dragon’s shadow turned me back

• ⚠️ 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:

• • 🚩 Start: Schwägalp

  • 🏁 End: Wasserauen

  • 📏 Total Distance: 17.6 km

  • ⏱️ Time: ~8 hours

  • ⛰️ Ascent/Descent: +1511 m / -1991 m

  • 🌦️ Best Season: Summer to early autumn

  • 🎒 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.

💬 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! 🥾✨