Hochalp Mountain
Alpine summit in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
A high-altitude pasture and ridge in Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Hochalp attracts hikers for alpine trails, grazing meadows and views over the Swiss foothills.
Hochalp at a Glance#
Admission: Free
About Hochalp#
Hochalp is a mountain in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden in northeastern Switzerland and part of the Alps. It is a local upland used for outdoor recreation rather than a nationally prominent summit.
Trails and open alpine terrain characterize the mountain; people visit for day hikes, nature viewing and seasonal alpine pasture scenery. Routes are mostly unglaciated and generally reachable on foot from nearby valleys.
Geologically the peak is a product of the Alpine orogeny and, like many Swiss low- to mid-elevation summits, has been used historically for summer grazing. Over time recreational hiking has become a common use alongside traditional pastoral activities.
The mountain sits within Appenzell Ausserrhoden in northeastern Switzerland, in a landscape of rolling alpine ridges and valleys rather than high glaciated peaks. The nearest larger Swiss towns are in the broader eastern-Swiss region.
How to Get to Hochalp#
Hochalp is in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Reach the area by regional roads from Appenzell or by public transport to nearby towns; local buses and marked hiking routes connect village centers to upland trails.
Tips for Visiting Hochalp#
- Local alpine pastures and trails are best accessed from nearby villages - ask at town tourist offices for current trail conditions.
- The area is used by shepherds in summer; respect grazing livestock and keep dogs leashed.
- There are short, well-marked walks and longer multi-hour routes; maps are available from local hiking clubs.
Best Time to Visit Hochalp#
Late spring through early autumn offers the most reliable conditions for hiking and exploring the Hochalp area.
Weather & Climate near Hochalp#
Hochalp's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1707 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -5° - 1° | -6° | 105 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -5° - 2° | -6° | 106 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -3° - 4° | -4° | 112 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.7 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -1° - 7° | 0° | 134 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Poor | 4° - 12° | 6° | 151 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.9h |
| June | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 188 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Good | 9° - 18° | 13° | 200 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 9° - 17° | 13° | 186 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 152 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 4° | 122 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -2° - 5° | -2° | 132 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -4° - 2° | -5° | 119 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |