The Fälensee lies at around 1'446 metres in the Appenzell Alps in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden and is a small, quiet mountain lake framed by the distinctive limestone cliffs of the Churfirsten foothills. The lake is the destination of one of the best-known day hikes in the Appenzell region and sits in a landscape that combines alpine authenticity with the characteristic soft beauty of Appenzell.

From the hamlet of Bollenwees – a traditional alpine inn on the lakeshore, open in summer – trails continue to the Saxer Lücke and the Säntis. The Fälensee is not visited in isolation but works well as part of a half-day or full-day hike combining several mountain lakes and the impressive limestone landscape of the Appenzell pre-Alps.

From Wasserauen in the Appenzell valley, the Fälensee is reachable on foot in around 1.5 to 2 hours. Wasserauen is accessible by train (Appenzellerbahn) from Appenzell in around 10 minutes. By car, drive from Appenzell into the Schwendetal.