The Schäfler is a narrow ridge summit at 1'925 metres in the Alpstein range in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden and one of eastern Switzerland's best-known viewpoints. The terrain drops away steeply on both sides of the ridge – south to the Seealpsee, north into the Appenzellerland. The Berggasthaus Schäfler stands directly on the crest, its terrace facing the full breadth of the Säntis.

The classic route runs from the Ebenalp mountain station along the ridge to the summit in around an hour – well marked, but exposed in places and suitable only for those with a head for heights. On the way lie the Wildkirchli caves and the Aescher guesthouse built into the cliff face. Walkers continuing on descend via the Meglisalp to the Seealpsee. The ridge is most striking in the early morning, when a sea of fog fills the Rhine Valley.

The Schäfler is reached on foot from the Ebenalp mountain station. The cable car departs from Wasserauen, reachable by Appenzeller Bahnen from St. Gallen in around 50 minutes. By car, drive via Appenzell to Wasserauen. Tickets for the cable car: ebenalp.ch