Seealpsee, Alpine lake in Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland
Seealpsee is an alpine lake in Appenzell Innerrhoden situated at 1,143 meters elevation within the Alpstein mountain range. The water body spans approximately 13.6 hectares with depths reaching 15 meters and is framed by steep mountain walls.
The lake became an energy source in the 20th century when the Kraftwerk Seealpsee-Wasserauen power plant was built to supply electricity to Appenzell town. This development connected the mountain region to modern infrastructure and changed its role in regional supply.
The Berggasthaus Forelle at the western shore serves Seealpkäse, a cheese made from milk of cows grazing on local mountain pastures. Cheese production remains deeply connected to the rhythm of alpine farming and shapes daily life around the lake.
Visitors can reach the lake via a two-hour hiking trail from Wasserauen station or take the cable car to Ebenalp and hike downward from there. The route is well-marked, but the terrain is mountainous and requires proper hiking boots and physical fitness.
The Schwendibach stream functions as both inflow and outflow, maintaining the lake's water level consistently throughout the year. This unusual hydrological feature makes the water body a natural balance system in the mountains.
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