Route 4: Niederteufen - Herisau

On the fourth stage, we cross the most important streams in the Appenzell region. But one step at a time. From the Niederteufen station of the Appenzeller Railways, we descend on a steep path through the new housing areas and past the Gmünden prison to the confluence of Rotbach and Sitter. The Strom swimming area offers an opportunity to cool down on hot summer days! Two bridges lead over to Steiner Boden and into the hinterland. Through forest and meadows, the route ascends to Stein with the Appenzeller Show Dairy. Those who are confident on more challenging paths can turn right after the second bridge and reach the former Rose inn and the village of Stein via steep climbs and an almost vertical ladder. An adventurous variant, but not suitable for small children and dogs. Behind Stein, we walk along the forest over meadows and soon reach the descent to the old Tobelbrücke over the Urnäsch, popularly known as the "talking bridge." By studying the inscriptions, we can learn a lot about old times. On the other side of the valley, we ascend to Rechberg and then descend to the Wilen stop of the Appenzeller Railways. A short detour along Alpsteinstrasse takes us to the main shop of zubischuhe.ch – where we can complement our equipment for the last stages.