Appenzell Alp Trail - 1st leg

The tour starts in Urnäsch, the "centre of Appenzell customs", and leads over the Hochalp to Schwägalp. In Urnäsch, a visit to the Appenzeller Brauchtumsmuseum (museum of Appenzell customs) right on the village square is recommended to get in the mood for the hike. You will have to climb around 700 metres in altitude on the first stage. Once we reach the Hochalp, however, we will hardly regret the effort, because the view of the typical hilly landscape is indescribable. The following section to Schwägalp has almost no more ascents and we hike through the Schwägalp Nature Experience Park, a unique, almost untouched and largely protected natural landscape. When we arrive at Schwägalp, we have the option of visiting the alpine show dairy and taking the post bus back to Urnäsch. Those who continue hiking on the second stage the next day will find dignified accommodation in the "Säntis - Das Hotel" to recover from the hike.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)