Appenzeller Alpenweg – 1st stage

In Urnäsch, the "center of Appenzeller customs," the route starts and leads via the Hochalp to the Schwägalp. In Urnäsch, it is recommended as a warm-up for the hike to visit the Appenzeller Customs Museum right on the village square. About 700 meters of elevation have to be overcome on the first stage. Once you reach the Hochalp, you will hardly regret the effort, as the view into the typical hilly landscape is indescribable. The following section to Schwägalp has almost no more inclines and you will walk through the Schwägalp Nature Experience Park, a unique, almost untouched, and mostly protected natural area. Upon arrival at Schwägalp, there is the possibility to visit the alpine show dairy and take the post bus back to Urnäsch. Those who continue hiking on the 2nd stage the next day will find comfortable accommodation in "Säntis – Das Hotel" to recover from the hike.