Appenzeller Alpenweg – entire route

In Urnäsch, the “center of Appenzeller customs,” the route starts and leads over the Hochalp to the Schwägalp. In Urnäsch, it is recommended to visit the Appenzeller Customs Museum situated on the village square as an introduction to the hike. About 700 vertical meters need to be overcome on the first stage. Once at Hochalp, the effort will hardly be regretted, as the view into the typical hilly landscape is indescribable. The following section to Schwägalp involves almost no further climbs, and you pass through the Nature Experience Park Schwägalp, a unique, almost untouched and mostly protected natural area. Upon arrival at Schwägalp, there is an option to visit the alpine show dairy and take the postbus back to Urnäsch. Those continuing on the second stage the next day will find a refined accommodation at “Säntis – The Hotel” to recover from the hike.

While at the beginning of the second section around the Säntis cable car valley station hustle and bustle prevails, you are almost alone on the various alp pastures, in the middle of an intact and pristine natural landscape. Only the sound of cowbells reminds you that you don’t have the world all to yourself. The stage leads over the Chammhalde to the Gerstengschwend, a mountain formation praised in numerous folk songs. Over the Blattendürren you head downhill back to Urnäsch.