Culture Trail Stage 1 - Hinterland

Urnäsch is located on the Herisau-Appenzell railway line and is set amidst the lush green meadows and pastures of the Appenzell hilly landscape. The agriculturally influenced village is also significant for tourism: it is a starting point for excursions into the Säntis area, and the REKA holiday village in the valley is also an important institution for family holidays. It is not far to the picturesque village center and the church square. Typical wooden houses from the 17th/18th centuries with paneled facades and row windows enclose the square. Also prominent are the church and the late classical parish and current community house. Those with time visit the Appenzell Folklore Museum before the start. Festive costumes with headdresses are the main attraction, a music room and a reconstructed cheese dairy complement the permanent exhibition.

After the village, you find yourself on a meadow path: past typical farmhouses and over the area reminiscent of alpine pastures at Ranzberg, the highest point of the stage follows. In good weather, the view opens towards Säntis and Lake Constance. Along country roads, field and meadow paths, it passes traditional hamlets and descends to Brisigmüli. Along the forest edge and over a steep stepped ridge path, you reach the Kreten settlement Oberwaldstatt with its stately farmhouses. A final ascent – over pastures and past former inns and homes – brings you onto the ridge before the village of Schwellbrunn.