From Herisau through the Wissbach Gorge

From Herisau train station (AR), we follow the first stage of the Kulturspur Appenzellerland marked number 22. It first leads to the ruins of the former Ramsenburg (Rosenburg). Through hamlets and meadows, we continue to the old settlement Schwänberg with the stately "Old Town Hall." At the covered Schwänberg Bridge, we arrive at the Wissbach Gorge. Several small power plants and a (rusty) pressure pipe bear witness to the early use of hydropower for electricity generation. Passing an impressive waterfall and geological outcrops, we roam the canyon formed about 10,000 years ago. Today, the nature reserve is home to numerous endangered plant and animal species such as kingfisher and fire salamander. After an intermediate ascent past Egg (SG), we hike along the Glatt River to the imposing Kolumban Cave and then ascend to the Helfenberg Castle ruins. Spectacular and again on lonely forest paths high above the Glatt, we return to Herisau.