Appenzell Alpine Trail: The Swiss Flower Route

Technical information

Starting point:	Schwägalp
Destination:	Kronberg
Getting to the starting point:	Post bus from Urnäsch and Nesslau-Neu St. Johann to the Schwägalp
Getting to the destination:	Aerial cableway from Kronberg, then train from Jakobsbad
Technique:	medium
Physical fitness:	medium
Length:	6km
Hiking time:	2h00
Season:	May till October

Description

People were indeed rather surprised when there was a near record-breaking 8 metres of snow on the trail just below the summit in April 1999. Mount Säntis is an unpredictable companion. An unspectacular 2500 metres high, due to its exposed location it nevertheless offers everything that is needed for the perfect alpine adventure.

Quite that high the Appenzell Alpine Trail does not however go, since we start on the 1350 metre high Schwägalp at the foot of Mount Säntis. But this most prominent peak of the Alpstein massif does dominate the two hour flower tour up the Kronberg. With brisk up and downs the trail first leads up to the Chammhaldenhütte, from where the view of the rock face of Mount Säntis is particularly impressive. Then it continues over charming moor and forest landscape across to the Schotzenälpli and up to Dorwees, from where it is only a short climb to get to the Kronberg.

A local story will have it that long ago a giant climbed over the Alpstein with a bag full of little houses. Of course, it was the peak of Mount Säntis that tore a hole in the bag. So the giant lost here a house and there a house from his bag, and that was how the Appenzell region got its typical scattered settlements.

Even today the region has lost none of its fairytale character, right up to the cable car ride from the Kronberg to Jakobsbad.

Tour Overview

3D hiking map Download GPX coordinates Download KMZ (GoogleEarth)

Profile

The careful planning of a tour will ensure that you also derive the maximum pleasure and enjoyment from it. Please take the time to contact the local information centre and enquire about route and weather conditions before setting off. Your intended trail may be fully or partially closed, depending on the time of year and weather conditions.