Appenzeller Alpenweg

The trail begins in Urnäsch, the ‘centre of Appenzeller tradition’ and leads over the Hochalp to Schwägalp. As a preparation for the hike, a visit to the Appenzell tradition museum (situated on the village square) in Urnäsch is recommended. On the Schwägalp you will have the opportunity to visit the Alpschau cheese dairy. If you are going to continue hiking on the second stage of the trail on the following day, you can have a pleasant stay in a mountain hotel to relax after your hike.

While there is noise and hustle and bustle around the valley station at the beginning of this trail, you are then almost completely alone on various Alps, in the middle of an untouched and unspoilt natural landscape. Only the sound of cowbells serves to remind you that the world does not only belong to you alone. This stage leads over the Chammhalde to the Gerstengschwend, one of mountain formations that is most sung about in traditional songs. Over the Blattendürren you make you way towards the valley to Urnäsch.