Hint

Intro

Herisau, oldest Appenzell parish seat has been known since 907. The path leads past the former hostel, zum Goldenen Sternen, then on through the varied hilly landscape of Appenzell and Toggenburg to Wattwil.

Detour / Closure

There are detours or closures along this route, for more information see https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route-4/stage-2

Description

Herisau was first mentioned in a document in 837 and became part of Appenzell Ausserrhoden when the land was divided at the end of the 16th century. With its well-developed infrastructure, Herisau today serves as the regional centre of the Appenzell hinterland. And with the Säntis, Herisau also boasts a high-Alpine landscape in its vicinity.

The long hike begins just above the railway station. On the right, you can see the Glattal viaduct, built between 1907 and 1910. Over pastures, you cross the first chain of hills. Pastures alternating with wooded areas are a typical feature of the landscape. After almost three hours, the Sitz inn invites you to take a break. Situated at 1084 m above sea level, it offers fantastic views of the Alpstein, the Säntis and the rolling hills of Appenzell and Toggenburg.

After Arnig, a long stretch of asphalt leads to St. Peterszell in the wild and romantic Neckertal, a side valley of the Toggenburg. Next to the former monastery church of St. Peter, the house with its colourful baroque ornamental painting in the pretty village centre immediately catches the eye. After crossing the Necker, the route climbs again for about one and a half hours to just under 1,000 metres above sea level before descending to Wattwil. After crossing the Thur, the scenic stage ends at the railway station of Wattwil, the main town in Toggenburg.

Wattwil was shaped by the textile industry. Iberg Castle and the Franciscan St. Mary the Angel Convent are among the town's most striking features. The Thur offers a lovely recreation area with numerous shallow banks.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Herisau
Destination
Wattwil
Direction
One way
Ascent
1000 m
Descent
1150 m
Distance
24 km
Duration
7 h
Duration back
7 h 15 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Difficult
Season
March - October
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Route

ViaJacobi

Rorschach- / Konstanz (D) - Charrot (Grenze)
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All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 2/33

Distance

24 km

Duration

7 h

Ascent

1000 m

Travel information: Herisau

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