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Intro

The route leads along the old Kirchweg via Tüfenberg with panoramic views of Schönengrund, waiting with its traditional taverns. On the other side of the Tüfibach stream (cantonal boundary), the old Toggenburg Landstrasse leads to the St. Gallen region and the former St. Peterzell Propstei Church.

Description

Urnäsch is known for its traditions: One example of these is the “Alpabfahrt”, which is an important festival for farmers. This is when the cattle are driven ceremonially down from the alpine pastures. Anyone interested in this topic can take a detour in Urnäsch to the Museum of Appenzeller Traditions.

After leaving the village, you climb up to Hintereggli. The last few metres of the ascent are across meadows. A bench with a panoramic view invites you to take a break at the highest point of the hike. You then begin a leisurely descent to Schönengrund. The village was an important textile manufacturer until the start of the First World War. Around half of the world’s embroidery production came from the region around St. Gallen at this time.

When you reach Schönengrund, you’ll have completed around two-thirds of the hike, and the final hour begins. This includes barely any gains in elevation. You walk past a fishpond at Tüfi and a chicken farm slightly above the main road. This is where you cross the cantonal border to St. Gallen. St. Peterzell, the destination of this hike, was once a popular stop on the Way of St. James. The small village consists of the former monastery church of St. Peters, pretty gabled houses typical of Toggenburg and the large Red House with its baroque ornamental painting.

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
Urnäsch
Destination
St. Peterzell
Direction
One way
Ascent
400 m
Descent
520 m
Distance
11 km
Duration
3 h 10 min
Duration back
3 h 15 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Medium
Season
March - October
Theme
To an alp

Route

Appenzeller Weg

Rankweil (A) - St. Peterzell
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All stages

Map

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

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 3/3

Distance

11 km

Duration

3 h 10 min

Ascent

400 m

Travel information: Urnäsch

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