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.

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)
Learn more about # title #

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

Current Offers

  • Herisau "The Omega Codex" Outdoor Escape Game Herisau

    Sato Code isn't just a game—it’s a challenge. This escape game takes you across the town of Herisau.... from CHF 14
    Offer details


    valid: 02.09.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about "The Omega Codex" Outdoor Escape Game Herisau
  • Andwil SG Private Alpine Balloon Ride Eastern Switzerland

    Experience a wintertime hot air balloon ride over snow-covered alpine peaks. Depending on the... from CHF 2,000
    Offer details


    valid: 01.10.2026 - 01.03.2027

    Learn more about Private Alpine Balloon Ride Eastern Switzerland
  • St. Gallen 2026 - Anniversary of 25 years Pilgrimage Tribe

    The anniversary celebration for the 25th anniversary of the Pilgerstamm der Regio St.Gallen on...
    Offer details


    valid: 24.10.2026

    Learn more about 2026 - Anniversary of 25 years Pilgrimage Tribe
  • St. Gallen Digital Scavenger Hunt in St. Gallen

    Discover St. Gallen through a digital treasure hunt using the myCityHunt app. Solve puzzles, crack... from CHF 13
    Offer details


    valid: 02.09.2026 - 31.01.2027

    Learn more about Digital Scavenger Hunt in St. Gallen
  • Gonten Ticket cable car Kronberg from Jakobsbad

    Take the cable car from Jakobsbad to the Kronberg in Appenzellerland. You need only 10 minutes for... from CHF 32
    Offer details


    valid: 02.09.2026 - 30.01.2027

    Learn more about Ticket cable car Kronberg from Jakobsbad
  • St. Gallen Lachen in der Stadt St.Gallen

    Lachen ist gesund. Man kann zwar auch ohne Humor durchs Leben schreiten, aber es macht einfach... from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 02.10.2026

    Learn more about Lachen in der Stadt St.Gallen
  • St. Gallen Stories of strong women

    Stories of suffering and life stories of women personalities in all centuries are described. You... from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 16.10.2026

    Learn more about Stories of strong women
  • St. Gallen Midwinter - customs in the cold season

    Experience winter romance during a walk through the wild and romantic Mülenen Gorge. In the light of... from CHF 30
    Offer details


    valid: 20.11.2026 - 11.12.2026

    Learn more about Midwinter - customs in the cold season
  • St. Gallen "Hangover" Escape Game St. Gallen

    On this fun and sociable pub tour, you’ll solve a tricky task without even trying. You want to... from CHF 200
    Offer details


    valid: 04.09.2026 - 31.07.2027

    Learn more about "Hangover" Escape Game St. Gallen