Kulturspur Appenzellerland
Overview
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Distance 9 km
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Duration 3 h
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Ascent 560 m
Intro
From Degersheim through the idyllic Wissbachschlucht (gorge) to the hamlet of Schwänberg, the oldest recorded settlement in Appenzellerland. Then via Herisau in the Urnäschtobel and on through typical rolling Appenzell countryside from Hundwil to Stein.
Description
Urnäsch is located along the Herisau-Appenzell railway line, nestled amongst the lush, verdant meadows and pastures of the Appenzell hills. This farming village is also a key hub for tourism: it is the point of departure for trips into the Säntis region and the Swiss Travel Fund (Reka) resort in the valley is a mainstay for family holidays too. It’s not far to the picturesque village centre and church square. Archetypal wooden houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, complete with panelled facades and rows of windows, line all four sides of the square. The church and neoclassical former parsonage (now the parish hall) are also striking. If you have time, make sure to visit the Museum of Appenzell Traditions before setting off. Traditional festive costumes with headdresses are the main attraction, with the permanent exhibition boasting a music room and a replica cheese dairy too.
Once you’re out of the village, you will find yourself back on a meadow path: past the typical farmhouses and through the area by Ranzberg that brings alpine meadows to mind, you will reach the highest point of this leg. If visibility is good, you will now enjoy views of the Säntis and Lake Constance. Over roads through open fields and paths through meadows and pastures, you will pass by traditional hamlets and descend into Brisigmüli. Following the edge of the forest and traversing a steep pathway with steps along a ridge, you will arrive at the ridge settlement of Oberwaldstatt with its stately farmhouses. One final descent – through meadows and past former inns and homes – will take you to the ridge before the village of Schwellbrunn.
Take a break high up on the ridge over the village and savour the panoramic views. On the crest of the hill below, you will already be able to make out the silhouette of Schwellbrunn, your destination for this leg and the highest municipality in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
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
| Start location |
Urnäsch
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Schwellbrunn
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
560 m
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| Descent |
400 m
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| Distance |
9 km
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| Duration |
3 h
|
| Duration back |
2 h 50 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
March - October
|
Quick Facts
Route number
