Kulturspur Appenzellerland
Overview
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Distance 14 km
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Duration 4 h
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Ascent 520 m
Intro
Through captivating countryside in the middle of Appenzell. Down into the Sittertobel (gully) to Teufen, past the Strom bathing spot and Wonnenstein Monastery. Over the Eggen chain of hills to Speicher and on to Trogen.
Description
Schwellbrunn’s tightly packed rows of timber-framed houses traverse the ridge of the hill. From here you can enjoy far-reaching views of the Säntis and Lake Constance. Passing through meadows and pastures, you will leave the pretty village behind you and head towards Rötschwil and up to the Rütiberg hill, where there is a picnic spot with a fire pit. Further over the ridge with its hamlets and farmhouses, you will reach the border with the canton of St. Gallen at the valley mill. In this area, a modern power station uses the Wissbach stream to generate electricity.
The hiking trail now descends into the Wissbachtobel ravine, which was once home to many mills and small power stations. Right at the start, you will find a canal, dam wall, penstock and turbine hall from a restored plant. A covered stairway along the penstock will fully immerse you in the shade of the gorge. There are multiple picnic spots along the route through the floodplain and wetland landscape. Leave the gorge before the Schwänbergbrücke wooden bridge, heading in the direction of Herisau.
The next landmark along the way is Schwänberg, the oldest settlement in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. This village, which went on to become the “villa district of Herisau”, is made up of traditional farmsteads and two well-to-do residences. The next climb takes you to Ramsenburg. Beneath the 12th century ruin of Rosenburg Castle, there is a scenic spot to stop and rest.
Passing downhill through the woods and the hamlet of Tüfenau, you will reach the Herisau industrial and commercial district. In addition to modern textile finishing businesses, this area is also now home to high-tech and timber construction companies. Don’t miss the Glatt Valley viaduct that crosses the valley for which it is named. Passing along narrow cobbled streets, this leg then ends shortly afterwards in Herisau. As the hinterland’s commercial and industrial centre, the cantonal capital has sprawled far into the surrounding hills and floodplain. The historical village centre with its picturesque alleys, numerous fountains and well-maintained buildings, along with the Herisau Museum, are all worth seeing.
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 |
Schwellbrunn
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Herisau
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
520 m
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| Descent |
700 m
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| Distance |
14 km
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| Duration |
4 h
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| Duration back |
4 h 15 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Season |
March - October
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Quick Facts
Route number
