Hint

Intro

Quietly exploring Appenzell’s rolling countryside: from Schwellbrunn, highest-located village in Ausserrhoden, the trail leads across a ridge with views of the hills, to the Alpstein mountain range with the Säntis Mountain and Lake Constance. Afterwards you delve into the forest and hike downhill.

Description

An intact heart of the village amid Appenzell’s typical rolling countryside, traditional culture, customs, beautiful views of the Alpstein mountain range and Lake Constance – all this makes Schwellbrunn a popular destination. In 2017, the most elevated village in Appenzell Ausserrhoden was selected «Switzerland’s most beautiful village» in a national competition.

The beauty of the area surrounding Schwellbrunn can be explored perfectly on snowshoes: the trail leads from the Halden bus stop to the Högg. On the ridge, offering views of the idyllic rolling countryside of the Appenzellerland, part of the route takes you through the forest to the highest point of Schwellbrunn, the Risiwaldhöhe located at 1100 meters. Across open terrain, it takes you further towards Hirschen, to the Risi and to the «Bergrestaurant Sitz» mountain restaurant. From here you can enjoy magnificent views from Lake Constance, across the Alpstein mountain range with the Säntis mountain towards the Toggenburg region and Central Switzerland.

Now the trail takes you into the valley – the route delves into the forest and leads you to Ghör. Across the Niedergaden mountain pasture it takes you downhill to the lowest point of the route, the Sägenbach brook. The final ascent takes you to Rötschwil, where you can replenish yourself in the Restaurant Storchen. The final section of the trail – leading via Quartier Sommertal and the church – takes you back to «Switzerland’s most beautiful village» and to the starting point.

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
Schwellbrunn, Halden
Destination
Schwellbrunn
Ascent
440 m
Descent
440 m
Distance
8 km
Duration
4 h
Physical requirements
Difficult
Theme
Over a pass, To an alp, With panoramic view
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/snowshoe-trekking/route...

Map

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

Contact

Appenzellerland Tourismus AR
St. Gallerstrasse 49
9100  Herisau

Phone  +41 (0)71 898 33 00
info@appenzellerland.ch
appenzellerland.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 693

Distance

8 km

Duration

4 h

Ascent

440 m

Travel information: Schwellbrunn

Current Offers

  • Degersheim Ticket Dreamfactory in Degersheim

    In Degersheim, you will experience changing magical worlds from around the globe across an area of... from CHF 18
    Offer details


    valid: 22.07.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Ticket Dreamfactory in Degersheim
  • Gossau SG Bagger fun with a 21-tonne excavator in Gossau

    You will have the chance to operate a large 21-tonne excavator for 45 minutes. You start with a... from CHF 349
    Offer details


    valid: 23.07.2026 - 31.10.2026

    Learn more about Bagger fun with a 21-tonne excavator in Gossau
  • St. Gallen "Beat the groom" in St. Gallen: action-packed stag party

    You go on an action-packed city rally that takes your entire wedding party through St. Gallen to see... from CHF 299
    Offer details


    valid: 10.08.2026 - 20.07.2027

    Learn more about "Beat the groom" in St. Gallen: action-packed stag party
  • Appenzell Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone

    Discover the center of the smallest canton in Switzerland with friends or your family. Solve... from CHF 11
    Offer details


    valid: 22.07.2026 - 19.07.2027

    Learn more about Appenzell interactive scavenger hunt with the smartphone
  • St. Gallen St.Gallen Beer History(s)

    On this tour, everything revolves around the millennia-old cultural drink 'beer'. Because the barley... from CHF 35
    Offer details


    valid: 07.08.2026

    Learn more about St.Gallen Beer History(s)
  • St. Gallen Christmas Tour in the Star City

    Stroll through Christmas in St.Gallen, find out why Father Christmas wears a red coat, what the word... from CHF 30
    Offer details


    valid: 26.11.2026 - 18.12.2026

    Learn more about Christmas Tour in the Star City
  • St. Gallen "The Magic Portal" Escape Game St. Gallen

    In this uncomplicated fantasy game, you close the magical portal to the goblins in the old town of... from CHF 100
    Offer details


    valid: 22.07.2026 - 19.07.2027

    Learn more about "The Magic Portal" Escape Game St. Gallen
  • St. Gallen "Beer Factory" Escape Room St. Gallen

    Go in search of a secret beer recipe. Break into the brewery and compete against time in St.... from CHF 100
    Offer details


    valid: 21.07.2026 - 19.07.2027

    Learn more about "Beer Factory" Escape Room St. Gallen
  • Hauptwil Introductory Paragliding Course from Niederbüren

    Try a paragliding taster course and find out safely if flying suits you. Learn the basics from... from CHF 100
    Offer details


    valid: 25.07.2026 - 15.03.2027

    Learn more about Introductory Paragliding Course from Niederbüren