Discover the charm of Appenzell's surroundings with these ten hikes, all easily accessible by public transport. From the rolling hills of the Alpstein to the panoramic views of the Rhine Valley, each trail offers a unique glimpse into the region's natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a challenging alpine trek or a leisurely walk through picturesque landscapes, there's something for every hiker.
The hikes are listed in order of travel time from Appenzell, making it easy to plan your adventure based on your schedule. Check out the map to explore thousands of destinations and activities, reachable from any starting point in Switzerland.
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From the main town of Appenzell in Innerrhoden, the trail climbs to Alp Wasserschaffen. The summit is reached on the Kronberg ridge - parallel to the Alpstein and with a suitably fantastic view. The trail then descends through the rustic alpine landscape to Schwägalp, the valley station of the Säntis cable car.
16km
1150m
580m
5h 30m
Barrier free: No
Tour provided by:
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On the tracks of the earth's history – an educational hiking trail. The route leads from Hohe Kasten via Staubern to Bollenwees. Twenty modern information panels explain a variety of geological phenomena and provide surprising insights into the Alpstein Massif and the Säntis.
16km640m1500m5h 25mBarrier free: No
Landscape: With panoramic views
Tour provided by:
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While there is noise and hustle and bustle around the valley station at the beginning of this trail, you are then almost completely alone on various Alps, in the middle of an untouched and unspoilt natural landscape. This stage leads over the Chammhalde.
13km600m1100m4h 25mBarrier free: No
Landscape: Onto an alp
Tour provided by:
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This trail takes you to the alpine foothill landscape of Appenzellerland, from Urnäsch to Alpweiden at the foot of Säntis and Schwägalp. From the Hochalp to the Schwägalp you will walk through the Schwägalp natural park, a protected natural site with a very special appeal.
16km1100m600m5h 20mBarrier free: No
Landscape: Over a pass
Tour provided by:
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From the Meldegg, with wide-ranging views over the lower Rhine Valley and to Hohen Kasten, through a typical Appenzell region, past the Grünenstein castles in the Riesling-Silvaner wine region – with “Gilde” culinary highlights.
13km600m560m4h 0mBarrier free: No
Tour provided by:
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The tour takes you to Eastern Switzerland's Grand Canyon, the Ofenloch. This spectacular gorge is an insiders' tip for hikers and explorers, due to its remote location between Neckertal and Toggenburg.
15km720m1200m5h 0mBarrier free: No
Landscape: With panoramic views
Tour provided by:
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From Brunnadern you climb through the forest up to Wilkethöchi, highest point of this tour and panoramic highlight. The views of the Alpstein mountain range and the Alps of the Glarus region are spectacular. Two short climbs follow after the village of Dicken, in addition to two mountain inns with lovely views, before the path begins to descend via the Bruderwald forest to Degersheim.
12km860m700m4h 25mBarrier free: No
Tour provided by:
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From Rorschach with large granary dating from 1749 and quay up to Wartensee Castle with the best views over the Bodensee. The Grimmenstein ruins on the next row of hills keeps an eye on the lively variety in compact Ostschweiz.
19km780m740m5h 40mBarrier free: No
Landscape: With panoramic views
Tour provided by:
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The climb to the health resort of Heiden (Henri Dunant Museum) and to Kaienspitz is rewarded by extensive views of the Bodensee and to Alpstein. Then via Rehetobel down to Chastenloch and up to Trogen, a village where provincial assemblies were once held.
19km1200m700m6h 15mBarrier free: No
Tour provided by:
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The rather long ascent from Stein to the Vorderen Höhe is finally rewarded with wonderful views of the Glarner mountain peaks. A diverse high-level hike leads around the Gulmen, across to the Mattstock and down to Amden.
14km860m800m4h 45mBarrier free: No
Landscape: Onto an alp, Over a pass, With panoramic views
Tour provided by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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