Do you want to learn more about this part of Eastern Switzerland by venturing out on a hiking excursion in Appenzell Ausserrhoden? For the purpose of this guide, we combed through our whole collection of walks and hiking trails in Appenzell Ausserrhoden to come up with a list of the best 10 walking and hiking trails in the region. Continue reading this article to determine which of our hikes in Appenzell Ausserrhoden is most suited to your interests and needs.
Seealpsee Lake
Hiking in the mountains of Appenzell Ausserrhoden is an incredible experience. The path takes travelers around the Seealpsee region. The Seealpsee is one of the most well-known places to go on a day trip in the Alpstein area because of its picturesque setting, its pristine water, and its two cozy mountain inns. The trail travels from the lake in the area of the Wasserauen Ebenalp cable car mountain station in Schafler, and then it circles back around to Seealpsee Lake.
Appenzeller Alpenweg
The path crosses the Hochalp on its way to Schwaegalp, having started in Urnasch, which is known as the “center of Appenzeller tradition.” A stop at the Appenzell tradition museum in Urnasch, which is conveniently located in the central square of the town, is highly advised before embarking on the climb. You will have the option to stop at the Alps Chau cheese dairy while you are on the Schwaegalp. After your journey, you may reward yourself with a restful night at a mountain inn if you want to hike the next day on the second part of the path. If this is the case, you can continue your hiking adventure.
Although there is activity activity close to the valley station where this hiking path begins, you will soon find that you are virtually entirely alone on several Alpine peaks, in the midst of a natural setting that has not been modified or altered in any way. The only thing that may help to act as a reminder to you that the world does not solely belong to you is the sound of cowbells. This stage takes you across Chammhalde and leads you to the Gerstengschwend, which is one of the mountain formations that are most frequently mentioned in traditional ballads. After crossing the Blattendürren, you’ll be heading down into the valley that leads to Urnasch.
Heiden – Halten – “Five-country-vista” – Rorschach
The hiking trek takes you past traditional farmsteads on the way to the vantage point that overlooks five countries. The following five areas in adjacent nations may be observed from this vantage point: Switzerland, Vorarlberg, Bavaria, and Baden and Württemberg. However, the most breathtaking panorama is the one that reveals Lake Constance, which is hidden away far below.
You may kick off your journey in Heiden by indulging in a delicacy from Appenzell, or you can bring a sweet treat with you for a picnic! If you are hiking in Appenzell make sure to do a credit comparison in Switzerland so that you know which option will give you the best deals.
Lisengrat ridge hike between Säntis and Altmann
Because this difficult ridge route demands free hands to hike the areas that have been reinforced with steel cables and stairs hewn straight into the rocks, it is not something that you should attempt to do while on all fours. In fact, it is something that you should avoid doing entirely.
You may easily ride the cable car down to the valley if you’re afraid of heights because it runs along the ridge of the mountain. The local chapter of the Swiss Alpine Club established the Lisengrat Weg ridge route in 1905; nowadays, it is considered to be the most exciting part of any trek in the Santis. The Alpstein and the Toggenburg are joined by a remarkable feat of balance that is magnificent in every way.
After fifty minutes of hiking, you will eventually arrive at the Rotstein Pass, which features a quaint mountain café, and you will be able to let out a sigh of relief. From this vantage point, you may descend via a number of different routes. Wildhaus, Wasserauen, or Brülisau are the three possible destinations for your trip.
The Lisengrat Weg ridge walk is only suggested for hikers who are confident in their footing and who are not afraid of heights. If there is ice or snow on the trail, going onto it is strictly prohibited.
Appenzeller Alpenweg
This path will take you through the rolling foothills of the Alps in Appenzellerland, from Urnasch to Alpweiden, which is located at the base of Santis and Schwaegalp. You will have to walk through the Schwaegalp natural park in order to go from the Hochalp to the Schwaegalp. This park is a protected natural site that has a very unique attractiveness.
What is the best time to hike in Switzerland?
Although the Swiss Alps are one of those areas where the weather is unpredictable (it has been known to snow in late April), there are a few months when you’ll have the best chance for trekking. Hiking in Switzerland from the middle of September to the end of October is the best time to visit since the trails are less crowded and the weather is mild. The peak tourist season in Switzerland is from June to September. Up to 35 degrees Celsius is possible at this time of year.
Other 5 Best Trails in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
- Appenzell Alpine Trail: The Swiss Flower Route
- Kaien-St. Anton-Weg
- Witzweg
- Alpine Panorama Trail
- Blattendürren-Kronberg
Important information on best trails in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
If you want your trip to go off without a hitch, it’s a good idea to check the weather prediction the day before and again the morning of your trek.
It is recommended to wear layers in Switzerland as the weather might change rapidly.
It is also advised to take health insurance in Switzerland after using Tiptop – Health Insurance in Switzerland or PrimApp German – Health Insurance Comparison in Switzerland. Health Insurance is mandatory in Switzerland. Moreover, Health Insurance can provide you significant advantages as anything can happen while hiking, and Switzerland have the most expensive health care system. However, to get the right price and know which health insurance will be suitable in Appenzell Ausserrhoden for your needs, you can use a health insurance comparison tool.
Both TipTop and PrimApp are the most popular tool online for health insurance comparison. Comparison on Tiptop and PrimApp is easy and quick.
Conclusion
Appenzell Ausserrhoden is amongst the best places to go hiking. However, it should be kept in mind that Hiking is a dangerous task and you should be well prepared for it.
