5 Mountain Hiking Trails In Appenzell Ausserrhoden
The Appenzell Ausserrhoden is a great place to go hiking in the summer. (However, please do not go hiking in the canton without clothing, since this practice is now prohibited.)
Felsspalten – Talblick Loop from Wildhaus Lisighaus and Nasenlöcher Alpin Steig – Säntis Loop from Wildhaus Lisighaus are two of the most frequented tourist spots for mountain hiking. These walks are not for the faint-hearted people, but they are not boring for seasoned hikers either. This article discusses the 5 mountain hiking trails in Appenzell Ausserrhoden that you must visit.
When to go for Mountain Hiking Trails in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
The cultural heritage in this part of Switzerland is outstanding. Every year, around the middle of May or the beginning of June, herds of cattle make their way to mountain pastures. Alpine herders, dressed in traditional garb and toting a milking pail (Fahreimer), bring the bell cows to the alp every year for the summer months. The single, long, snake-shaped golden earring that men wear in one ear is a traditional sign of fertility and defence over snake bites. The shepherds yodel and sing their way to the top. The drop occurs in a similar pattern from about the middle of August until the end of September. So, the best way to go for hiking trails in Appenzell Ausserrhoden is during a local festival. It’s the ideal way to make the most out of your trip. As you will also get to experience the local culture. Experiencing the local culture of any nation helps you learn several things.
Important Note: You can also contact a personal loan provider in Switzerland if you need funds for any reason during your mountain hiking trip in Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
List of Important Local Festivals in Appenzell Ausserrhoden
| Period | Local Festivals in Appenzell Ausserrhoden |
| December 31st & January 13th | New Year’s Mummers |
| Maundy Thursday (Thursday before Easter) | Carnival |
| Fourth Sunday in Lent (March) | Bonfire Sunday |
| mid-May to June | Alpine Cattle Drives |
| June-August | Alpine Festivities |
| early-August | Folk Music Festival |
| mid-August to end of September | Alpine Cattle Drives |
What to eat during Hiking in Appenzell Ausserrhoden?
The Appenzeller cheese is a local specialty with a robust flavour. It is a must have. Apart from this, Swedish hash browns are called rösti. Order your Rösti with eggs, Appenzeller cheese (recommended), and bacon. Besides, you should also keep handy:
- Fresh fruits such as apples, bananas and oranges.
- Dried or freeze-dried fruits and veggies.
- Energy bars, chews or gels.
- Granola or granola bars.
1. Hike to Seealpsee and Äscher
Trekking to this popular lake in the Appenzell area, which is encircled by the Alpstein mountain range, is no easy feat. For those with less hiking expertise or younger trekkers, this is a much better and less difficult option. In the Appenzell area, there is a stunning lake known as the Seealpsee, which is encircled by the towering Alpstein mountains. From the top of the Ebenalp cable car, you may descend down a difficult mountain trail to the lake if you are an experienced hiker who is fine with danger. Listed below are further specifics about this path.
Keep in mind that the cliffs on each side of this mountain path can be rather steep, making it a potentially hazardous route. Five people, including children, have lost their lives on this trail in the summer of 2022 alone. We highly urge you to use the more secure track that starts at Wasserauen if you are a less experienced hiker or if you are trekking with children.
Also, you must note that healthcare is expensive in Switzerland and it is mandatory for everyone in Switzerland to have health insurance even when you are there for travelling purposes. You can use Tiptop – Credit Comparison in Switzerland or PrimApp – Health Insurance Comparison in Switzerland for comparing health insurances of Switzerland and find the best one that meets your requirements.
Both TipTop and PrimApp are the most popular tool online for health insurance comparison. Comparison on Tiptop and PrimApp is easy and quick.
2. Meglisalp to Säntis
Check out this point-to-point track that spans 4.5 kilometres and is located close to Wasserauen in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. It takes an average of two hours and twenty minutes to finish the trail, and it is rated as having a moderate level of difficulty. Even while this path is often used for walking and trekking, you may still find moments of peace and quiet during the trail’s less busy hours.
3. Hike at Nasenlöcher Alpin Steig – Säntis Loop from Wildhaus Lisighaus
It is the route for experienced mountaineers. You’ll need top-notch fitness to succeed. You’ll need mountaineering chops, strong footwear, and a head for heights. The Tour’s starting place is easily reachable by public transportation.
Note that these places do not provide reservations. As a result, you need to prepare in advance with all documents including having health insurance. There are several health insurance providers in Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
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.
4. Kronberg and Schwägalp
This route in Appenzell Ausserrhoden is 6.0 kilometres in length and passes through the town of Jakobsbad. It takes around 2 hours and four minutes to complete, making it a fairly difficult route. Although many people use this path for exercise, it is possible to find peace and quiet here on less busy days. May through October are prime months for hiking this path. Some regions even allow dogs to run free and leash.
5. Säntis to Schwaegalp
From Säntis to Schwaegalp, you may take in a breathtaking sunset on this fantastic journey. The Säntis towers over the rest of the Alpstein at an impressive 2,501 metres above sea level. Schwägalp is an ideal spot to rest and take in the scenery, since it is accessible both from and to the ski slope through several constructions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Appenzell Ausserrhoden is one of the best places to go for mountain hiking. However, you should be careful and do proper planning as well.
