Appenzellerland for nature lovers – 24 hours
1. A STRONGHOLD OF TRADITION AND CUSTOMS (30 MINS)
Your excursion begins at the railway station in Urnäsch. This village at the foot of the Säntis massif is known for its traditional, actively cultivated customs, such as the Alpfahrten (bringing down cattle from the mountains) or the Bloch (procession with a decorated tree trunk). The PostBus (line 791) will then take you from Urnäsch to the Schwägalp (red line on the overview map). For the public transport timetable, go to postauto.ch.
2. ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR NATURAL LANDSCAPES IN EUROPE (1 HR)
On the Schwägalp, the Nature Adventure Park (green dot on the overview map) and its four themed trails (green lines on the overview map) offer a unique insight into the surrounding landscape. Walk along one of the four themed trails and follow in the footsteps of the alpine dairymen. Discover how people have shaped this landscape, take a stroll through the history of these mysterious moors and spot rare animals and plants in the forests.
3. THE MOUNTAIN OF EXTREME WEATHER (3 HR)
After visiting the Nature Adventure Park, we recommend taking the cable car up to the Säntis summit (2,502 m). Enjoy an interactive tour of the two visitor experience attractions on the summit (yellow dot on the overview map) and find out all about the weather, snow, ice, ice crystals and glaciers. Afterwards, refuel in the Panorama Restaurant (orange dot on the overview map) with typical dishes from the region and enjoy the unique views.
4. RELAX IN THE FRESH ALPINE AIR (3 HRS)
In the afternoon, relax at the Weidwald wellness area at Säntis, the hotel on the Schwägalp (brown dot on the overview map). The fresh Schwägalp air and incredible tranquil feel of this enchanting setting will give you a boost of new energy. Day guests at the Schwägalp can also enjoy the wellness area from Monday to Thursday.
5. BARBECUE TIME (2 HRS)
Round off your day with a barbecue at a fire pit (red dots on the overview map). You can reach the EWU-Hüsli fire pit either by public transport (Urnäsch, Hüsli stop) or on foot along the farm track. Alternatively, there’s also a fire pit in the NaturErlebnispark (on the “Alpwirtschaft” – Alpine farming – themed trail), the Schönauwald fire pit and the Chräg fire pit near Urnäsch village centre.
6. A RESTFUL SLEEP (9 HRS)
After such an eventful day, you’ll certainly welcome a good night’s sleep.
Enjoy a relaxing night at Säntis – das Hotel,LillybeizliB&B Chez Lise or Hotel Krone Urnäsch.
7. A VISIT TO THE “CHÄSLÄDELI” (1H)
Before your journey home, make a short stop at Urnäscher Milchspezialitäten AG (blue dot on the overview map).
You can sample and buy various cheese specialities at the factory shop. They make the perfect Appenzellerland souvenir!