The northern side of the Lauftegg is a place of alpine meadows, reedbeds and forests. Farmhouses and pasture stables are dotted over the hilltops in the scattered pattern seen across the Appenzellerland. The route over the hills from Urnäsch to Jakobsbad makes for a wonderful hike of gentle ascents and descents. The return route then takes you back on the other side of the valley, over the sun-drenched slopes of the Stechlenegg. Between them flows the Chronbach.

Image and text: Jolanda Spengler