Even though this is a lovely area with gentle hills, there are still some steep ascents and descents on the way from Oberegg up to St. Anton mountain and back. Ravines and hills, even if they are not as deep and high as in the inner part of the Appenzellerland, still dominate the landscape of the Innerrhoden exclave in the Appenzell Foreland. With its sweeping vistas of mountains, river and lake, there is plenty for hikers to feast their eyes on along this diverse route. On clear days, many day-trippers flock to St. Anton mountain. In addition to the road, which leads from Oberegg across a range of hills to Ruppenpass, there are numerous hiking trails that take visitors up to the viewpoint at 1,107 metres above sea level. On the way, nature can be experienced in all its beautiful facets. In the summertime, the wonderful scents of the forest and blooming hedges caress the walkers’ noses, the rich colours of the flowers are a pleasure to behold, while cow, goat and sheep bells and the burbling stream provide a musical backdrop.

Image and text: Jolanda Spengler