The circular hiking trail starting at Heiden village leads past idyllic farms perched on Bischofsberg mountain and then via Kaien to Kaienspitz peak. Here, sweeping vistas open up all around. The panorama includes views of Lake Constance and the Säntis massif, and even St. Gallen is visible in the distance. In any case, the route leads through a truly diverse landscape. The trail leads up and down across green pastures and through cool forests – typical of the Appenzellerland. Insiders consider the Tannenbüeler Wald forest near Krönli one of the best places to gather mushrooms. Many different varieties can be found there and in some places berries grow at the edge of the forest. Shortly after the Kaienspitz summit, the prominent red Kaienhaus, owned by the Rorschach division of the Friends of Nature, is situated right at the edge of the forest. At weekends, food and drink is served at the house.

Image and text: Carmen Wüest