As a border river, the Rotbach separates the two half-cantons of Appenzell. It rises near Gais and winds in a steady fall via Bühler and Teufen through the Rotbachtobel to the bathing area of Gmünden. There it joins the Sitter. Never resting, it flows downhill in numerous cascades through a few narrows and over a high waterfall. As a river hiker, you almost always have your feet in the water in the upper part and concentrate on conquering the many rapids. After bypassing the Höchfall, you increasingly balance over stones and rocks and may have to swim at times.

Text: Urs Brosy