Hikers are not the only ones who enjoy the calm of the snowy landscape between Wald and St. Anton – the hills are also full of snowshoe enthusiasts and cross-country skiers. The countryside is covered by a white blanket, the branches of the trees are coated by a dusting of snow, and a heavy white load hangs on the pine trees. And the pretty farmhouses lie under their fluffy quilts as if they were asleep. 

The Rütegg is located in the Oberegg district, only metres away from the cantonal border to Appenzell Ausserrhoden.

The hiking trail from Wald via Langenegg to Rütegg and back via Brettwald boasts beautiful views over the hills of the Appenzell Foreland, the Alpstein massif, the Vorarlberg Alps and Lake Constance. Since most of the route leads along paths at heights of over 1,000 metres above sea level, fog is rarely a problem. Whether during the summer or in the winter, wonderful natural countryside awaits on either side of the cantonal border between Ausserrhoden and Innerrhoden.

Image and text: Jolanda Spengler