Appenzellerland for keen adventurers – 12 hours
1. PURE NOSTALGIA! (30 MINS)
The day starts in Rorschach harbour or at the train station. From there, it’s a half-hour ride up to Heiden on the traditional rack railway (red line on the overview map).
A trip on the Rorschach–Heiden railway is extra special in the summer months (May–September, weather permitting), as you can travel in open-topped observation cars.
2. A HILARIOUS HIKE (3 HRS)
Once you arrive in Heiden, set off on the Joke Path, which will take you from Wolfhalden to Walzenhausen (green line on the overview map)
Punctuated by about 40 joke stations (in German), this trail will hone your leg muscles and have you in stitches. If you do not want to walk the whole way, you can take the PostBus for a part of it.
3. GET GRILLING AT A FIRE PIT (2 HRS)
Stop off along the way to have a breather and enjoy a tasty barbecue at a fire pit (red dots on the overview map).
You can buy a barbecue pack, including cervelat, Bürli (Swiss sourdough rolls), drinks and Biberli cookies for CHF 14.00 from the Café im Glück in Heiden. (Book by calling: +41 71 891 61 46)
Alternatively, there are also several restaurants along the Witzweg where you can stop for a bite to eat.
4. A THRILLING DESCENT (15 MINS)
After the final station on the Witzweg, travel in comfort from Walzenhausen to Rheineck on the rack railway (orange line on the overview map)
During the ride, you’ll enjoy magnificent views stretching all the way to the Vorarlberg and the Alpstein region. While you’re here, don’t miss the opportunity to take a look inside the driver’s cabin.
5. SHIP AHOY! (1H 15 MIN)
You’ll find the boat landing stage just beyond the Rheineck railway station subway. The scheduled boat will then carry you across the Alter Rhein from Rheineck back to your starting point in Rorschach (blue line on the overview map)
Unwind and enjoy the wildly romantic river landscape throughout this beautiful nature reserve.