Appenzellerland for keen adventurers – 6 hours
1. DISCOVER HEIDEN FROM ABOVE (1 HR)
Your trip begins at the church tower in the Biedermeier village of Heiden, in the Appenzell Vorderland region (blue dot on the overview map).
Venture up to lofty heights by climbing the 157 steps to the tower room. You’ll be rewarded with magnificent views over Lake Constance and the lovely hilly Appenzell landscape.
2. THRILLS OVER THE ABYSS (2 HRS 30 MINS)
From the village square, follow the Heiden circular route towards the Grub suspension bridge (green line on the overview map).
Walk across the 180 m long suspension bridge (green dot on the overview map) over the Mattenbachtobel ravine to cross from the Appenzell Ausserrhoden side of Grub to the St. Gallen side. The bridge is not suitable for people who are afraid of heights. At its highest point, the bridge reaches roughly 40 metres above the gorge.
3. SWEEPING VIEWS OF FIVE STATES (30 MINS)
After crossing the suspension bridge, ascend to the Fünfländerblick viewpoint (yellow dot on the overview map).
It’s all in the name – this spot offers sweeping views across five states: Switzerland, Austria and the once-independent states of Bavaria, Württemberg and Baden.
4. ENJOY THE VIEW, APERITIF IN HAND (2 HRS)
You’ve definitely earned a detour to the Wirtschaft Rossbüchel inn or the Treichli Restaurant(orange dots on the overview map). Drink in the view and bask in the cosy atmosphere on the panorama terrace, an aperitif in hand.
Hike through forests and across meadows to Wartensee Castle, where Appenzell railways services will take you to Heiden or Rorschach (red line on the overview map).