Appenzellerland for nature lovers – 12 hours
1. EXPERIENCE APPENZELLERLAND IN WALDEGG (2 HRS)
The day begins in the heart of the hiking area, at Erlebnis Waldegg (orange dot on the overview map). The beer garden of this mountain restaurant is a lovely place to linger. Enjoy a coffee and croissant from the in-house Ziiträdli bakery and admire the exquisite picture-postcard views.
After a quick stop at the Tante Emma Lädeli, where you can shop just like in grandmother’s day, we continue towards Teufen.
2. HERB DISCOVERY TRAIL (1 HR)
From the popular Erlebnis Waldegg restaurant, follow the Herb Discovery Trail (light green line on the overview map) to the A. Vogel Health Centre.
The 11 stations along the way tell you all about the philosophy of naturopath pioneer Alfred Vogel and some of his medicinal plants.
3. DISCOVER A LANDSCAPE DEDICATED TO HEALTH (3 HRS)
Around 120 different medicinal plants, kitchen herbs and varieties of vegetables await you at the A. Vogel Gardens, in an idyllic setting (blue dot on the overview map).
A small museum and an A. Vogel chemist’s shop provide extra insight into the world of A. Vogel.
4. ALONG THE CULTURE TRAIL (2 HRS)
From the A. Vogel Gardens, continue along the Culture Trail down to the Strom bathing area (dark green line on the overview map).
On the way you’ll pass the Wonnenstein Friary where you can fortify yourself with the powerful aura of this sacred place. Enter its walls, and you’ll find yourself on Innerrhoden soil: the convent is an enclave.
5. TIME TO COOL DOWN? (3 HRS)
Steep paths lead from Gmünden Prison down into the wild and romantic Sittertobel site and the Strom bathing area (red dot on the overview map).
After your strenuous hike, it’s hard to imagine a better place to cool off than at the most exquisite natural bathing area in Appenzellerland.