Appenzell – Gonten – Jakobsbad – Urnäsch

This lovely and easy walk through the hills of Appenzellerland features beautiful panoramic views. Parts of it lead along the barefoot path between Gonten and Jakobsbad. Since it goes parallel to the train line, it can be shortened to anyone’s preference.

Start the hike in the beautiful town of Appenzell and take some time to take a look at the lovely half timber houses. There is plenty of parking in Appenzell and there is also a train station to start from. Make your way through the village towards Gontenbad.

Outside the village, the path leads along the main road for a very short distance, before turning off to the left. There is a gentle uphill, and then the hike is very easy and leads through some cute farm houses just above the road. There are some lovely panoramic views of Alpstein on your left.

Soon you will reach Gontenbad, where the path turns left and crosses the road. Afterwards you will make your way across the local golf course, which can be rather entertaining. Make sure to stay on the path though, not to disturb the game.

This is also the start of the barefoot path, along which you can try out the sensation of walking on different undergrounds. After the golf course you will pass the little hut making up the Torfmuseum. It tells you all about cutting turf. There is also a bench and a fountain here for a break and a cool-down.

Continue along the barefoot path all the way to Gonten. On the way you will have lovely views of the hills of Appenzellerland and, when turning back, of the Alpstein mountains.

When reaching Gonten, the path returns close to the road and the train line, giving you a chance to shorten the hike if needed. When continuing, it will lead you back into the fields and then across the Jakobsbad campsite.

Past the campsite, follow the stream into Jabosbad. Soon you will get to a little hand rail in the water, where you can cool down your feet.

Soon you will reach Jakobsbad, which is a busy place with a summer bob run and a gondola going up Kronberg. The path continues along the right side of the train line and soon you will reach a nunnery with a lovely little garden. The not walled-in part of the garden can be viewed.

Just after the nunnery, the path crosses the train line and now it’s uphill for a bit. You will be passing farm houses again and will have some lovely views of the surrounding hills the higher you walk.

This part of the walk is rather quiet since most hikers stop in Jakobsbad. Enjoy the quiet along the way. Once you reach the high point, the path turns into the woods, which makes for a pleasant cool down during the summer.

Once you leave the woods, the path turns more steeply downhill towards Urnäsch. There are some more farms to pass and views to enjoy, before you will see the village below.

In Urnäsch, make your way to the train station, where you should find regular trains back to Appenzell. In Appenzell you can end the walk with some lovely ice cream.