Appenzell – Leimensteig – Rotbach – Stein

This scenic walk through Appenzellerland starts in Appenzell, ends in Stein and offers some wonderful views of Alpstein and the rolling hills. It is an easy hike and the biggest challenge might be the waiting time for the bus to get back to the start. Though you can fill that time by visiting the cheese factory and watch it’s daily cheese making demonstrations.

Start in Appenzell, which can be reached by train and bus and also has a large car park near the center. Take your time strolling through this beautiful old town if you start at the train station, it’s well worth it. Cross the Sitter near the church and follow the road north-east. Cross the roundabout and make your way past the hospital, past which the road turns into a walking trail across the meadows. It’s uphill now for quite a while, but mostly gentle. Make sure to have a look back from time to time, for a wonderful view of Alpstein.

Continue uphill and after a while you will see the ruins of castle Clanx on your left on the top of a hill. A bit more uphill through a field and then along a road and then you reach a farmhouse, where you turn left towards Leimensteig. Now the path stays mostly even and you can enjoy the views of Alpstein and the pretty farmhouses.

When you reach Leimensteig, enjoy the view across to Alpstein and then turn right and walk along this panoramic road. Towards the end you will pass the Gasthaus Leimensteig restaurant. A bit further, behind a farm, turn right and make your way down to Schönenbüel. It’s an easy downhill now and in spring, you will be walking through fields filled with flowers.

Once you reach the main road, continue on the path straight across. After the farm house turn left as indicated by the hiking sign. The path stays on top of the gorge, following the top of the trees. This part may be confusing because the path can be hard to see, just follow the top of the tree line. You will reach another track, where you turn left and at the next junction right again. Now follow the hiking path through the many fields, until the path makes its way into the Sitter gorge. You will already see Stein on the other side of the Sitter.

Make your way down to the Sitter. Do not cross the first bridge but the second. There is a spot for swimming to your right, though the hike continues left from the bridge. Follow the river, there are some wonderful places for a rest down here, so take your pick. Soon the path will turn uphill again towards Stein. Once you made your way back out of the gorge, you will reach another beautiful field with a shed. Top tip: There is a bench on the other side of this shed and a wonderful place for lunch.

Past the shed, the path turns uphill again and very soon you will reach Stein. Walk past the church and into the stunning center of the village. There are some beautiful old houses and decorations and a few benches for a rest. Just off the center there is the cheese factory and you will find the bus stop just a little way along the main road.