Appenzell – Studen – Clanx castle ruins – Appenzell

This relatively short walk could be cut even shorter and can easily be done on a summers evening after work. It’s an easy stroll up to the ruins of Clanx castle, which is perfect for a family outing because at the top you will find two BBQ places with ready cut wood. And some great views, course.

Start in the cute little town of Appenzell where you can park your car for free on Sundays and after 5:30 pm. The hike leaves the town heading north and gently climbs up a quiet paved road.

On the way uphill, turn around regularly to enjoy the views of Alpstein. You will soon leave the road and now the path leads through open fields and past farmhouses.

Soon you will reach a paved road again, where you turn left through some more farmhouses. From here you can already see the Clanx castle ruin on a hill in the distance.

Cross the meadow towards the castle. You will reach a wooden shed where the hiking sign points directly past the shed. Instead of following the sign, turn left through the fence and make your way up to the castle. Here you’ll find a picnic area with two fire places. There is also ready cut wood and great views of Appenzell.

When starting to make your way down, return to the wooden shed and turn left, following the signs. Cross the meadow and then pass through the woods until coming out on open fields on the other side.

Cross the meadows until you reach a road again. Here you have the option to cut the hike short. For this, keep going straight through the meadows and the path will take you back to Appenzell in about 20min.

However, for the full hike, turn right along the road. You will pass some more farm houses and a small chapel and will soon arrive at the Sitter river. Cross the river on a beautiful wooden bridge and turn left after the bridge.

The path will lead gently through some more fields and farms and past Hundwiler Höhe, which is also worth a hike. For the way back into Appenzell, follow the signs back into town.

While the outskirts of the village are slightly industrial, this is only a very short section and you will soon arrive back in the center. Enjoy the view of the historic houses and be sure to stop for an ice cream if you have the time.