Bühler – Trogen – Speicher – Waldegg – Teufen

If you are looking for a walk with views of Alpstein and the hills of Appenzell, then this is the one for you. There are plenty of both and then there are some Appenzell villages, like Trogen and Speicher, sprinkled in between, which just makes this hike even more stunning.

Start in Bühler at the train station and since this is not the prettiest village, cross the main road and immediately start uphill, leaving the village. The start is a bit steep but very soon you will have the first views of the mountains, making you forget all about the efforts.

Soon the path becomes a bit more shallow and leads over gentle hills with open meadows.

Follow the signs indicating path number 3. It stays along the ridge and there are several viewpoints along the path. And of course the occasional bench to take a break and really enjoy the view. There are also information boards along the way informing about Bühler and surroundings.

After a while the path leads slightly downhill towards a stream and then uphill again on the other side. Pass a couple of farmhouses and an observatory until you reach Trogen.

The path now leads around the upper part of the villages, passing some very cute Appenzell houses and offering views of other villages spread across the Appenzell hills and Lake Constance in the distance.

The path leads into the old part of town in Trogen and then leaves the village on the other side. It now leads down to a river and a short distance through the woods until it turns uphill again and leads past some farmhouses towards Speicher.

Coming into Speicher, the village is at first not too impressive. But once you made it to the old part of town, it reveals it’s charm. Past the church the path leads downhill through the houses and back up on the other side. From here views open up back towards the church and across to Alpstein.

Leaving Speicher, the path leads uphill again and soon into the woods. There is the occasional view of Alpstein through the trees until you reach the open area on the other side.

Across the open meadows the path leads along the ridge again with more farmhouses and views and the occasional bank for a short rest. Soon you will reach Waldegg where there is a very popular restaurant surrounded by a playground. This place is great for families if you don’ mind the crowds.

But even if you don’t plan a stop here, make sure to have a look at the Ziträdl bakery tucked in behind the restaurant. Here the bread and cakes are still made with historical baking machines. If you are lucky, you might even get to watch.

Continue along the the ridge until Egg. Then turn left and make your way down into Teufen. In the village you will find signs for the train station from where the train will bring you back into Bühler.