Eggerstanden – Forstseeli – Boschgeren – Eggerstanden
Easy, short stroll to a woodland lake
An easy, only slightly uphill walk from Eggerstanden to the cure little Forstseeli lake with views of the Rhine valley - followed by a lovely stroll through the meadows above the village of Eggerstanden.
This is a circular hike starting from Eggerstanden, Rüte in Appenzellerland (north-east Switzerland).
Top tip! The Forstseeli lake can get busy on Sundays and holidays - otherwise a surprisingly quiet hike
Time of year: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tags: Circular hike, Public transport, Suitable for families, Views of mountain lakes
Rating: 
Hiked by us on: 6th July 2020
This little walk at the eastern edge of Appenzellerland leads to Forstseeli, a little lake in the woods, below Fähnerenspitz. There are lovely views of the Rhine valley on the way up. A fireplace and benches at the lake invite for a picnic. And the way back offers great views of Alpstein.
Start in Eggerstanden by the church, where there is parking and a bus stop. Turn east and follow the quiet road along, until a hiking path turns off to the right.
The path now leads steadily uphill, mostly through fields but also through the woods. There are a few farms to be passed and you will have wonderful views across the Rhine valley below.
The last bit of the walk leads through the woods and soon enough you arrive at the little Forstseeli lake. There is a small wooden hut, benches, a fireplace and plenty of cut wood. It is a tranquil place for a rest but can be busy with barbeque lovers on a sunny weekend.
When you leave the lake, turn uphill and to the north to stay on the eastern slopes of Fähnerenspitz. The path will continue uphill until you stand on a ridge, where you step out of the woods. Now it’s along the norther slopes of Fähnerenspitz and view open up.
The path now turns gently downhill and first leads along a single trail but soon a farm road. There are some wonderful views of Appenzellerland from here and soon you will have Alpstein in front of you.
Continue following the road downhill until Chäsmoos, where the view of Alpstein is wonderful.
From here, turn right and then either stay on the road for a few more meters for a visit at Eggli restaurant. Or turn right again and now a slightly steep path through fields leads you back down into Eggerstanden.
Food, accommodation and/or villages we found on this hike
Restaurant Eggli
(Food only)
Beautiful, rustic restaurant above Eggerstanden.
The 5 day forecast in Appenzell
Webcams
We could not find any webcams in the area close to this hike.
Need some hiking down-time?
If you need a day off from hiking, below are some of the great things you can do within 30 km from the start of this hike.
Appenzell outdoor pool
(3.7 km away)
Great outdoor pool in the shadow of the Alpstein mountain range
Appenzell town
(4.4 km away)
Wonderful historic picturesque town at the foot of the Alpstein mountain range
Gais outdoor pool
(4.5 km away)
Small quiet outdoor pool in Appenzellerland
Kobelwald crystal caves
(5.0 km away)
Fascinating underground caves - worth a visit in any weather
Kronberg Alpine park
(10.5 km away)
Alpine "park" with summer sledge run and rope park - fun for all!
Hot-pot Appenzellerland
(11.2 km away)
Relax in a a unique hot-tub surrounded by Appenzeller hills and mountains
Heiden Schwimmbad
(13.4 km away)
A lovely outdoor pool with large grassy areas on which to relax.
Götzis outdoor pool
(14.0 km away)
Beautiful area for enjoying the sun and a relaxing swim
Berneck outdoor pool
(15.1 km away)
Wonderful, quiet outdoor pool with lots of grassy areas. Perfect place to relax
Badi Schönenbodensee, Wildhaus
(15.8 km away)
Beautiful small lake for swimming above Wildhaus below the Alpstein
Badestrand am Rohr
(16.2 km away)
Relax and swim in the lake which is the old Rhine
Festungsmuseum Heldsberg
(18.1 km away)
Look back into Switzerland's second world war history in this perfectly preseved fort built into the hillside
Werdenberg
(18.1 km away)
800 years of history and the smallest city in Switzerland - beautifully preserved places to visit
St Margarethen mineral baths
(18.2 km away)
Recently fully refurbished wellness center - spend an afternoon to recover
Rhein railway
(19.4 km away)
Travel on the Rhein railway to the delta of the river
Laterns summer sledge run
(22.1 km away)
Sledging in the summer on the Laterns Sommerrodelbahn
Rolls Royce museum
(24.2 km away)
Fascinating museum of the world's most famous car.
Rappenlochsclucht
(24.3 km away)
Impressive stroll on elevated walkways through narrow gorge
Bischofszell outdoor pool
(24.8 km away)
Relax in this lovely pool in the historic town of Bischofszell.
Walenstadt lakeside beach
(25.9 km away)
Large grassy swimming area with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains
Lichtensteig outdoor pool
(28.5 km away)
Wonderful relaxing pool in the Toggenburg region
Lindau island
(28.8 km away)
Visit the unique town of Lindau on the island
Thurfeld outdoor pool
(29.2 km away)
Lovely swimming area on the banks of the river Thur.
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