Gais – Gäbris (1250m) – Wissegg – Bühler

This is a fairly easy, medium length hike across Gäbris, in the heart of Appenzellerland. It features two restaurants, many benches and some of the most stunning views in the Appenzell region. The hike can be done in any season and is perfect for spending an easy day outside.

Start in the center of Gais by the church and cross the small square to make your way through the houses on the opposite side. The path will soon meander upwards through the meadows on the north side of Gais. It does not take long until you have the first great views of Alpstein behind you.

The path soon reaches a gravel road and follows it all the way up to Gäbris. Since this is part of the hike featuring Laura the Geiss (goat) from Gais, you will find lots of goat shapes benches along this part of the hike. There are also small wooden huts spread along the path – have a peek inside to discover their secrets.

Arriving on the top of Gäbris you will find a restaurant, perfectly placed benches and a stunning panorama. There are views across the Rhine valley, Alpstein and the best part of Appenzellerland, making this a great place for a break to enjoy the surroundings.

Continue across Gäbris, past the large electric tower and turn left at the next junction. The path now leads through the woods for a little bit and then emerges into the meadows that lead down towards Wissegg.

From Wissegg it’s a slight uphill again on a quiet mountain road. Very soon you will reach another little restaurant at Hohe Buche. Turn left onto a small walking path just after the restaurant and make your way towards another perfectly placed bench with a view.

The path now leads across a few more hills and past some farmhouses into a little hamlet. Cross the road and make your way past Ferienhaus Wissegg, following a gravel road. Shortly after the Ferienhaus, turn off the road onto a small path.

The small path soon takes you into Bühler, where you can follow the signs to the train station. From here, trains run approximately every half an hour back towards Gais.