Urnäsch – Hundwiler Höhi (1305m) – Appenzell

Sometimes we get lucky with choosing our hikes and this was one of those hikes. The guide books told of a route along the valley between Urnäsch and Appenzell, but we thought there would be a nicer route along a ridge between the two. And we were not disappointed. It could also be walked in the opposite direction for more views of the Alps. A great hike!

Anyway, this is a glorious hike over a broad ridge between the 2 towns. It passes over the little peak of Hundwiler Höhi and has simply stunning views over the rolling hills of Appenzellerland and further across to the Swiss and Austrian alps. And it follow the wonderful little river Urnäsch close to the town of Urnäsch. Beautiful.

We started in Appenzell and this charming town deserves a lot more than the 15 minutes we gave it as we wandered through.

If you need a traditional Appenzeller belt for yourself, a collar for your dog or even a Swiss cow bell, this is the place to get it. (Although you can probably get the bells cheaper off a local farmer!)

We left Appenzell behind and entered stunning fields of yellow…

Dandelion season! I have never seen the meadows so yellow. Incredible!

We passed through Mettlen and headed up to Himmelberg. If you want to take some classical Swiss photos – cows with bells, meadows, springtime flowers and snowy peaks in the background – then this is the hike and time of year.

After Himmelberg, we passed by Chuterenegg and Ochsenhöhi – occasionally in woods, but mostly in open fields with views left and right.

We then reached the highest point – Hundwiler Höhi. There is a restaurant here and well worth to spend some time here to admire the views in every direction.

We then headed down, passed Gigershöhi, Berg, Buel and Tobi. At Berg you can relax in a “hot-pot” if you like!

Little streams are everywhere along, Appenzellerland farmhouses, woodpiles and the ringling of cow bells. Could not be more Swiss.

When we reached Befang we turned left and followed the beautiful river Urnäsch.

This really is a wonderful hike! We are finally forced to follow the road for only the last few hundred meters. There is ice-cream to be eaten in Urnäsch, or hope on the Appenzellerland train to return to Appenzell to admire the town some more. What a perfect hike!