Urnäsch – Hochhamm (1275m) – Bruggerenwald – Urnäsch
Gentle hike over Hochhamm through beautiful Appenzellerland
The week before we'd made a wonderful hike close to the Appenzeller town of Urnäsch so we decided to visit the area again. This was an equally beautiful hike from the town of Urnäsch, enjoying glorious views from along the Hochhamm, down through the pretty woods around Färenstetten and back to Urnäsch. Stunning!
This is a circular hike starting from Urnäsch in Appenzellerland (north-east Switzerland).
Time of year: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tags: Circular hike, Public transport, Suitable for families, Food en-route, Ice-cream at end of hike, Can be shortened
Rating: 
Hiked by us on: 11th May 2018
We parked in the centre of the charming Appenzeller town of Urnäsch, in north-east Switzerland and headed uphill towards Buechen. We were quickly into Swiss farmland and of course, were greeted by bell-ringing Swiss cows.
We headed further toward Fuchsstein and then turned left to Tüfenberg. The path steepened as we headed up through the woods at the north-east end of the Hochhamm.
It’s only 40 minutes or so and then we are on the top. Stunning views all around!
There’s a restaurant at the top – the Hochhamm Bergrestaurant – a perfect place to reward yourself for the hard uphill work! It’s now downhill towards Guggenhalden with views of Saentis directly in front.
And of course, there’s still plenty of Swiss cows happy to see us!
After turning left in the extremely pretty Bruggerenwald we headed back to Urnäsch. We still had beautiful alpine views to enjoy.
We arrived back in Urnäsch after 5 hours of wonderful hiking in the Swiss countryside. Stunning!
Food, accommodation and/or villages we found on this hike
Bergrestaurant Hochhamm
(Food only)
This mountain restaurant is at 1211m and only reachable by foot. It is always open at the weekend and during the week in good weather. When the flag is flying, the restaurant is open! Simple food is offered, but on request, anything can be served.
The 5 day forecast in Urnäsch
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.
Hot-pot Appenzellerland
(3.2 km away)
Relax in a a unique hot-tub surrounded by Appenzeller hills and mountains
Kronberg Alpine park
(3.4 km away)
Alpine "park" with summer sledge run and rope park - fun for all!
Appenzell town
(9.5 km away)
Wonderful historic picturesque town at the foot of the Alpstein mountain range
Appenzell outdoor pool
(10.2 km away)
Great outdoor pool in the shadow of the Alpstein mountain range
Badi Schönenbodensee, Wildhaus
(13.7 km away)
Beautiful small lake for swimming above Wildhaus below the Alpstein
Gais outdoor pool
(13.8 km away)
Small quiet outdoor pool in Appenzellerland
Lichtensteig outdoor pool
(14.7 km away)
Wonderful relaxing pool in the Toggenburg region
Kobelwald crystal caves
(18.7 km away)
Fascinating underground caves - worth a visit in any weather
Bischofszell outdoor pool
(19.5 km away)
Relax in this lovely pool in the historic town of Bischofszell.
Werdenberg
(21.2 km away)
800 years of history and the smallest city in Switzerland - beautifully preserved places to visit
Walenstadt lakeside beach
(21.2 km away)
Large grassy swimming area with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains
Lago Mio
(23.3 km away)
Lovely little swimming area on the banks of the Walensee close to Weesen
Heiden Schwimmbad
(23.4 km away)
A lovely outdoor pool with large grassy areas on which to relax.
Thurfeld outdoor pool
(23.6 km away)
Lovely swimming area on the banks of the river Thur.
Berneck outdoor pool
(27.6 km away)
Wonderful, quiet outdoor pool with lots of grassy areas. Perfect place to relax
Götzis outdoor pool
(27.9 km away)
Beautiful area for enjoying the sun and a relaxing swim
Badestrand am Rohr
(29.5 km away)
Relax and swim in the lake which is the old Rhine
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