Urnäsch – Petersalp (1568m) – Schwägalp
Fantastic views of the north side of Saentis
This hike starts from the Appenzeller town of Urnäsch and passes through beautiful meadows to stunning views from Petersalp. It then continues through enchanting woods and alpine pastures to Schwägalp. Simply beautiful!
This hike starts from Urnäsch and ends at Schwägalp, Hundwil (Appenzellerland, north-east Switzerland).
Time of year: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tags: Public transport, Food en-route, Accommodation en-route, Ice-cream at end of hike
Rating: 
Hiked by us on: 28th May 2018
Yet another hike starting in Urnäsch, east Switzerland! We headed south out of the town, through farm meadows to the tune of cows ringing their bells and were quickly heading towards the woods.
After the farm buildings at Plattendürren we then headed into the bowl which include Petersalp.
It was beautifully quiet (except for cow bells), over a little stream and then we were caught our first glimpse of Saentis.
A little more uphill hiking and then we were quickly onto the broad ridge leading to Oberpetersalp. From here we enjoyed the full splendour of the north side of the Saentis massif.
This is a lovely part of hike with green meadows, gentle strolling and 360 degree panoramas. We also had great views of Kronberg which we hiked on new years day a few years ago.
This is the high point of the hike and then it is gradually downhill, always with Saentis in full view. After a while we passed a number of typically quaint Appenzell farmhouses – with some goats getting attention!
The path then wound its way through enchanting woods until we came out the other side close to Schwägalp. Spring flowers everywhere!
We started to meet a few more people enjoying the Alpine meadows, probably before or after their gondola ride to Saentis. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful, beautiful area. It was then back on the wonderful Swiss Post Bus back to Urnäsch – a wonderful hike!
Food, accommodation and/or villages we found on this hike
Bergwirtschaft Blattendürren
(Food only)
The Bergwirtschaft Blattendürren is found on the beautiful Alp Blattendürren above Urnäsch. Groups of 8 or more are very welcome with with forward notice - ideal for families, firms and special occasions. With stunning views, enjoy wonderful Appenzeller food.
Chammhaldenhütte
(Food and accommodation)
The Chammhaldenhütte is at the foot of the Saentis massif with great views over the hiking areas of Appenzellerland and Toggenburg. The hut is a great starting location for hiking, ski-tours and mountain bike tours. If you like to get to know high alpine moorland, alpine flowers or traditional alpine farming areas then this is the right place to be.
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
(3.3 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
(23.4 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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