Schachen – Schwänberg – Wissbachtobel – Degersheim

This is a fairly short walk, yet it still features lots of great views, a stroll through Schwänberg – the oldest settlement in Appenzell – and a gorge to walk through. It is well worth 2-3 hours of your time.

Start the hike at the train station in Schachen, where there is also free parking if you don’t arrive by train. Cross the train tracks and turn right into the meadow after the first house. Make your way downhill towards the stream and back uphill on the other side.

On top of the hill you will have your first glimpse of Schwänberg, which is the oldest settlement in Appenzell and well worth a visit. It is made up of some beautiful old houses and the old town hall features a museum.

After having a good look at the village, turn left and follow the path towards Wissbachtobel. It will soon turn downhill towards the stream. You will reach and old wooden bridge when arriving at the stream. Don’t cross the bridge but turn left before instead.

Follow the stream through the woods and soon the walls on the sides will get steeper and you will reach the Wissbachschlucht. This little gorge is quite impressive and there is a set of stairs leading out of it on the other side.

Once out of the gorge, cross a meadow and walk past a farm house until you reach a small paved road.

Follow the path until an elaborate garden on the left. At this point turn right towards Deggersheim. The path now leads gently uphill until you reach another small paved road. Turn right and after a few meters right again, off the road. The path keeps leading uphill gently and crosses another road, before it leads into Deggersheim.

In Deggersheim make your way to the train station. The train will take you back to Schachen in just a few minutes,