Discover Speicher

Speicher brings together hiking trails, viewpoints and cultural sites. If you are planning a trip here, you can tailor your stay to these different interests—for example, with a hike starting in Speicher, a visit to Vögelinsegg or a look at the town’s history. The town is in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden in Switzerland, in a mild, pre-Alpine setting in a broad, sheltered hollow.

Hiking and views around Speicher

Vögelinsegg is a popular viewpoint near Speicher. From there, you can see the Alpstein and Lake Constance. The area includes a landscape conservation zone with cultural landmarks and scenic views. The Eggen high-altitude hiking trail also starts here. Vögelinsegg is accessible by car, with parking available, and by the Appenzell Railways.

For a circular hike starting in Speicher, the route “Goldachtobel from Above and Below” is a useful option: it is 7.7 kilometres long and involves 457 metres of ascent. The route passes through a gorge with rocks and steep slopes; along the way, wide views open up across the hills to Lake Constance. Trail conditions may vary.

Another option is the hike from Vögelinsegg to St. Gallen. It starts at Vögelinsegg station in Speicher, takes about two and a half hours and involves 168 metres of elevation gain. The information highlights different aspects: an approximate duration is given for this hike, while the Goldachtobel circular route is described by its distance and ascent. This makes it possible to distinguish between the two hikes using the available planning information without inferring a walking time for the circular route.

The hike “Of Warriors, Newts and Fens” also starts in Speicher and leads via Speicherschwendi to Wenigerweiher. This is a nationally significant amphibian spawning site. The names and destinations of the hikes offer different starting points for planning; be sure to take trail conditions into account before setting off.

History and cultural sites

Vögelinsegg is associated with the Battle of 15 May 1403. A statue commemorating the event has stood there since 1903. It depicts a warning Appenzell farmer holding a morning star, his gaze scanning the area in the direction of St. Gallen. The Tobler Monument is also on Vögelinsegg, in a spacious green area with a small park, meadows, trees and a few places to sit.

Another historical connection dates back to 1825: on 4 August, the first cantonal singing festival was held at Vögelinsegg, organised by Johann Heinrich Tobler. The festival had a lasting influence on choral music in Switzerland and southern Germany. Speicher village square is home to an octagonal Neoclassical transept church. After a lightning strike set the church tower on fire on 28 June 1804, voters decided to build a new church.

The Museum of Life Stories is located within the Hof Speicher residential and care centre for older people. It documents life stories and brings them to life in exhibitions. Its programme also includes readings, talks, musical and film performances, discussions and storytelling sessions. On average, the museum organises about two exhibitions a year and maintains an archive of its exhibitions and stories; individual programmes change over time. KUL-TOUR adds to the cultural offering as a culinary non-profit fringe theatre in Speicher.

More leisure activities

Leisure activities in Speicher include a ski lift and a cross-country ski trail; hiking and swimming in the indoor pool are also part of the local offering. At Blatten ski lift, the lift is 250 metres long, with a vertical drop of 35 metres. The slopes are designed for beginners, and operating hours may vary by season. Ski and snowboard lessons have been offered there since 1994. Check that lessons are currently available before your trip.

Speicher indoor pool provides a pool lift free of charge for people with limited mobility. Check its availability before your visit. There is a bus stop outside the indoor pool entrance, as well as free parking. As local regulations can change, it is advisable to check the visitor information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Trogen, Bühler, Gais, Teufen.

For the overview of the wider region: Mittelland.