Trogen: Stone Palaces, Audio Trails and Landscapes

Trogen is a municipality in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland, situated at an altitude of 903 metres. The village lies high above the left bank of the Goldach River, at the northern foot of the Gäbris. A stay here can focus on local history and Zellweger architecture, a children’s village with a museum and leisure facilities, or a hiking stage with scenic views. Trogen is accessible from St. Gallen by the Appenzeller Bahn. As timetables can change, it is best to check your connection before setting off.

Architecture and history in Trogen

Trogen’s history dates back to the Middle Ages: the village was first mentioned in 1168. Its name refers to several fountains, which are also reflected in the coat of arms. When Appenzell was divided into the half-cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden in 1597, Trogen became the administrative centre of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. This development provides a historical context for a visit, and can also be traced through specific buildings.

The Reformed Church of Trogen was completely rebuilt by Hans Ulrich Grubenmann from 1779 to 1782, on the site of the former parish church dating from 1459. Trogen’s municipal hall was built earlier, from 1760 to 1763: Johann Ulrich Grubenmann constructed it as the residence and business premises of the Zellweger textile-trading family. The histories of the two buildings show their different functions: one is a new church, while the other combined the family’s home and business.

Audio trails and exhibitions

The exhibition “The Zellweger Century” and the audio trails offer insight into Trogen’s stone palaces from the 18th and early 19th centuries and the influence of the Zellweger textile-trading family. The audio trails lead to the municipal hall, with its Rococo stucco work, and to the textile foyer, with its fabric samples. Along the way, architectural details and textile history come together. The Laurenz Zellweger Room vividly conveys the family’s importance and connections.

If you would also like to explore the interiors of the stone palaces, guided tours as part of “The Zellweger Century” offer this opportunity. Check booking details in advance. The Trogen Shooting Museum focuses on a different aspect of history: it documents and archives 400 years of shooting history in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The subjects are therefore quite different, ranging from the Zellweger family and architectural history to the history of shooting in the canton.

Pestalozzi Children’s Village

Pestalozzi Children’s Village is open year-round and admission is free. On site, there is a museum, a variety of play and leisure areas, and barbecue spots. From Trogen railway station, you can reach the children’s village in about ten minutes via a signposted, stroller-friendly path. The approximate walking time and the path’s suitability for strollers provide practical guidance for your visit. Opening times and access conditions may change; check the latest visitor information when planning your trip.

With its museum, play and leisure areas, the children’s village offers a different focus from the buildings and exhibitions in the village. Depending on whether you are interested in Zellweger history, architectural history or the children’s village, different subjects can take centre stage. The directions from the railway station are especially useful if you plan to combine your visit with a train journey.

Hiking and views

The second stage of the Alpine Panorama Trail, from Trogen to Appenzell, offers another perspective. It crosses two gentle hills and provides magnificent views of the Säntis, the city of St. Gallen, Lake Constance and the rolling Appenzell countryside. The extent of the views depends on conditions. Unlike the cultural and historical attractions, this stage centres on the route, its two hills and the surrounding scenery. When choosing activities, you can decide whether to get to know Trogen through its buildings and exhibitions or through a hiking stage and its views.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Mittelland.