Vorderland: Trails, Panoramic Views and Culture

The Vorderland district covers 46.41 km² and ranges in elevation from around 430 to 1,130 metres above sea level. Vorderland is considered a hilly landscape; Heiden sits on a sunny terrace overlooking Lake Constance. Historically, the ravine of the Goldach separated Vorderland from the rest of the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Hiking trails, viewpoints and cultural sites offer specific starting points for your stay.

Hiking trails and landscape

The Witzweg leads from Heiden via Wolfhalden to Walzenhausen. The hike is 7.8 kilometres long and takes about two and a half hours. Wooden audio stations explain the history of Appenzell humour along the way. Three fire pits with play features invite you to linger and picnic. Seasonal conditions may affect access; check the conditions before your hike.

The Honeybee Experience Trail focuses on different themes: biodiversity, the five freedoms of farm animals and the conservation of honeybees. The four-kilometre trail passes through a landscape formed by the Rhine Glacier along the Moosbach and is connected to the Appenzell hiking trail network and existing themed trails in Vorderland. It closes for a seasonal winter break.

The Health Trail connects Heiden, Kaien, St. Anton and Oberegg as a circular route in two versions: 10 or 14 kilometres. The route passes through gentle hills, lush greenery and scattered settlements; views stretch into Vorarlberg, across Lake Constance and as far as the Allgäu. A loop from Heiden leads via Ober Salen to the Kaien Nature Friends House, continues to Kaienspitz and returns to Heiden along the Health Trail. This makes it possible to compare the shorter, timed Witzweg hike with the longer Health Trail options by distance.

The Kulturspur stage starts at Heiden bus station and ends at Walzenhausen railway station; both endpoints have public transport connections. Medieval cultural and spiritual sites shape the stage, along with views into the Rhine Valley, Vorarlberg and far across Lake Constance. Connections and timetables may change, so it is worth checking the latest services before planning.

In Walzenhausen, the Adventure Trail features 30 signposted stations as well as several viewpoints and fire pits. It is suitable for children aged 8 and over accompanied by families or school classes. Heiden church tower offers another viewpoint: 157 steps lead up to the tower room. Access depends on the weather and season.

Cultural sites and special stories

The Henry Dunant Museum offers an opportunity to explore human rights, international law, peace and democracy. It is located in the building where Henry Dunant lived as a retired recluse until his death on 30 October 1910. In front of the museum stands the Peace Bell of Nagasaki, a gift from Nagasaki that arrived in Heiden in March 2010. Every year on 9 August, it is rung during a public ceremony commemorating the Nagasaki catastrophe.

In Wolfhalden, the Old Mill offers a distinctive cultural touch: its dining room features extensive paintings from the Old and New Testaments on the walls and ceiling. Hans Heinrich Züricher built the new mill in the 1780s; this date refers to the new building. Tour times may vary, so check them before planning a visit. In Rehetobel, “Textildorf hörbar” offers a self-guided way to explore the town’s textile past.

Planning your journey and hotel location

The Rorschach–Heiden cog railway runs hourly. From May to September, open-air observation carriages operate daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. Check the timetable before travelling, especially if you are planning to use the seasonal observation carriages.

The Appenzell Witz Erlebnis combines the Witzweg with two cog railways, a PostAuto ride and a boat trip through the nature reserve on the Old Rhine. Timetables and boat services are seasonal; take these conditions into account when planning. This helps you keep the route and connections in view when choosing where to stay.

Discover more destinations: Walzenhausen, Wolfhalden, Reute, Rehetobel, Grub, Heiden, Wald, Mittelland.

Return to the main travel overview: Appenzell.