Herisau was first mentioned in a document in 837 and became part of Appenzell Ausserrhoden when the land was divided at the end of the 16th century. With its well-developed infrastructure, Herisau today serves as the regional centre of the Appenzell hinterland. And with the Säntis, Herisau also boasts a high-Alpine landscape in its vicinity.

The long hike begins just above the railway station. On the right, you can see the Glattal viaduct, built between 1907 and 1910. Over pastures, you cross the first chain of hills. Pastures alternating with wooded areas are a typical feature of the landscape. After almost three hours, the Sitz inn invites you to take a break. Situated at 1084 m above sea level, it offers fantastic views of the Alpstein, the Säntis and the rolling hills of Appenzell and Toggenburg.

After Arnig, a long stretch of asphalt leads to St. Peterszell in the wild and romantic Neckertal, a side valley of the Toggenburg. Next to the former monastery church of St. Peter, the house with its colourful baroque ornamental painting in the pretty village centre immediately catches the eye. After crossing the Necker, the route climbs again for about one and a half hours to just under 1,000 metres above sea level before descending to Wattwil. After crossing the Thur, the scenic stage ends at the railway station of Wattwil, the main town in Toggenburg.

Wattwil was shaped by the textile industry. Iberg Castle and the Franciscan St. Mary the Angel Convent are among the town's most striking features. The Thur offers a lovely recreation area with numerous shallow banks.