Trogen is situated on a rocky spur, high above the left bank of the Goldach river. On the streets and lanes around the village centre you can see rows of timber-framed buildings, beautiful farm houses and factories. Trogen is also known for the Pestalozzi Children’s Village. It was established after World War II as a home and a place of education for war orphans from other countries. Today’s section starts on the gorgeous village square of Trogen. Did you know that other than Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden was the second to last Swiss canton to introduce women’s right to vote? It was adopted in 1989 and in 1990 women were allowed for the first time to participate in the Landsgemeinde, the assembly of voting citizens.

Once leaving Trogen, you walk for two hours across gentle hills and through lush green meadows to Bühler. The first part of the hiking trail mostly follows an asphalt road. Accompanied by marvellous views of Säntis, Lake Constance and St. Gallen, you get to the village of Bühler, located between Teufen and Gais. The Appenzell Railways provide excellent connections with St. Gallen. The ascent to the two farms known as unterer and mittlerer Saul is steep. The trail continues across hills and fields and after about four hours, the rather short section ends in Appenzell.

On the bright side, this leaves enough time to tour the beautiful town. Colourful, historic and handsomely decked out homes are lining the roads and streets. Culinary specialties and crafts are tempting you to shop and cosy restaurants and gardens extend an invitation to relax. Particularly attractive are the so-called “Tafeen”, which are primarily located in the village centre. Originally called taverns, they advertise inns, guesthouses and specialty shops.