Trogen (AR) lies on a rocky spur high above the banks of the Goldach at the northern foot of the Gäbris. The town is linked to St. Gallen by the 1m-gauge Trogen section of the Appenzell Railway.

In 1946 after World War II, a vision was realized with the Pestalozzi Children’s Village: orphans from war-torn countries were given a home and a place of education. In the visitors’ centre in the children’s village, visitors experience how the peaceful coexistence of totally different cultures is possible. One of Trogen’s fascinating features is its mix of sophisticated and village-like buildings and atmosphere. The appearance of Trogen today is closely linked to the history of the Zellweger merchant family from the 18th and early 19th centuries. The family wealth came from trading with linen and cotton on international markets. The Zellwegers held political office, founded the forerunner of today’s cantonal school in 1821 and built palaces. The stone palaces of the Zellweger dynasty and the baroque Grubenmann Church dating from 1782, are distinguishing features of the spacious town square, until a few years ago the scene of the open-air assembly where votes were cast.

Trogen also gets its structural identity from the many regular rows of timber-framed houses, beautiful dwellings built by farmers, artisans and merchants in the streets and lanes around the town square.

Another tourist attraction around Trogen is the extensive network of hiking paths in the rolling, green countryside of the Appenzell pre-Alps. A theme trail on meteorology with 11 information panels leads from Trogen to Gais. Neighbouring Speicher has an indoor swimming pool with fitness room. In winter the prepared horn-sledge run is a special attraction. Also a small ski lift.