If you love rolling hills, lush greenery and scattered settlements nestled in an unspoilt landscape, then the St. Anton route is ideal for you. The scenery, featuring magnificent views of Lake Constance, Vorarlberg, the Rhine Valley and Alpstein characterize this circuit drive. You can immerse yourself in the landscape and views with a walk or short hike.

St. Anton route

The start of the St. Anton route is the Heiden, Post stop, where ten PostBus routes converge in a star shape from all directions. The route soon climbs through the Biedermeier-era village of Heiden to Oberegg in Appenzell Innerrhoden. From here, the Postbus passes Appenzell settlements scattered all along the way up. Once you reach an altitude of 1,100 m, you’ll encounter beautiful views at the St. Anton Pass. The Postbus then heads towards the landmark, offering constant views of the Rhine Valley on the left. After the Ruppen Pass, it continues towards Trogen. The view into the ravine on the right gives a glimpse of the wild course of the young Goldach stream.

St. Anton

The highlight, with far-reaching views, is the St. Anton Pass at an altitude of 1,100 m , from where you can enjoy magnificent views of Lake Constance and the Alpstein all the way to the Graubünden Alps. On one of the four panoramic trails, you can enjoy impressive views of Appenzell’s natural scenery, and you can choose between the short, easy, intermediate and long routes.

Trogen

A visit to the village of Trogen, including the cantonal assembly square, is also worthwhile. The square is lined by the Zellweger stone palaces from the 18th and early 19th centuries and a baroque church. An audio guide tells you all about the Zellweger textile trading family and the history of the village, which formerly played host to the cantonal assembly. A detour to the cantonal library, endowed with rare works, is worthwhile. And it may even be market time, or in the autumn, the cattle show.

The round trip

St.Gallen–Heiden–St.Anton–Trogen–St.Gallen round trip from St.Gallen, Bahnhof on PostBus routes 120 or 121 to Heiden or with the Appenzell Railways S11 to Trogen (route can also be taken in the opposite direction). Travellers who start in Heiden can take the PostBus line 230 via Wald and back to Heiden.

From the Eggersriet hill to the five-country-vista viewpoint

An easy, year-round hike: from the Eggersriet hill, this hike between the treetops promises frequent views of Lake Constance. The road continues as a mountain trail to the five-country-vista viewpoint. Here you can see the “five countries” of Switzerland, Austria, Bavaria, Württemberg and Baden. The descent afterwards to Grub, canton of St. Gallen, is short. You can extend the hike to Heiden via the suspension bridge between Grub SG and Grub AR.