Alpine Panorama Trail, Stage 1/29

The climb to the health resort of Heiden (Henri Dunant Museum) and to Kaienspitz is rewarded by extensive views of the Bodensee and to Alpstein. Then via Rehetobel down to Chastenloch and up to Trogen, a village where provincial assemblies were once held.

The hike begins at the Rorschach Hafen stop, almost at lake level. A short stretch along Lake Constance marks the start before the trail leaves Rorschach and climbs the slopes of Rorschacherberg. Passing through open meadows, patches of woodland and small settlements, the route leads to Wienacht-Tobel and continues to Heiden. The Reformed church there stands directly on the route.

After Heiden, the yellow-marked hiking trail continues uphill. Open pastures alternate with shady woodland until the highest point is reached at Kaienspitz, at around 1,120 m. Kaienspitz is the northernmost peak over 1,000 m in the Appenzell Alps. The trail then descends to Rehetobel, once again passing a Reformed church.

The route finally continues across the hilly landscape to Trogen, where the hike ends at the Landsgemeindeplatz stop. At around 19 km, with approximately 1,200 metres of ascent and a walking time of just over six hours, the route requires a good level of fitness but remains on yellow-marked hiking trails throughout.