Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 1 – Rorschach to Trogen
Length: 10.5 miles (17 km); Hiking time: 5 h 45 min;
Ascent: 3,600 ft (1100 m); Descent: 2,030 ft (620 m); Fitness level: Difficult.
I stop at an idyllic local Swiss farm with a view of Lake Constance (Bodensee). I walk through the farm; past the farmhouses, cows, chickens, sheep, and a cat. It’s a great way to begin our SwissCheeseTrail’s 360° videos with a Swiss dairy farm and a view.
Once in Heiden, I shop and explore this busy spa town. I found a great little café selling cheese, quiche, and sandwiches – the smells were heavenly. Later, I found a health food store selling some unique regional items. Calling my channel Swiss-CHEESE-Trails means that I’m motivated by food.
I hike uphill, out of Heiden, until I find a perfectly positioned bench with a view of 4 countries – Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Lichtenstein. With this view, I discuss my purchases and call out to my son’s USA 360° Hiking Channel: Hike360vr.com and Hike360vr on Youtube – (https://www.youtube.com/c/Hike360)
Most of our videos are filmed in a full 360° arc, this means you should be able to use your device to move the video around and up and down. If you are having issues or if you are watching with VR goggles, click over and watch our SwissCheeseTrails playlist directly on YouTube.
I hike up toward the first Alp foothill summit of Kaienspitz. Along the way, I talk about some Swiss hiking lessons and pass a barn full of cowbells. Be sure and turn around to look at the beauty in 360°. These are the pastures that the cows graze to produce the milk that makes Appenzeller Cheese.
I reach the top of Kaienspitz, you’ll find the Gasthaus (Inn), Kaienhaus, a hostel, and a restaurant. Our first Alp House. Another 2 minutes of walking brings me around to the southern exposure overlooking the Alpstein Massif and Säntis. The Feuerstelle Kaienspitz (picnic and campfire area) provides a rest with the best view of the day. More information can be found: https://appenzellerland.ch/en/experie…
Walking slowly down from Kaienspitz, I enjoy the views and play tour guide for the peaks and towns in view. While walking, the expansive yellow color of dandelions overtakes the mountain views.
The walk down from Kaienspitz is pretty straightforward until the town of Rehetobel. I admire the houses and rolling hills of Appenzellerland.
The next stop after Rehetobel is at the bottom of the valley along the Goldach River. There are some photo-worthy river bridges and the Chastenloch restaurant. After crossing the Goldach river, it’s straight uphill to the finish in the town of Trogen. Subscribe and stay tuned for Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 02.
