By Vicky · Published Oct. 24th, 2024
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The Hundwiler Höhi Hike is an easy walk with great views in the foothills of the Alps, with a cosy hut at the top of the hill.
Location
This hike up Hundwiler Höhi starts from a small parking area in Zürchersmühle, not far from Urnäsch in Appenzell Kanton. It’s about 25 minutes drive from St Gallon. Alternativley you can take a train to Zürchersmühle Station, it’s also about 25 minutes from St Gallon.
Hundwiler Höhi Hiking Map
Tips
- There’s a hut at the top, open every day except Tuesdays (Hundwiler Höhe Hut Website, in German).
- Check out this hiking map for Appenzell*.
- Hiking poles* could be useful for this hike, though it’s not so steep.
- Check out other great hikes on our Germany Hiking Page.
Hundwiler Höhi Hiking Route
From the little car park in Zürchersmühle, head along the road away from the village. In about 300 metres, there’s a track to your right and a hiking sign. Take this into the field and walk through the grass, with views of idyllic Swiss landscape.
There may be cows in the field, and if so, there are a few places where you have to cross the fence after removing the electric wire. About 1 km after leaving the road you’ll reach a bend in a track. Turn right here to zigzag up the slope and through a short section of forest to a small paved road.
Turn left here and (perhaps after resting on the benches here) then right through the little car park. Follow the hiking sign up through the field on the left, in the direction of Hundwiler Höhi. The navigation from here is very simple as the path simply leads upwards. In a short distance you’ll see the track winding up to the very top, and you can glimpse the hut.
Once at the top, have a drink and perhaps something to eat in the hut (cash or Swiss online payment system TWINT). Enjoy the views and relax before starting the walk back down to Zürchersmühle.
Walking down from Hundwiler Höhi
When you’re ready, leave the hut and return a few metres in the direction you came from. This time, at the first corner of the track, take the path to your left. This leads down the ridge to a couple of buildings. Head straight across the track here to continue along the path.
Continue walking downwards, through a wood and towards another farm. Just before the main building, take the small path signed to your left. This leads to a small lane at the bottom. Turn right here and follow the lane straight onwards. At another farm, the hiking trail heads around the buildings to the right before zigzagging down a field to a stream.
Take the little bridge to the left across the stream and through a field of lovely wildflowers. Keep walking onwards and you’ll soon return to Zürchersmühle and the end of the Hundwiler Höhi Hike.
If you prefer overnight hikes in the Alps, check out the Swiss National Park 3-Day Hike, the Berchtesgaden National Park hike or the hike up Großer Krottenkopf. For more hikes and city walks, see our hiking routes in Germany.