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Geologischer Wanderweg Alpstein

HardAppenzell Innerrhoden · Switzerland

GPX
Distance
16.4 km (10.2 mi)
Elevation gain
582 m (1,909 ft)
Typical time
4 hr
Difficulty
Hard
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
1,803 m (5,915 ft)

About Geologischer Wanderweg Alpstein

Geologischer Wanderweg Alpstein is a 16.4 km hiking route in Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland. It climbs roughly 361 m (1,184 ft) along the way. Most people take around 4 hr at a comfortable pace, plus stops. This is a demanding day. The climbing is sustained and the descent is long enough to punish tired knees.

The character of the walk comes from the landscape it crosses rather than a single headline sight, which is exactly why it stays quiet even in high season.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.

It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Bregenz, about 34.2 km away, which is where most people base themselves. The route is maintained by Wanderland Schweiz.

In short, Geologischer Wanderweg Alpstein suits fit hikers with a habit of long days and an eye on the forecast. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Hard16.4 km582 m1,803 m

Numbered marks every 5 km

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+582 m
Descent
1,377 m
High
1,803 m (5,915 ft)
Low
912 m (2,992 ft)
805 m1081 m1358 m1634 m1910 m0.0 km4.0 km7.9 km12 km16 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The first third does most of the climbing, so settle into a slow rhythm early rather than trying to hold a flat-ground pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Waymarked route
  • Waymarked and signposted

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Yes, signed on the ground
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Patchy on the upper sections
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
36/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
29/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
48/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
43/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
24/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • This route is long and sustained. Turn back early rather than late if the weather closes in.
  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in Switzerland are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Offline map and compass
  • Head torch and spare battery
  • Extra warm layer
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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