Schwende, a region in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, Switzerland, is characterized by its diverse Alpine landscape. The area features the dramatic Appenzell Alps and Alpstein massif, with towering peaks, tranquil lakes, and extensive forest-covered valleys. This varied terrain provides an ideal setting for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, mountaineering, and more.
Schwende offers a wide range of outdoor activities, with more than 100 routes available across several sports like hiking, touring…
140
Routes
4.7
(2133)
Average rating
16450
People visited

4.8
(158)
785
hikers
9.37km
03:37
180m
890m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.9
(62)
463
hikers
15.2km
06:53
1,060m
1,060m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.8
(41)
292
hikers
19.0km
07:44
1,190m
1,140m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.9
(445)
2,419
hikers
11.2km
04:56
730m
730m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.7
(19)
214
riders
45.4km
03:08
790m
790m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(42)
508
riders
39.7km
03:07
810m
810m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(9)
176
riders
24.7km
02:19
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
148
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(33)
247
riders
24.3km
02:07
630m
630m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.8
(25)
163
riders
49.0km
04:44
1,380m
1,380m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

4.4
(13)
163
riders
26.9km
02:18
610m
610m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(12)
83
riders
45.0km
03:57
1,070m
1,070m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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4.8
(4)
206
runners
8.82km
01:15
370m
370m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

22
runners
24.0km
03:56
1,310m
1,310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

25
runners
9.72km
01:58
760m
760m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

9
runners
15.2km
03:07
1,230m
1,230m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.9
(23)
110
hikers
14.8km
06:12
880m
880m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.6
(10)
86
hikers
14.0km
06:33
1,010m
1,010m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(11)
57
hikers
15.6km
07:28
1,130m
1,130m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

4.8
(6)
63
hikers
17.3km
07:49
1,130m
1,130m
Hard mountaineering route. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.8
(13)
111
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(3)
51
riders
110km
06:53
1,780m
1,780m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(12)
100
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
21
riders
23.2km
01:59
860m
860m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
37
riders
24.1km
01:15
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

34
riders
32.5km
02:43
1,150m
1,150m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

30
riders
16.2km
00:51
270m
270m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

29
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Schwende provides a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking, and mountaineering. The region also supports road cycling, jogging, and gravel biking. More than 130 routes are available across these sports.
Schwende features a wide array of hiking experiences, from leisurely paths to challenging mountaineering routes. Popular areas include trails around Hoher Kasten, Kronberg, and the Gonten Barefoot Trail. The region's hiking routes have an average rating of 4.58 out of 5 stars on komoot. For more details, refer to the Hiking around Schwende guide.
Yes, Schwende offers trails suitable for various fitness levels, including leisurely strolls through meadows and forest paths. The Gonten Barefoot Trail is a unique, accessible option. For specific routes, consult local trail information or komoot guides.
Key natural attractions include the Appenzell Alps and Alpstein massif, with prominent peaks like Säntis (8,209 feet [2,502 meters]), Hoher Kasten, and Kronberg. The beautiful mountain lakes Seealpsee and Fählensee are also significant highlights. Many routes offer access to these viewpoints and natural features.
Schwende's varied terrain in the Alpstein Mountains is suitable for mountain biking. Routes wind through picturesque settings, dense forests, and past alpine lakes. For specific trails, explore the MTB Trails around Schwende guide.
Yes, touring cyclists can find numerous routes through the rolling hills and picturesque valleys of the Appenzellerland. These routes offer scenic rides suitable for various skill levels. Information on these paths can be found in the Cycling around Schwende guide.
The Alpstein massif in Schwende provides significant mountaineering opportunities, including demanding high-altitude tours and alpine climbing routes. These routes often require good fitness, sure-footedness, and alpine experience. The Mountain Hikes around Schwende guide offers relevant information.
Schwende is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 60,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The region's routes have received over 6,000 ratings, averaging 4.58 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts.
Several cable cars provide convenient access to higher elevations and stunning viewpoints in Schwende. These include services from Wasserauen to Ebenalp and a cable car leading to Säntis, the tallest peak in the Alpstein massif. This allows for easier access to many trails and panoramic vistas.
Seealpsee is a beautiful mountain lake known for its bright green water and picturesque setting in the heart of the Alpstein. Fählensee is the third-largest mountain lake in the Appenzell canton, nestled in a narrow valley. Both lakes are popular hiking destinations and are accessible via various trails in the region.
During the colder months, the Schwende region transforms into a winter sports destination. Options include skiing at areas like Ebenalp Wasserauen-Schwende Ski Area and Kronberg Ski Area. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities.
Official information for the Schwende region, which is part of Appenzell Innerrhoden, is typically managed by Appenzellerland Tourismus. Their official website is appenzell.ch. For direct inquiries, the phone number for Appenzellerland Tourismus AI is +41 71 788 96 41.

