Attractions and Places To See around Schönengrund - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Schönengrund, a municipality in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, include notable landmarks and natural features. This area is characterized by its serene countryside, traditional houses, and lush green pastures, situated 841 meters above sea level. Visitors can explore a variety of sites, from mountain summits offering panoramic views to cultural paths revealing local history. The region provides a tranquil environment for outdoor activities and experiencing the local heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Schönengrund
- The most popular attractions is Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi, a restaurant that offers a beautiful view of the Alpstein and the northern flatlands. It is a well-known mountain restaurant accessible from several directions.
- Another must-see spot is Kronberg Summit, a summit offering panoramic views. From Kronberg, visitors can see Lake Constance, the Säntis, and the Alpstein chain.
- Visitors also love Schwägalp, a location known for its Alpine Show Dairy and scenic views. It is a place where visitors can learn about traditional Alpine cheese production and enjoy the mountain environment.
- Schönengrund is known for its mountain summits, cultural paths, and traditional sites. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including historical chapels and natural gorges.
- The attractions around Schönengrund are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 780 upvotes and over 740 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Kronberg Summit
Highlight • Summit
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Schwägalp
Highlight • Rest Area
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Scheidegg Mountain Inn
Highlight • Mountain Hut
It is not possible to determine exactly when people started travelling to Kronberg for other purposes. It can be assumed that after the discovery of spas outside the country's borders - Gontenbad in the 18th century, Jakobsbad after 1845 - people also hiked in the Kronberg area. There was certainly an increase in tourism after the Urnäsch-Gontenbad route of the "Appenzeller Bahnen" was opened to scheduled traffic on August 16, 1886. However, sources already document the existence of summer restaurants for several years before that.
Later, restaurants were set up on Kronberg but also in Gross Chenner. The following innkeepers are documented in advertisements: On Jakobi 1893, butcher Baumgartner, probably "Kreuz" innkeeper Conrad Baumgartner (1852-1900), in the summer regularly from 1894 and perhaps until 1898 Josef Anton Neff, whose dates of birth and death could not be determined in Gonten. Josef Anton Huber (1872-1931), "Mandlis", as the owner of this Alp, must also have run a restaurant on his property since 1899 or at least had someone run a restaurant there. On June 20, 1906, he had an advertisement in the "Appenzeller Volksfreund" announcing that the "Ruheplatz" inn on his Alp would be closed all summer. Perhaps this is related to the opening of the "Kronberg" inn on the Jakobsalp on July 14, 1906 by Johann Baptist Hersche in Gonten.
We do not know until when the restaurant was open every Saturday and Sunday when the weather was nice. Perhaps until 1917, because on June 13, 1918, the buildings belonging to the canton, the alpine hut and stable, were destroyed by fire and were not rebuilt due to reforestation.
Text / Source: Luftseilbahn Jakobsbad-Kronberg AG, St. Josefstrasse 2 · 9108 Jakobsbad
kronberg.ch/de/unternehmen/geschichte.html
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Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi
Highlight • Restaurant
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Chapel of St. James
Highlight • Religious Site
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Tips from the Community
The origins of devotion to St. James at this location are linked to a legend. According to this legend, the apostle violently hurled his walking sticks away from Santiago de Compostela, and they landed on the Kronberg. This explains the origin of the two pilgrim staffs in the colors red and yellow (the Spanish national colors!).
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When visibility is good, you have a great all-round view.
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If the weather is good, you will be rewarded for the climb (moderately difficult for inexperienced hikers). The view is fantastic. The inn is closed on Mondays, but otherwise you can enjoy simple but delicious meals on a wonderful terrace.
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Since summer 2024, the inn's exterior has been completely renovated and looks very beautiful and colorful. Older photos are therefore no longer up-to-date, but the food is still superb and comparatively reasonably priced.
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The Chapel of St. Jakob Gonten is located southwest below the Kronberg peak at an elevation of 1,445 meters in the Appenzell Alps in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. In 1464, mention was made of the chapel, hermit's cottage, and healing St. James's Spring. In 1456, mass was still read from a portable altar. The chapel was rebuilt in 1859.
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Really great, varied, easily accessible hiking trails lead to the Höhi, from all sides of course. There is a barbecue area, a restaurant, and overnight accommodation is possible. When the visibility is good, you can see as far as Appenzellerland, Lake Constance, the Alpstein chain and the Bernese Alps.
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Further information can be found at the following link: https://scheidegg-ai.ch/?ved=2ahUKEwjgg7f51vWFAxWZiv0HHV7YC2IQgU96BAggEAQ
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Jakobsbad-Kronberg mountain station / Kronberg mountain inn Kronberg mountain inn: The boom in tourism was not lost on Josef Anton Rusch (1896–1990), "Schotz-Sebedöni". By building an inn on the Kronberg, he hoped to provide a better livelihood for himself, his wife and their son. But first he needed a patent, which he was able to acquire from the recently closed "Gontenbad" spa. With this authorization in his pocket, on December 1, 1934, he bought around 12 acres of building land near the summit of the Kronberg from the owner of the "Dorwies" Alp, the Leimbach brown cattle breeding cooperative. Included in the purchase was the right to tap a spring that was located around 300 meters west of the building site. This already provided essential prerequisites for the realization of Sebedöni's plans. However, before construction could begin, a transport cable car had to be built. In the valley, the so-called "engine house" was built near the "Anker" house on the road to the Kalchofen. In order to maintain a straight line, three supports were built, the first near the main building of the "Weissbüel" property, the second near Schotz, where Rusch was born, grew up and worked as a forest warden for the Höhe-Kronberg timber corporation, and the third in the "Klein Hackbüel" home pasture. This ensured that building materials and construction workers could be transported without any problems. But unauthorized persons such as a later president of the "Kronbergbahn AG" also made use of this fast travel option. On June 9, 1935, at Whitsun, the first toast was made in the new guesthouse, which was still under construction at the time. The construction work was mostly carried out by locals. During the construction period, a new telephone line was also laid from Scheidegg across the "Gross Chenner" Alp. Text / Source: Jakobsbad-Kronberg cable car AG, St. Josefstrasse 2 · 9108 Jakobsbad https://kronberg.ch/de/unternehmen/geschichte.html
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features and viewpoints can I explore around Schönengrund?
Schönengrund offers several stunning natural features and viewpoints. You can enjoy panoramic views from Kronberg Summit, which provides vistas of Lake Constance, the Säntis, and the Alpstein chain. Another popular spot is Hochhamm Mountain, considered the local mountain, offering extensive views reaching Appenzellerland and even the Bernese Alps on clear days. The Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi also boasts a beautiful view of the Alpstein and the northern flatlands.
Are there any scenic gorges or unique natural trails in the area?
Yes, the Wissbach Gorge Trail (Wissbachschluchtweg) is a wild and romantic side valley of the Glatt, featuring a covered wooden walkway. It's described as a paradise for families and offers a unique natural experience.
What historical or cultural sites are there to visit in the Schönengrund area?
You can explore several historical and cultural sites. The Chapel of St. James, though slightly further afield in Gonten, is a historic site dating back to 1464, known for its healing St. James's Spring. Schönengrund also features the Geschichtenweg Schönengrund (Story Path), a circular hiking trail with local tales of witches and demons, and the Kulturweg Schönengrund (Culture Path), which showcases the region's architectural heritage, including traditional 200-year-old houses.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Schönengrund?
Absolutely. The Wissbach Gorge Trail is particularly noted as a paradise for families with children. Additionally, Kronberg Summit and Schwägalp are both categorized as family-friendly, offering accessible experiences and amenities.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, can I do near Schönengrund's attractions?
The region around Schönengrund is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain hikes, including routes like the "Scheidegg Inn – Kronberg loop from Gonten" or the "Hundwiler Höhi – Göbsi loop from Gonten." For cycling enthusiasts, there are various cycling routes, such as the "Old Town of Appenzell – View of the Alpstein Mountains loop." If you prefer off-road adventures, explore gravel biking trails like the "Hochhamm Mountain Restaurant – View of the Säntis North Face loop." You can find more details on these activities and routes on the respective guide pages: Mountain Hikes around Schönengrund, Cycling around Schönengrund, and Gravel biking around Schönengrund.
When is the best time of year to visit Schönengrund for outdoor activities?
Schönengrund is appealing throughout the year. The summer months are ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring the lush green pastures. During the winter months, the area transforms into a destination for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing.
How can I reach the attractions around Schönengrund?
Many attractions, such as the Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi, are easily accessible from various directions and places like Hundwil, Gonten, or Zürchersmühle. For other mountain attractions like Kronberg Summit, cable cars or well-maintained hiking paths provide access. Public transport options are available to reach the general Schönengrund area, from where many trails and sites can be accessed.
Are there dining options available at the attractions?
Yes, several attractions offer dining. The Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi is a well-known mountain restaurant perfect for a break with a view. The Scheidegg Mountain Inn is another beautifully situated spot known for its friendly service and local dishes like Rösti. There's also a mountain restaurant at Hochhamm Mountain, often open on weekends, providing simple meals and a scenic terrace.
What winter activities are available around Schönengrund?
During winter, Schönengrund and its surroundings offer opportunities for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing, making it a great destination for snow sports enthusiasts.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Schönengrund?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, especially from spots like Kronberg Summit and the Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi. The tranquil countryside, fresh air, and the charm of traditional houses are also highly appreciated. The Schwägalp Alpine Show Dairy offers a unique cultural experience, allowing visitors to learn about traditional cheese production.
Can I take day trips from Schönengrund to other notable places?
Yes, Schönengrund's location in Eastern Switzerland makes it a convenient base for day trips. You can visit the majestic Säntis mountain, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Abbey of Saint Gall, or experience traditional cheese-making at the Appenzeller Schaukäserei (Appenzell show dairy).
Are there any unique local experiences or 'hidden gems' in Schönengrund?
Beyond the main attractions, Schönengrund itself is a tranquil farming village at 841 meters above sea level, offering a relaxing environment with lush green pastures and traditional houses, some approximately 200 years old. The Geschichtenweg Schönengrund (Story Path) provides a unique, engaging way to discover local folklore, while the Schwägalp Alpine Show Dairy offers an authentic glimpse into Swiss alpine farming traditions and cheese production.
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