Attractions and Places To See around Waldstatt - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Waldstatt, a municipality in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland, offers a blend of nature and local culture. The region is characterized by its hilly landscape and provides opportunities for exploration. Visitors can discover distinctive local attractions and notable sites within the surrounding Appenzellerland region. The area is known for its natural features and cultural landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Waldstatt
- The most popular attractions is Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi…
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Kronberg Summit
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Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi
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Chapel of St. James
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St.Gallen Abbey District and Old Town
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Appenzell Village
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It is the capital of the half-canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden!
appenzell.ch/de/dorf-appenzell/sehens-wuerdigkeiten.html
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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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very nice, lots of pedestrians though
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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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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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Beautiful cozy town with many restaurants and cafes as well as a wonderful monastery church.
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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 are some popular natural features and viewpoints around Waldstatt?
The region around Waldstatt is known for its scenic beauty. You can enjoy panoramic views from Kronberg Summit, which offers extensive vistas of Lake Constance, Säntis, and Alpstein. Another excellent spot for views is the Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi, providing a wonderful outlook over the Alps and the northern flatlands.
Are there family-friendly activities or trails in Waldstatt?
Yes, Waldstatt offers family-friendly options. The Holzweg Waldstatt (Wood Trail) is a themed hiking trail spanning 6.5 kilometers with 16 stations designed for exploration, learning, and play, suitable for all ages. While not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, it's a great outdoor experience. Additionally, the Kronberg Summit is accessible and offers a mountain inn, making it a pleasant destination for families.
What historical or cultural sites can I visit near Waldstatt?
Near Waldstatt, you can visit the Chapel of St. James, a historical religious building located below the Kronberg peak, with mentions dating back to 1464. For a richer cultural experience, the city of St. Gallen, approximately 10-12 kilometers away, boasts the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Abbey of Saint Gall and its invaluable Abbey Library, along with a charming St. Gallen Old Town.
What kind of hiking trails are available around Waldstatt?
Waldstatt and its surroundings offer a variety of hiking trails. The Holzweg Waldstatt is a popular themed trail within the municipality. For more challenging mountain hikes, you can explore routes like the 'Scheidegg Inn – Kronberg loop from Gonten' or 'Kronberg – Scheidegg Inn loop from Jakobsbad'. You can find more details and routes in the Mountain Hikes around Waldstatt guide.
Can I learn about local traditions or products in the area?
Absolutely. The Appenzeller Schaukäserei (Appenzell Show Dairy) in Stein, about 4.8 kilometers from Waldstatt, is a popular place to learn about and experience the production of the famous Appenzeller cheese. This offers a direct insight into a significant local tradition.
Are there any specific trails related to local personalities or art?
Yes, Waldstatt features the Emma Kunz Path and Wooden Pavilion. This path commemorates the life and work of the renowned healer, researcher, and artist Emma Kunz, who lived in Waldstatt. It includes five stations along a hiking trail, leading past her former residence to a tranquil pond, and features a unique three-dimensional wooden pavilion showcasing her art.
What are the options for cycling or mountain biking near Waldstatt?
The region around Waldstatt is excellent for cycling and mountain biking. You can find various routes, including challenging mountain bike trails like the 'Schwänberg Bridge – Magdenauer Weiher loop from Waldstatt' or scenic cycling tours such as the 'View of the Säntis North Face – Schwägalp Pass summit loop from Waldstatt'. Explore more options in the Cycling around Waldstatt guide or the MTB Trails around Waldstatt guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Waldstatt?
Visitors frequently highlight the stunning panoramic views from mountain peaks and restaurants, such as the Kronberg Summit and the Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi. The well-preserved St. Gallen Old Town is also appreciated for its charm, shops, and historical architecture. Many enjoy the combination of natural beauty and opportunities for refreshment at mountain inns like Scheidegg Mountain Inn.
Are there any adventure or water parks nearby for entertainment?
Yes, for adventure and water park fun, Santispark is located in Gaiserwald, approximately 7.2 kilometers from Waldstatt. It offers a great option for family entertainment and a change of pace from hiking and cultural exploration.
Where can I find a zoo near Waldstatt?
If you're looking for a zoo experience, Walter Zoo is located in Gossau, about 6.9 kilometers from Waldstatt. It's a convenient option for animal lovers and families visiting the region.
What is the best way to experience the high mountain views, like Säntis?
To experience the breathtaking panoramic views from high altitudes, you can take the Säntis - Schwebebahn (Cable Car) located in Hundwil, around 11.4 kilometers from Waldstatt. This provides easy access to the Säntis mountain, offering spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Are there places to eat and rest along the trails or near attractions?
Yes, several mountain restaurants and inns are available. The Restaurant at Hundwiler Höhi is a well-known spot with beautiful views. The Scheidegg Mountain Inn is another beautifully situated option known for its friendly service and local cuisine. The Kronberg Summit also has a nearby mountain restaurant for refreshments.
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