Discover Waldstatt: Trails, Art and Traditions

If you are planning a stay in Waldstatt, you can focus on trails, art or recurring traditions. Waldstatt is a municipality in the Swiss canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden and is part of the Hinterland. The surrounding area is hilly; its attractions range from a circular trail with views of the Säntis massif to art and local history. Consider whether you would like your trip to focus on the outdoors, art or a traditional event.

Trails, views and activities

The Waldstatt Panorama Trail is a circular route that takes about two and a half hours to go around Waldstatt. Along the way, there are repeated open views of the Säntis massif. The duration is approximate; if the route changes, the estimated time may change too.

The Emma Kunz Path runs from the village fountain to the idyllic pond at Bad Säntisblick. The work of Emma Kunz is presented at five stations. The pictures along the path invite you to take them in. The Emma Kunz Path thus focuses on engaging with Emma Kunz, while the Panorama Trail offers repeated views of the Säntis massif.

The Waldstatt Wood Trail offers another themed experience: this 6.5-kilometre trail has 16 stations to explore, learn and play. It is suitable for all age groups, but not for strollers or wheelchairs. Keep these limitations in mind when planning to include the Wood Trail in your trip.

A fire pit on the edge of the forest offers beautiful views of the Säntis. Firewood and spoon blanks are provided there; with the instructions available on site, you can carve a wooden spoon using a pocketknife. The walk to the fire pit takes around 45 minutes and may vary depending on the route and conditions. Materials and instructions may be maintained seasonally, so check what is available before your visit.

Waldstatt swimming pool also has a paddling pool for toddlers. It is open seasonally; check the opening hours for the time of your trip.

Art, traditions and local history

The Otto Bruderer House preserves the work of artist Otto Bruderer in his former home. The extensive collection includes watercolours, sketches and paintings on paper, canvas and hard surfaces. In connection with the house, the Otto Bruderer Society regularly organises exhibitions featuring contemporary artists. Visiting arrangements and the exhibition programme may change; check both for your preferred date.

The Gidioumzug takes place every year on Ash Wednesday. Schoolchildren dressed for carnival take part, accompanied by themed floats and people on foot. Along the route, local business owners give the mourners edible gifts. Details of the procession and the participating businesses may vary from year to year; check the date and visitor arrangements for your trip.

On Old New Year’s Eve, the Silvesterkläuse from Urnäsch and Waldstatt still appear on 13 January. The groups, known as Schuppel, go from farm to farm and now also from house to house. Visitor arrangements may change from year to year, so it is worth checking for your preferred date.

The history of education is also part of local history: Waldstatt’s first public school opened in 1727; previously, lessons were held in a classroom in the rectory. In the early 19th century, Waldstatt was severely affected by famine in the Appenzell region, especially in 1817. From the mid-19th century, the municipality began to recover from the years of crisis.

The historic Chapel of St. James is located near Waldstatt, below the Kronberg, and was first mentioned as early as 1464.

Discover more destinations: Urnäsch, Herisau, Stein, Schönengrund, Hundwil, Schwellbrunn

For the regional travel overview: Hinterland.