Teufen: Hiking, Herb Garden and Grubenmann History

Teufen sits on a hill south of St. Gallen in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, amid the rolling hills between the Alpstein massif with Mount Säntis and Lake Constance. Hiking trails near Teufen lead through gentle hills and forests and offer views of the Alpstein. There are also places where you can explore the village’s history and the region’s religious heritage. Which side of Teufen shapes your stay depends on whether you mainly want to hike, discover cultural history or combine both.

Hiking in the rolling hills

Teufen offers hiking routes ranging from leisurely themed trails to challenging hikes lasting several days. When planning, therefore, the time available and the level of difficulty you want are important considerations. A leisurely hike leads from Teufen via Eggen to Vögelinsegg. The landscape of hills and forests, with views of the Alpstein, offers a different focus from routes that foreground their themes.

A walk can also offer an insight into local history: the “Im Wandel der Zeit” audio trail leads from the Zeughaus to Grubenmann Church and explores traces of Teufen’s development. If you plan to take this route, check that the audio material is available before your trip.

Herbs and group activities

The A.Vogel medicinal plant garden is open to the public daily, free of charge. Around 130 different medicinal plants and culinary herbs grow on the grounds. Check the current visitor regulations before your visit. This makes the garden an attraction in its own right, while the hiking trails offer a different way to experience the surroundings.

A.Vogel offers group tours in Teufen that can be booked year-round. As part of the group activities, you can also book a session on making herbal oil for CHF 5 per person. You can also combine a visit with a hike along the signposted herb experience trail to the Waldegg restaurant. Check the booking conditions for group activities and the route conditions before setting off.

Village history and Grubenmann buildings

The first documented references to Teufen date back to the 13th century. Agriculture and crafts shaped the village’s history, before small businesses and new economic opportunities emerged in the 19th century. The Teufen Cultural Trail leads through the village. There, imposing merchants’ and factory owners’ houses, along with the church, town hall and village school, bear witness to the prosperity of earlier times.

Since 2012, the former Zeughaus has housed an expanded, modern Grubenmann Museum. Using models, plans, pictures and documents, it presents the builders’ lives and work. A museum visit thus complements a look at the buildings in the village with insights into the builders’ work and legacy. Historic buildings and museums such as the Zeughaus Teufen also bring the history of the surrounding region to life.

Grubenmann Church in the village centre is the venue for most church services and larger events. It can also be rented for non-religious events such as concerts and gatherings. If you are planning a specific event, check the booking conditions in advance.

Wonnenstein Monastery and its church

Wonnenstein Monastery is situated above the Rotbach gorge; the Rotbach flows into the Sitter at Teufen. The current monastery complex was built between 1685 and 1688. Wonnenstein remains a pilgrimage destination. The Black Madonna in particular, a copy of the miraculous image of Einsiedeln, attracts many worshippers.

The monastery church can also be used for secular cultural events, particularly concerts by solo artists, small ensembles or choirs, provided they do not conflict with the building’s sacred character. In principle, it is intended to remain open to all visitors for silent prayer. Before your visit, check whether access is possible at your planned time.

Discover more destinations: Trogen, Gais, Speicher, Bühler

Return to the main travel overview: Mittelland.