International School Parent Magazine - Autumn 2019

ADVERTORIAL
Hoher Kasten:
Family Friendly Hiking In
The Appenzell Alps
The Hoher Kasten is a mountain located in the Appenzell Alps with a 360 degrees unlimited
panoramic view over six countries. It is located on the border between the cantons of
Appenzell Innerrhoden and St. Gallen.
Lush mountainsides quickly descend into teardrop lakes
of the most vibrant blues, gabled houses sprout from
cobbled villages and drastic slopes mark the ridges of the
Rhine Valley. From here, the rugged tor of the Appenzell Alps,
it’s possible to see the breathtaking panoramic landscapes of 6
European countries.
To reach the top, take the scenic cable car from Brülisau. Watch
as bucolic meadows adorned with traditional farmhouses and
colourful flora become little more than a natural patchwork of
distant greens as you ascend 1794 metres to reach the summit of
iconic Hoher Kasten.
Beyond Hoher Kasten
From Hoher Kasten, the eastern gateway to the Alpsteins hiking
area, it’s possible to embark on a diverse itinerary of hikes that
span 400 kilometres of trails with no less than 6 cable cars and a
delightful collection of mountain inns, perfect overnight options for
even the most frugal of families Whilst planning your hike, make
sure that you check the weather conditions and dress appropriately
as it can snow even as early as September.
The best walking option for families is the family trail Hoher
Kasten – Kamor – Forstseeli - Brülisau, which begins at the cable
car and takes hikers along the mountain ridge Kamor before
descending through a peaceful pine forest, where you can either
continue to the idyllic Forstseeli Lake for a waterside picnic or
to the mountain inn Ruhesitz where it’s possible to rent scooters
to ride back into Brülisau for a slightly more energetic end to the
trail.
The easiest route, accessible all year round, even with a buggy or
a wheelchair, is the Europa-Rundweg Circular Trail. A 259-meter
trail that waltzes around the entire summit of Hoher Kasten, the
trail provides views of Europe’s incredible mountain scenery -
including the Rhine Valley, Appenzellerland and Lake Constance.
Along the route you’ll find immersive viewing platforms that
reach out over the mountain peak, a revolving restaurant, benches
and free-to-use telescopes with educational integrated peak
identification systems, and there’s a surprising alpine garden filled
with rare plants. On a clear day it’s possible to lookout to Germany,
France, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy’s Monte di Zocca.
Another option is to hike to the dreamy Fählensee lake. This one
is a little trickier but it’s still accessible for families during Autumn
before the snow falls. Follow the Geological Trail directly from
the summit of Hoher Kasten and hike along the edge of the lake
to find a dairy farm, home to a herd of Appenzeller goats. Back
on the opposite end of the lake you’ll find the quaint mountain
inn Bollenwees nestled into a pastoral saddle in the mountain,
complete with inspiring views of the lake and surrounding
countryside. From there you can continue to hike back down into
Brülisau through spectacular forests, cow pastures and stunning
nature trails alive with distinctive flora and fauna.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PARENT AUTUMN 2019 | 52