The barefoot trail leads through Gonten’s moorland and the Gontenmoos to Gontenbad. At 5.30 kilometres, it connects Jakobsbad, Gonten and Gontenbad; it is classified as an easy themed trail, SAC difficulty rating T1. The Toobeschopf, a small museum with historical pictures and tools from the former peat extraction in the Gontenmoos, is located along the trail. This brings the landscape and a first-hand glimpse into the history of peat extraction together on the same route.
Barefoot trail, moorland and descents
Other route details describe different experiences: the Kronberg sledging route runs for around 7 kilometres from the summit to the valley station in Jakobsbad and has an elevation difference of 772 metres. In Jakobsbad, the Kronberg AG bob track offers a 1 km descent on rails. The two descents differ in length; by contrast, the barefoot trail is an easy themed route through the moorland. Gonten’s winter activities also include a cross-country ski trail. Its operating conditions may vary seasonally. If you would like to include golf in your plans, Gonten has an 18-hole course in hilly surroundings, with the Alpstein in the background.
Music, traditions and history
The Roothuus Gonten offers guided tours for groups of up to 25 people. Topics include the building’s history dating back to 1762, folk music from around the Alpstein and historical instruments. The tour also includes access to the ballroom with its Baroque paintings. Afterwards, guests can sing and try their hand at Talerschwingen—the traditional art of spinning coins in a bowl—for an interactive finale for groups interested in local musical traditions.
On the first weekend in September, Gonten celebrates its patron saint, St Verena, with a two-day Chilbi festival. Market vendors sell their products, and village associations run stalls. Processions take place during religious celebrations such as the Chilbi, and especially on Corpus Christi. Women wear traditional costumes, while associations display their flags. The Chilbi and processions offer insights into different aspects of local traditions: the market and the communal religious celebration.
Guided tours with local insights
In Gontenbad, Goba AG’s public tour is scheduled for Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. from April to the end of October, excluding public holidays. Booking at least 24 hours in advance is required; seasonal dates may vary from year to year. On the tour, guests visit the reservoir, taste mineral water directly at the spring and learn about the bottling process. Tasting Goba products is also part of the experience. Check the specific date before travelling if you would like to make the tour a firm part of your plans.
At Appenzeller Ziegenprodukte AG, the visitor gallery offers a view into the production rooms. Visitors learn more about the traditions and customs of the Appenzell region, the Appenzell goat and its products. Since 2011, the exhibition area has been open to visitor groups of any size by prior arrangement. Tasting the company’s own goat products is a central part of the tour.
Choose travel dates to suit your plans
The Goba tour runs on a weekly seasonal schedule, while the Chilbi takes place on the first weekend in September. So if you are looking for a hotel in Gonten, it may help to choose your preferred activity and travel dates first.
Discover more destinations: RĂĽte, Wasserauen, Schlatt-Haslen, Oberegg, Appenzell
Go to the main travel overview: Appenzell Innerrhoden.
