Neoclassical stone houses, a medicinal herb show garden and guided forest experiences show how varied a stay in Mittelland can be. When planning your trip, it is worth choosing visits based on your interests and any scheduling requirements: some places can be visited spontaneously, while other experiences take place at set times or require advance booking.
Mittelland is still commonly used as a name for the region. The former Mittelland district was an administrative unit in the Swiss canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden; the district structure was formally abolished in 1995.
Trogen: Architectural History and the Children's Village
Trogen's town center is characterized by closely spaced neoclassical stone houses. They were built by the Zellweger merchant family. Their compact layout and shared architectural style make the houses a striking feature of the town center.
The Pestalozzi Children's Village offers a different historical perspective. It was established in the 1940s as a home and educational center for orphans from countries affected by the Second World War. The grounds, including the play areas, are open year-round, around the clock, and free of charge. From Trogen railway station, a signposted, stroller-accessible path leads there in about a ten-minute walk. Check the latest access information before your visit.
Teufen: Medicinal Herbs, Master Builders and Dining
Teufen is home to the A.Vogel medicinal herb show garden and the A.Vogel Museum, both associated with naturopathic medicine pioneer Alfred Vogel. Around 120 different medicinal and culinary herbs grow in the show garden; the collection may change over time. Walk-in visitors can visit the garden free of charge every day. Access information may change, so it is worth checking shortly before your visit.
Those interested in the show garden program can choose from group tours, public tours and experience days. Check the current dates in advance. The Grubenmann Museum in the Teufen Armory focuses on the history and work of the Grubenmann family, prominent 18th-century master builders. Exhibits include models of bridges and roof structures, an audiovisual presentation and a large selection of old woodworking tools.
Above Teufen, Erlebnis Waldegg brings together themed dining experiences. These include the «Schnuggebock» farmhouse, the «Ziträdli» wood-fired bakery and the «Tintelompe» schoolroom. The menu features fresh regional produce, and dishes change. Among other things, the bakery makes loaves, braided bread, spelt loaves and Appenzell baked goods such as Biber. At «Ziträdli», visitors can prepare an original Appenzell Biber specialty together. Before booking, confirm whether the workshop is available.
Gais: Forest Experiences and Route Information
The Gais forest experience area is set amid diverse woodlands and flowering marsh meadows. Tours of about an hour cover trees and shrubs, forest animals, birds and insects, as well as sustainable forest management and the functions of the forest. The experience area also includes the «Nature Trail of the Senses», with 50 signs and objects. If you are planning a guided tour, check the current booking arrangements.
The 2024 tourist map lists the «Appenzell Mittelland Route» as 21.9 kilometers long, with 760 meters of elevation gain and 760 meters of descent, and rates it as moderately difficult. These figures can help you gauge the route's scope; conditions and signage may change. Check both before basing your plans on them.
Choose the Focus of Your Stay
For architecture and regional history, Trogen's neoclassical houses and Children's Village take center stage; Teufen combines a herb garden, museum and dining experiences. In Gais, the focus is on forest knowledge and nature. You can start by choosing the theme that interests you most, then consider whether a spontaneous visit or a scheduled activity better fits your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: BĂĽhler, Speicher, Trogen, Teufen, Gais, Hinterland, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Vorderland.
Go to the main travel overview: Appenzell.
