Forscherstein

Forscherstein is a large boulder in the municipality of Schwende-Rüte, in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, standing at the mouth of the Schwendetal valley near the hamlet of Wasserauen, right at the foot of the Ebenalp massif. Unassuming at first glance, the rock carries discreet memorial plaques honouring scholars who mapped and studied the Alpstein massif during the 19th and 20th centuries — among them geologists Arnold Escher von der Linth and Albert Heim, naturalist Friedrich von Tschudi, and paleontologist and prehistorian Emil Bächler, best known for his excavations in the Wildkirchli caves. Today the Forscherstein, at roughly 877 metres above sea level, serves a double purpose: a waypoint on a valley footpath and a well-known outdoor climbing crag on solid limestone.

How do you get there?

The starting point is Wasserauen, the terminus of the Appenzeller Bahnen railway line from Appenzell and also the base station of the cable car up to Ebenalp. From the station, a gentle, signposted path known as the Forschersteinweg follows the Schwendebach stream to the rock, a walk of about fifteen to twenty minutes. The same spot lies along the "Bachbummel ins Schwendetal" loop, an easy, family-friendly walk beside the stream with no significant climbing. Climbers heading to the crag typically need only about ten minutes from the parking area in Wasserauen.

What will you see?

The boulder itself is striking simply for its bulk, set against the cool beech forest that lines the valley floor. Look closely and you will find the small plaques set into the stone — easy to miss unless you know to look, and an unusual case of a monument to scientific inquiry rather than a historical event or public figure. For climbers, the Forscherstein is one node in the vast Alpstein climbing network, which counts close to 900 routes and more than 2,100 pitches in total; the limestone here suits both newcomers and more experienced climbers. Following the trail further toward Ebenalp, the ground grows steadily rockier as the path climbs through Blättliweg and Alp Bommen to the Gartenwald forest, from where the summit station is close at hand.

When should you visit?

The hiking and climbing season runs from late spring into early autumn, when the trails and rock are dry and the Ebenalp cable car runs on its regular schedule. In summer, the shade of the beech forest along the Schwendebach offers welcome relief from the heat, and the stream makes the walk an easy option with children in tow. In autumn, the changing forest colours and thinner crowds make it a quieter stop for a short walk before continuing further into the Alpstein.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is the Forscherstein? It is a large boulder in the Schwendetal valley bearing memorial plaques to researchers of the Alpstein — geologists, a naturalist, and a paleontologist — and, at the same time, a popular climbing rock.

How long is the walk from Wasserauen? On foot it takes about fifteen to twenty minutes along a gentle streamside path; climbers reach the crag from the parking area in around ten minutes.

Is the walk suitable for families with children? Yes, the path beside the Schwendebach is easy and runs through shaded beech forest with no steep sections, making it a good option for a short outing.

Can a visit to the Forscherstein be combined with a trip up Ebenalp? Yes, the trail continues via Blättliweg and Alp Bommen up to Ebenalp, from where the cable car brings you back down to Wasserauen.