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About this place
Hundwiler Höhi is a hill summit at roughly 1,306 m above sea level, rising above the village of Hundwil in the Swiss canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Part of the Appenzell Alps, it sits right on the line between Ausserrhoden and Innerrhoden, with the Gonten district on the Innerrhoden side. It makes an easy, quiet day out in the Appenzeller Hinterland, with a view across to the Alpstein range.
Where is Hundwiler Höhi?
The hill lies south of Hundwil, in the rolling country known as the Appenzeller Hinterland. The summit is at about 47.34° N, 9.33° E. A wind turbine and a boundary stone stand on top, marking the cantonal border.
How do you get to the top?
The classic route starts in Gonten and climbs via Göbsi and the Gigershöhi rise. Expect about 7.5 km, around 430 m of ascent and roughly 2.5 hours in total. The final stretch to the summit takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
An alternative is a loop from Zürchersmühle, in the municipality of Urnäsch, going over Müllershöhi or Ramsten. It covers about 9 km with some 520 m of climbing and takes around 3.5 hours. From Gonten you can also descend through Himmelberg to Appenzell. Mountain bikers can reach the top as well.
What can you see from the summit?
The outlook stretches from the Alpstein to Lake Constance. To the south you can pick out Kronberg and Säntis, the highest peak of the whole massif. It is not a full 360-degree panorama, but hikers still rate the scenery highly.
What is there at the top?
A mountain restaurant operates at the summit, and overnight stays are possible. That makes it simple to combine the climb with a meal or stretch it into a two-day trip.
When should you go?
In summer the trails are clear and suit a relaxed hike. In winter a marked snowshoe trail crosses the hill, so the summit is worth a visit in the cold season too. Pick a clear day for the best views of Säntis and the Alpstein.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Hundwiler Höhi?
About 1,306 m above sea level.
How long does the hike take?
Around 2.5 hours from Gonten via Göbsi and Gigershöhi, or about 3.5 hours for the loop from Zürchersmühle.
Can you eat or stay overnight there?
Yes, there is a mountain restaurant at the summit with overnight accommodation.
Is it possible to visit in winter?
Yes, a marked snowshoe trail runs over the hill.
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