Urnasch Attractions

Urnäsch (alt. 826 m/2,710ft; pop. 2,300) is the largest in area and one of the oldest communes in Appenzell-Ausserrhoden. The village square with its trim wooden houses reflects the people's attachment to tradition, and Urnäsch is widely known for its rustic dances, New Year celebrations and other traditional observances. It has a museum of Appenzell traditions and a local museum. Footpaths lead into the surrounding hills. From Urnäsch it is 14km/9mi to Appenzell. The road comes in 4km/ 2mi to Jakobsbad (alt. 876 m/2,874ft; chalybeate spring), from which there is a cableway up the Kronberg (1,663 m/5,465ft: length 3,223 m/10,575ft, height difference 772 m/2,533ft, time eight minutes; restaurant). 2km/1mi beyond this is Gonten (alt. 902 m/2,960ft).