Speicher is located in the Swiss canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, in a mild pre-Alpine setting and a spacious, sheltered hollow. The village combines viewpoints and historic landmarks with a range of hiking trails, a museum and winter activities. When planning your visit, you can therefore compare different highlights without combining them into a fixed itinerary.
Vögelinsegg: Views and History
Vögelinsegg is a popular viewpoint near Speicher. From there, you can enjoy views of the Alpstein and Lake Constance. The landscape conservation area includes cultural landmarks and a scenic vantage point. Vögelinsegg is also significant to the village’s history: it is associated with the battle of 15 May 1403. A statue commemorating the battle at Vögelinsegg has stood there since 1903. It depicts an Appenzell farmer holding a morning star, looking towards the nearby city of St. Gallen as a warning.
The historic surroundings also include the Tobler Monument, set in a spacious green area with a small park, meadows, trees and a few places to sit. The Eggen ridge trail begins at Vögelinsegg; parking and the Appenzeller Bahnen provide access to the starting point. The area is therefore interesting not only for its views, but also for visitors who want to start a hike or explore local history.
Speicher village square is home to an octagonal, neoclassical transept church. After lightning set the church tower on fire on 28 June 1804, voters decided to build a new church. Another cultural and historical milestone is 4 August 1825: the first cantonal singing festival was held at Vögelinsegg, organised by Johann Heinrich Tobler. The festival had a significant impact on choral singing in Switzerland and southern Germany.
Hiking Routes for Different Abilities
The hike from Vögelinsegg to St. Gallen starts at Vögelinsegg railway station in Speicher and takes about two and a half hours; the stated elevation gain is 168 metres. Another option is the “Goldachtobel from Above and Below” circular hike. It starts in Speicher, is 7.7 kilometres long and has an ascent of 457 metres. The details distinguish the routes by starting point, route format, approximate duration and ascent—useful when matching your available time with your planned route.
The Goldachtobel route passes through a spectacular gorge with rocks and steep slopes, offering far-reaching views across the hills to Lake Constance. Trail conditions can change; check them before setting out. Another hike, “From Warriors, Newts and Fens,” runs from Speicher via Speicherschwendi to Wenigerweiher. The pond is an amphibian spawning site of national importance. This route and the Goldachtobel circular hike therefore highlight different landscapes, without implying that they share a route.
Cultural Activities in the Village
The Museum of Life Stories documents people’s lives and brings them to light through exhibitions. It is part of the Hof Speicher residential and nursing care centre for older people. In addition to exhibitions, the programme includes readings, talks, musical and film performances, discussions and storytelling sessions. On average, the museum organises about two exhibitions a year and maintains an archive of its exhibitions and stories. Individual events change over time. KUL-TOUR adds to the cultural scene as a culinary non-profit fringe theatre in Speicher.
Winter Activities, Indoor Pool and Getting There
The Blatten ski lift is described as having a lift length of 250 metres and an elevation difference of 35 metres. The terrain is designed for beginners. Ski and snowboard lessons have been offered there since 1994; seasonal opening times may vary. Before travelling, check whether the lift is running and whether a lesson is available on your visit date. Other leisure activities in Speicher include a cross-country ski trail and hiking.
Swimming is available at the indoor pool. Visitors with limited mobility can use a free pool lift; check its availability before travelling. There is a bus stop in front of the indoor pool entrance, as well as free parking. As local arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the current details for the bus stop and parking before your visit. Car sharing is also available through Mobility at Speicher railway station.
Discover more destinations: Trogen, Gais, Bühler, Teufen.
Go to the regional travel overview: Mittelland.
