Teufen sits on a hill south of St. Gallen, in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The hilly landscape between the Alpstein massif, with the Säntis, and Lake Constance provides a setting for a stay that can combine village history with trails through the countryside. The town’s highlights include the Grubenmann heritage, religious culture and A.Vogel’s knowledge of medicinal plants; surrounding trails lead through hills and forests.
Grubenmann History in the Village
Since 2012, the former arsenal has housed the expanded, modern Grubenmann Museum. Models, plans, pictures and documents offer insight into the builders’ lives and work. Topics include timber structures with large spans for churches and bridges, as well as numerous homes. You can explore architecture while also getting a glimpse of the region’s craft history.
Teufen was first mentioned in written records in the 13th century. Agriculture and crafts shaped the village’s history; in the 19th century, small businesses and new economic impetus followed. The townscape also reflects its former prosperity: the Teufen Cultural Trail leads through the village, where imposing merchants’ and factory owners’ houses, as well as the church, town hall and Dorf schoolhouse, bear witness to the past.
Another way to explore history while out and about is the “Im Wandel der Zeit” audio trail. On a walk, it leads from the arsenal to the Grubenmann Church and focuses on traces of Teufen’s development. If you plan to follow the audio trail, check that the audio service is available before your trip.
Churches and Wonnenstein Monastery
Most services and larger events take place at the Grubenmann Church in the village centre. The church can also be hired for non-religious events such as concerts and gatherings; check dates and conditions in advance if needed. It is a different destination from Wonnenstein Monastery, whose history and religious significance offer another perspective on a visit.
The Wonnenstein monastery complex stands above the Rotbach gorge. The stream flows into the Sitter at Teufen. The present-day complex was built between 1685 and 1688 and remains a place of pilgrimage. The Black Madonna, a copy of the Einsiedeln miraculous image, draws many worshippers. The monastery church can also be used for secular cultural events, such as concerts by solo artists, small ensembles or choirs, provided they do not conflict with the building’s sacred character. It is intended to remain open to all visitors for silent prayer. Check whether access is possible before visiting.
Herbal Knowledge and Hikes
The A.Vogel medicinal plant garden is open to the public every day, free of charge. Around 130 different medicinal plants and culinary herbs grow on the grounds. Since visitor arrangements should be checked before your trip, it is advisable to consult the latest visitor information. The garden offers a direct glimpse into the world of plants, while the Grubenmann sites provide the cultural focus.
A.Vogel offers group tours in Teufen that can be booked year-round. As an additional activity, groups can book a session making herbal oil for CHF 5 per person. A visit can also be combined with a hike along the signposted herb trail to the Waldegg restaurant. Check trail conditions before setting off so you can plan the hike to suit your stay.
The hikes around Teufen also offer a range of options: they lead through gentle hills and forests and afford views of the Alpstein. The choice ranges from leisurely themed trails to challenging multi-day hikes. One easy route leads from Teufen via Eggen to Vögelinsegg. This offers both trails for a single outing and longer hikes, without reducing the different options to one standard route.
Discover more destinations: Trogen, Speicher, BĂĽhler, Gais.
Back to the regional travel overview: Mittelland.
