Trogen brings together the history of the Zellweger textile-trading family, historic buildings, exhibitions and trails through the countryside. During your stay, you can choose between cultural attractions in the village, the Pestalozzi Children’s Village and a stage of the Alpine Panorama Trail. The range of themes makes it easier to decide whether you are mainly interested in architectural history, local history or a hike.
Architecture and the Zellweger story
Trogen Reformed Church was completely rebuilt between 1779 and 1782 by Hans Ulrich Grubenmann on the site of the former parish church, which dated from 1459. The town hall was built earlier, between 1760 and 1763: Johann Ulrich Grubenmann constructed it as a residence and place of business for the Zellweger textile-trading family. The two buildings thus represent different chapters in the village’s history.
The “Century of the Zellwegers” exhibition and the audio trails offer insights into Trogen’s stone palaces from the 18th and early 19th centuries, and into how the textile-trading family shaped the village. The audio trails lead to the town hall, with its Rococo stucco work, and to the textile foyer, which features fabric samples. The Laurenz Zellweger Room explores the family’s significance and connections. Tours as part of the “Century of the Zellwegers” also provide an opportunity to discover the interiors of the stone palaces.
More insights into Trogen’s history
If you would like to explore a different subject alongside architectural and family history, the Trogen Shooting Museum offers insights into the history of shooting in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The museum documents and archives its 400-year history. Trogen therefore offers different ways to explore the past, from its buildings and the textile-trading family to the history of shooting in the canton.
Trogen was first mentioned in 1168. The village name refers to several fountains and is reflected in the coat of arms. When Appenzell was divided into the half-cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden in 1597, Trogen became the administrative centre of Appenzell Ausserrhoden.
Scenery and the Alpine Panorama Trail
Trogen lies at an altitude of 903 metres, high above the left bank of the Goldach at the northern foot of the Gäbris. For a hike, the second stage of the Alpine Panorama Trail runs from Trogen to Appenzell across two gentle hills. When visibility is good, views extend to the Säntis, the city of St. Gallen, Lake Constance and across the rolling Appenzell countryside.
The stage offers a different way to experience Trogen from the village’s cultural attractions: rather than individual buildings, the focus is on a route with a named start and end point. Views depend on conditions. If you include the hike in your plans, bear in mind that distant views are not always equally clear.
Pestalozzi Children’s Village and getting there
The Pestalozzi Children’s Village is open year-round and admission is free. On site, there is a museum, play and recreation areas, and barbecue spots. The interactive exhibition explains how the village was established after the Second World War to take in war orphans, its subsequent development, and its focus on education and children’s rights. It complements the village’s local and architectural history with a distinct perspective on the history and work of the Children’s Village.
From Trogen railway station, a signposted, stroller-friendly path leads to the Children’s Village in about ten minutes. Trogen is accessible from St. Gallen by Appenzeller Bahn; check the current timetable before travelling. As access arrangements may change, it is also advisable to check the latest information before visiting the Children’s Village.
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