The Tour de Suisse in
Heiden
a health resort with far-reaching views
High above Lake Constance, the resort of Heiden not only offers good air, but also marvellous views of the lake and mountains. This was the basis for the town’s development into a famous health resort back in the 19th century. Even today, the ‘Hädlerinnen’ and ‘Häädler’ are proud of the history of their village.
This is why health, wellness and active relaxation still play a central role for guests from all over the world in the municipality located in the Appenzeller Vorderland: the pre-alpine landscape invites to hike on various themed trails and the proximity to regional centres (St. Gallen, Bregenz, Friedrichshafen, Constance) guarantees an optimal range of excursions. One of the most famous guests was Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Red Cross, who spent the rest of his life in Heiden and to whom a modern museum is dedicated. The Nagasaki Peace Bell, situated next to the museum, emphasises the importance that international humanitarian law still has today.
Heiden is also an architectural gem: after the village fire of 1838, it was rebuilt in the Biedermeier-classical style. In the protected village centre, the church tower offers a good orientation and viewing point. With the swimming pool (built in 1932 in the Art Deco style) and the Kursaal (built in 1957 in the classical modernist style), the village has architectural monuments that are surpassed by the Lindensaal only, built in 1841. Heiden is well connected by train and bus and has a solid economy, with industry and services taking centre stage.