The best road cycling routes around Ebnat Kappel

From baker to pioneer of the Kägi biscuit factory Alfred Kägi was born on September 19, 1928, in Bad Ragaz. He grew up with his twin brother Eugen in a family of six. After his mother passed away early, his father, Otto Kägi sen., moved with his children to Lichtensteig in 1934, where he took over a bakery with a restaurant in the "Hecht" building. In 1951, the three sons Otto jun., Eugen, and Alfred – known to everyone as "Fredi" – took over the family business. Even before that, the father had built the first small factory in Loreto, where about a dozen employees produced wafers and Toggenburg rolls. Success was not long in coming: in 1955, the new, larger factory was built on the opposite side of the street – just as it exists today (see photo). The technical progress was largely due to the ingenuity of Alfred Kägi. The trained baker and engineer further developed production processes, created the characteristic chocolate coating, and thus contributed decisively to making the "Kägi fret" known and loved throughout Switzerland. Together with the commercially savvy Eugen and the sales-gifted Otto jun., the three brothers formed an unbeatable team that brought not only economic success but also jobs and prosperity to the region. A life between drive, modesty, and passion In 1996, the Kägi brothers sold their company to Valora Holding AG. Afterward, Alfred Kägi dedicated himself increasingly to his passions – especially horse riding and being active in nature. Walks to the Neutoggenburg or the Köbelisberg were part of his daily ritual. In his later years, he withdrew more and more, but always remained closely connected to his home town of Lichtensteig. Thanks to attentive and loving care, Alfred Kägi was able to live in his familiar home until the very end. Text / Source: CITY ADMINISTRATION, Hauptgasse 8, Lichtensteig https://www.lichtensteig.ch/aktuellesinformationen/2640220

Kägi-Shop, Lichtensteig In the happiness shop (Glücksshop) you will find a large selection of Kägi specialties, gift packs, special offers, second-choice products and Kägi souvenirs, as well as selected products from third-party companies. Of course, you are also welcome to taste the various varieties. You can also design your own personal Kägi fret wrapper or create a GlücksGrüessli and print it out immediately. On a large screen, we are happy to give you an insight into our production steps. Last but not least, simply enjoy a drink at the coffee bar. Does Kägi also give you that very special moment of pleasure and happiness? Then do not hesitate any longer and stop by the Kägi Glücksshop. Text / Source: STADTVERWALTUNG, Hauptgasse 8, Lichtensteig https://www.lichtensteig.ch/sehenswuerdigkeiten/6150

Lichtensteig - The capital of Toggenburg The semicircular town was founded around 1200 by the Counts of Toggenburg on a rocky outcrop above the Thur and was dependent on the Abbey of St. Gallen from 1468; since 1803 it has been the capital of the Neutoggenburg district. Lichtensteig is located in the Thur valley. The old town nestles in a semicircle around the mountain and was originally protected by ditches and walls. The gates were demolished in 1828. When a river carves its way over thousands of years, it does not always leave only valleys behind. Because sometimes the water encounters harder opponents, as in Steigrüti. Here, surrounded by fields and forests, lies the Äulischlucht gorge. You can spend a whole day in the Äulischlucht. The old town hall, mentioned in 1534, was renovated in the 17th century. The Türmchenhaus and the 'Glocke' were originally parts of a patrician house in the Hauptgasse from 1583. The renovation dates from 1766. Staircase on the back of the 'Glocke'. In the north of the town is the Loreto Chapel, built in 1677-80, a baroque complex with a prothyrum crowned by turrets. The historic center of Lichtensteig is unique. Since the 13th century, residential and commercial buildings have grown into an organic whole that delights architecture lovers: in the alleys, almost a dozen shops, restaurants, and cafés invite you to stroll and browse. And at events like the Jazz Days or the Christmas market, the old town does not become a backdrop, but remains a central part of the action. The historic old town of Lichtensteig was awarded by the Council of Europe in 1975 for the exemplary maintenance of the place. The preservation and beautification of the townscape is still very important today. Text / Source: Die schönsten Schweizer Dörfer - Via Ciani 5, CH-6900 Lugano https://swissvillages.org/lichtensteig/?lang=de

View of Hemberg

Historic village center

Lichtensteig is the only historic small town in Toggenburg. It was founded around 1228 by the Counts of Toggenburg and is picturesquely situated on a rocky spur above the Thur river. The well-preserved old town with its arcades, narrow alleys, and burgher houses is under national protection and received the Wakker Prize in 2023 for its exemplary townscape preservation. In the Middle Ages, Lichtensteig was an important market town and, from 1468 to 1798, the administrative seat of the bailiff of the Abbey of St. Gallen. Worth seeing are the old town, the ruins of Neu-Toggenburg above the town, the Toggenburg Museum, as well as the numerous cafés, small shops, and cultural events such as the Lichtensteig Jazz Days. Historically interesting is also the fact that the Toggenburger Bank, founded in 1863 – a predecessor of today's UBS – originated in Lichtensteig.

Great old wooden construction

From the Urnäscherstrasse you have a great view of the village of Hemberg, which is settled on the wide mountain ridge. On the lush green pastures in between, cows often graze, whose milk is processed into fine Appenzeller cheese. What an idyll!