Attractions and Places To See in Vorderland - Top 20

Albrecht von Graefe (1828–1870), Heiden Medically, von Graefe is considered the true founder of the field of ophthalmology. In 1866, himself the son of an ophthalmologist, he became director of the ophthalmology department at the Charité in Berlin. He invented iridectomy for the treatment of glaucoma, and various other technical terms bear his name, such as Graefe's syndrome, Graefe's spot, or Graefe's reflex. His surgical skill was legendary, his creativity immense. Graefe studied medicine, mathematics, physics, and chemistry in Berlin. He wrote his dissertation in Latin in 1847. Afterwards, he was an assistant physician in Prague, where he began to dedicate himself entirely to ophthalmology. He continued his studies in Paris, Vienna, and London and returned to Berlin in 1852, where he completed his habilitation and opened a private eye clinic with 120 beds, which soon enjoyed worldwide fame in both practice and research. Graefe was exceptionally socially minded in his treatment, making no distinction based on social class – not least for this reason, his student Julius Hirschberg called him an "apostle of suffering humanity" in an obituary. Two years later, in 1854, he founded the first ophthalmological journal, the "Archiv für Ophthalmologie." In 1866, Graefe became director of the ophthalmology department at the Charité and was particularly successful in treating glaucoma and strabismus. He is said to have performed more than 10,000 eye operations. Various technical terms bear the name of the physician, such as "Graefe's syndrome," "Graefe's spot," or "Graefe's reflex." The consistent use of the ophthalmoscope developed by Helmholtz also goes back to Graefe. In 1851, Albrecht von Graefe came to Heiden for the first time; the young Berlin doctor had tuberculosis and wanted to benefit from the high-altitude climate. From 1860 onwards, he settled in Heiden every summer, operated at the «Freihof», and initiated the construction of a new spa hotel because his skill attracted so many patients that the hotel capacities were quickly insufficient. Whey cures and eye medicine helped the town to flourish, a prosperity that is still visible in the village today. von Graefe died in 1870 at the young age of 42 from pulmonary tuberculosis. Text / Source: Heiden Municipal Administration, Kirchplatz 6 / Postfach 64, 9410 Heiden https://www.heiden.ch/geschichte/13103

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Located in the heart of Appenzellerland, the Wolfhalden Museum invites you on a journey into the region's past. Housed in a 17th-century farmhouse, it vividly depicts life in earlier times, influential figures, and the tradition of home weaving. Visitors can expect exciting permanent and special exhibitions, as well as carefully selected artifacts. For opening hours, visit: https://museumwolfhalden.ch/.

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But the days of mutual taunts and arguments are long gone, and the suspension bridge is also a sign of peaceful coexistence. The bridge replaces the steep hiking trail through the Mattenbach ravine, which was repeatedly made impassable on both sides of the stream due to massive landslides and fallen trees.

The suspension bridge built between Grub AR and Grub SG is already five years old. During this time, thousands have ventured across the narrow, 180-meter-long footbridge that runs 46 meters above the Mattenbach. Despite having the same place name, the two communities on the Vorderland border waters of Mattenbach were once mortal enemies due to their different religious beliefs.

Thousands have ventured across the narrow footbridge: Five years of the suspension bridge between the two Grub In 2019, the 180-meter-long footbridge over the Mattenbach was inaugurated. It led to a revival of tourism in the Vorderland communities.