23.02.2026
9103 Schwellbrunn
Every year, on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, the Buebebloch takes place. An old forest and wood custom that was reintroduced in Schwellbrunn in 1961.
Early in the morning, a tree trunk - the so-called Bloch - is pulled on a beautifully decorated wagon by a band of boys. The route leads from Risi to the village of Schwellbrunn to Herisau and then via Waldstatt back to Schwellbrunn. The boys, of school age, represent traditional professions as well as farmers and alpine dairymen.
The Bloch is led by the herald on horseback. On the Bloch itself, a carter stands in front with a long whip. From far away you can hear the hammer blow of the blacksmith. Again and again he pushes brushwood into the furnace, which is placed at the very back of the tree trunk. From time to time, the blacksmith also throws a cracking swarmer into the resulting smoke. Next to the wagon marches the wagon driver, who is responsible for braking and safety. Behind the wagon, the hunter leads a bear on a rope. On the way, the bear plays all kinds of tricks with the onlooking population. The colorful "Kässelibuben" (boys dressed like little clowns) also accompany the Bloch and hold out the savings box to those willing to donate.
Back in the village, the Bloch is auctioned off to the highest bidder at about 16:00. Many interested people gather for this crowning finale on the Gant Square near the Harmonie. The proceeds will be divided among the participating boys.
The Bloch is led by the herald on horseback. On the Bloch itself, a carter stands in front with a long whip. From far away you can hear the hammer blow of the blacksmith. Again and again he pushes brushwood into the furnace, which is placed at the very back of the tree trunk. From time to time, the blacksmith also throws a cracking swarmer into the resulting smoke. Next to the wagon marches the wagon driver, who is responsible for braking and safety. Behind the wagon, the hunter leads a bear on a rope. On the way, the bear plays all kinds of tricks with the onlooking population. The colorful "Kässelibuben" (boys dressed like little clowns) also accompany the Bloch and hold out the savings box to those willing to donate.
Back in the village, the Bloch is auctioned off to the highest bidder at about 16:00. Many interested people gather for this crowning finale on the Gant Square near the Harmonie. The proceeds will be divided among the participating boys.
Contact
Appenzellerland Tourismus AG
St. Gallerstrase 49
9100 Herisau