Appenzell, Switzerland Travel Guide | Alpine Traditions & Scenic Hikes

Appenzell, Switzerland

🧀 Appenzell: Switzerland’s Idyllic Countryside Heartbeat

Tucked at the foot of the Alpstein mountains, Appenzell is one of Switzerland’s most culturally vibrant and visually charming villages. Known for its cheese, colorful houses, open-air democracy, and lush hiking trails, Appenzell offers an immersive experience in authentic rural Swiss life.

🏡 Top Reasons to Visit Appenzell

1. 🎨 Wander the Old Town

Stroll through Appenzell’s compact car-free center, lined with ornately painted facades, traditional buildings, and local boutiques.
Visit Landsgemeindeplatz, where open-air voting still takes place every spring—an ancient form of direct democracy.

🖼️ Don’t Miss: The Museum Appenzell in the town hall for a deep dive into local customs, costumes, and art.

2. 🧀 Taste Appenzeller Cheese at Its Source

Visit the Appenzeller Show Dairy in Stein, just outside the village, to watch traditional cheese-making in action.
Taste the famously spicy Appenzeller cheese, whose recipe has been a secret for over 700 years.

🧀 Cheese Tip: Try the “Extra” variety if you enjoy bold, sharp flavors.

3. 🥾 Hiking in the Alpstein Region

Base yourself in Appenzell to explore breathtaking mountain trails, including:
- Seealpsee: A postcard-perfect alpine lake reachable via an easy hike.
- Ebenalp & Äscher Cliff Restaurant: Take a cable car and short hike to this iconic inn built into a cliffside.
- Säntis Peak: The highest point in northeastern Switzerland (2,502 m), reachable by cable car for panoramic views.

🌿 Best Time to Hike: Late May through October for green valleys, alpine flowers, and open trails.

4. 🍻 Traditions, Festivals & Folklore

Witness yodeling, alphorn playing, and men in traditional embroidered costumes herding cows during Alpabfahrt (cow descent in September).
Attend the Appenzell Music Festival or Silvesterchlausen, a New Year’s celebration with elaborate costumes and ancient rituals.

🎺 Cultural Tip: Visit in early summer or autumn for the richest display of living traditions.

🏨 Where to Stay

🏡 Hotel Hecht: A cozy, centrally located hotel with Appenzell charm.
🏞️ Hotel Hof Weissbad: A luxurious spa hotel ideal for wellness seekers.
🛏️ Guesthouses & Farm Stays: Book a room on a local farm for an immersive rural experience and homemade breakfasts.

🍽️ Local Cuisine Highlights

🧈 Rösti with Appenzeller cheese and eggs.
🍲 Siedwurst (boiled sausage) served with sauerkraut.
🍞 Biberli: Sweet gingerbread filled with almond paste—a must-try Appenzell specialty.
🥃 Appenzeller Alpenbitter: A complex herbal digestif, served after meals.

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

Hand-embroidered traditional clothing and accessories.
Local cheese, honey, and jams.
Wooden crafts and folk art reflecting Appenzell motifs.

👜 Shopping Tip: Visit Flauderei for handmade regional gifts and gourmet products.

🚞 How to Get There

By Train: Easily accessible from Zurich (under 2.5 hours) via Gossau or St. Gallen.
By Car: Scenic drives lead through rolling hills and picturesque farms. Parking is available at town edges.

🚆 Train Tip: Sit on the right side for panoramic valley views as you approach Appenzell.

📅 Best Time to Visit

May to October: Ideal for hiking, festivals, and warm-weather charm.
December–January: For magical snowfall and the Silvesterchlausen winter festival.