Appenzellerland: Switzerland’s idyllic rural paradise
Appenzellerland is an area of Eastern Switzerland. It comprises two Swiss cantons – Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The area is sometimes simply referred to as Appenzell.
The Appenzellerland region includes Lake Constance – one of Switzerland’s clearest and most placid lakes, and the Mount Säntis area, from which there are stunning views over the Alps and six European countries.
There are some lovely towns and villages in the area. These include Appenzell, the capital of Appenzell Innerrhoden, as well as Stein, Heiden, Trogen and Herisau.
The latter is famous for the annual Bloch parade, featuring men in colourful traditional Appenzell dress carrying a huge felled tree.
A rich tradition of agriculture in this area means that cheesemaking and dairy farming are often features of the area’s festivals and attractions. Seeing the cattle being moved to alpine pastures for summer is a big event, as is their autumn return.
The village of Stein has a Show Dairy, where visitors can see Swiss cheesemaking in action.
Mount Säntis is also a huge part of Appenzellerland’s attraction. The world’s biggest Swiss flag, an interactive weather exhibition, cable car rides and an elevated gastronomic experience are among the most popular attractions here.
Visitors can also hike from here to Lake Seealpsee, or enjoy various winter sports in Schwägalp.
From pretty Swiss villages to the summit of Mount Säntis, seeing cheesemaking or the spectacle of local folk in traditional dress, there is lots to keep visitors occupied in Appenzellerland.
This guide covers an outline of the Appenzellerland region, key events, what to do in the area, how to get there and where to stay. Read on to discover this scenic and unspoilt part of Switzerland.
🇨🇭 Learn more about Appenzellerland on episode 18 of our podcast.
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What's in this Article
Where is Appenzellerland?
Appenzellerland – also known by the shorter name of Appenzell – is located in Eastern Switzerland. The name belongs to both the smallest of the Swiss cantons – Appenzell Innerrhoden – and its twin canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The name is also given to the town of Appenzell.
Appenzell Innerrhoden is one of two cantons that formed the Appenzell region in the past: the other being Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The historic canton was split into two in the late sixteenth century, during the Swiss Reformation, and for this reason each is sometimes referred to as a half canton.
The canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden adjoins its twin Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and both are enclosed by the larger Swiss canton of St Gallen. This area of the country is known as Eastern Switzerland.
The region’s motto “From Lake Constance to Säntis” sums up the area that is covered by Appenzellerland.
Appenzell can be reached from Zurich by train in about 2 hours, or via a drive of around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The city of St. Gallen is 40 minutes away by train and around 25 minutes by car.
Appenzell traditions and customs
The Appenzellerland region has a long tradition of farming, so many of the area’s events have an agricultural theme. Here are some of the key festivals.
New Year Festival
Also known as Silvesterchlausen or the Mummer’s Processions, this takes place on both 31st December and 13th January each year – 31 December representing the end of the year on the Gregorian calendar and 13 January being the final day on the Julian calendar.
Males from the area proceed through the towns of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, attired in colourful robes and masks, during the early hours of the day. They go around yodelling, ringing bells and wishing townsfolk and farmers a happy new year.
This procession has taken place since the fifteenth century and attracts visitors from all over Switzerland, as well as further afield.
Bloch
The Herisauer Bloch parade is one of Appenzell Ausserrhoden’s key events. It occurs on the Monday following Ash Wednesday, when males from Herisau pull the Bloch – a felled tree trunk – through the area’s villages.
Like all Appenzell festivals, this is a colourful occasion, with men and boys clad in traditional Swiss dress.
Alpabfahrt
The Alpabfahrt is a much-anticipated event which occurs every spring/summer, when the cattle are taken up the mountain to graze on the fresh alpine grass.
There is no fixed date for this procession as the ascent is determined by when the snow has melted, but those who visit during April have the best chance of witnessing the spectacle.
The procession is led by a boy in herdsman’s clothing, a girl in traditional Swiss children’s garb and the main herdsman in festive red, yellow and black folk dress.
Three cows will join the head herdsman, and due to the large bells hung round their necks, it is a noisy event. Some bells can weigh up to 9 kilograms!
Alpabzug
The procession when the herd is brought back down from the alpine pastures for the winter, is known as Alpabzug. It usually takes place during mid to late September in Urnäsch, where a large farmer’s market is also held in honour of the occasion.
Again, the date is not fixed but the farmers like to have their cattle returned to their barns before the first snow falls of the season.
Jodelfest
The Jodelfest in the town of Appenzell is another festival not to be missed. Featuring yodellers, alphorn players, flag throwers and a Schwingen competition, the festival is held over three days in early summer.
The streets are filled with performers dressed in traditional Appenzellerland costumes and free performances are held throughout the town.
Along with food and drink stalls, the music and performances provide a friendly, festive atmosphere.
Places to visit in Appenzellerland
Heiden
Home to the Bloch parade detailed above, the Swiss village of Heiden is well worth a visit. It can be found in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. The village is centred around the historic church square, which is listed as an important site of national significance.
This village dates back to the Biedermeier era, which occurred in the early 1800s. The area surrounding the church square is a traditional Biedermeier village. Over 50% of the Heiden area is used for farming.
Due to the village’s elevated position there are stunning panoramas over Lake Constance from the area.
A great way to explore the area around Heiden and make the most of those views is on a round trip to Lake Constance.
Start by walking the Joke Trail from Heiden to Walzenhausen, then hop aboard the rack railway which runs to Rheineck. From there you join a boat cruise to Rorschach before returning to Heiden aboard the rack railway.
Trogen
Trogen is a Swiss hilltop town with traditional wooden houses and a Baroque church. The settlement is officially recognised as one of the country’s most scenic, and it belongs to the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland association.
Trogen is located in the Appenzell Ausserrhoden canton, and is one of the prettiest villages in Appenzellerland. Located at over 900 metres above sea level, there are sweeping views over the surrounding landscape and up towards the Gäbris mountain.
Part of the village’s charm is provided by the contrast between wooden chalet-style buildings and the majestic stone mansions built by the Zellweger family of rich merchants.
The village is also famous for the post-war Pestalozzi Children’s Village, constructed primarily for orphans after World War 2.
Herisau
Herisau is known for its church with Rococo furnishings that date from 1520. Also situated in Appenzell Ausserrhoden, it occupies a waterside position by the Glatt River.
Although the current Church of St Laurence dates from the 1500s, it was referred to as far back as the 10th century. The ruins of the Rosenberg castle also loom over the landscape, from their elevated position above the town.
Herisau has a cattle market, and is also known for the manufacture of metal items, cotton textiles and electrical goods. Many visitors use the town as a starting point when touring the Alpstein Säntis region, or head to the health resorts of the area.
Appenzell
The settlement of Appenzell is the capital of Appenzell Innerrhoden. Economically, politically and culturally, it is the most important town in Appenzell Innerrhoden.
The village is a pretty one, with wooden and brightly painted houses. It is also known for the intricate wrought iron signs adorning its shops. It’s a great place to explore by wandering the streets, as the central area is a car-free zone.
Behind the village are rolling green hills where cattle graze, completing a picture that is typically – and charmingly – Swiss.
Stein
Stein is also positioned in an elevated spot, with panoramic views over the Appenzell hinterland and surrounding deep valleys. The unspoilt village is surrounded by lush green pastures, and the area is known for dairy farming.
Visitors to Stein can explore the historic village centre, which includes a church featuring distinctive stucco work and 18th century homes.
The Appenzell Folk Museum is a big draw too, displaying various traditional Appenzell artefacts. Local crafts are also demonstrated in an embroidery workshop and weaving cellar at the museum. Cheesemaking can also be seen in the traditional Alpine dairy.
Those interested in Swiss cheese can also visit the Appenzell Show Dairy, which can be found in the village centre. A gallery allows visitors to witness Appenzell cheesemaking first-hand and there are interesting facts about cheese production to learn as you make your way through the exhibition.
The entry fee includes samples of different varieties of Appenzell cheese and the chance to make your own alpine herbal mix to take home. > Click here to get your tickets.
The on site shop offers a huge range of cheese and local products for sale, as well as Swiss souvenirs. There’s also a cafe serving a variety of meals including Alplermagronen, a delicious, typically Swiss cheese dish (made with Appenzell cheese, of course).
Schwellbrunn
Another town not to be missed is Schwellbrunn, the highest municipality in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Sitting at 972 metres above sea level, the town offers fantastic views over the surrounding countryside and as far as Lake Constance.
Despite it’s small size – or perhaps because of it – Schwellbrunn is a popular destination for those seeking a quiet but well-located base for the numerous excursions that are available in the area.
Along with the stunning rural vistas, Schwellbrunn’s attractive 16th century church is another reason keen photographers flock to the town. It’s not surprising that Schwellbrunn is also a member of the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland association.
Mount Säntis
Mount Säntis is the highest peak of the Alpstein massif. It is over 2,500 metres above sea level, and there are views over six countries from the summit, including the mountain ranges of Austria, France and Italy.
A fully interactive exhibition at Mount Säntis – aka the weather mountain – gives visitors magnificent 360 degree views as well as providing an absorbing insight into weather. To make the most of those panoramas, there are terraces to sit on and summit trails to walk along.
The largest Swiss flag in the world can also be found at Mount Säntis. This flag measures an impressive 640 square metres. It is hung each year by a team of rope access technicians, and the weather here makes carrying out this task a big challenge.
Visitors can also enjoy a gastronomic experience on the Säntis. A terrace restaurant, constructed mainly from natural stone and wood, gives superb views over the mountains while sampling regional specialities.
Food and drinks not to miss include Appenzeller cheese, Biberli cookies and Appenzeller beer.
The aerial cable car from Schwägalp operates year-round (except for a short period from mid-January to early February) and travels from the misty lowlands towards the bright sunshine at Mount Säntis’s summit.
During the trip, visitors can enjoy picturesque Alpine panoramas.
Schwägalp
Schwägalp is known as the valley cable car station for the trip to Mt. Säntis. There are lots of activities to enjoy in Schwägalp itself, particularly during winter when visitors can take part in sledging, snow-shoeing, Nordic walking and winter hikes.
The local trail network is well maintained year-round, and during summer hiking is the area’s most popular pastime.
Seealpsee
Lake Seealpsee is one of the most scenic and pristine alpine lakes in Switzerland. It is located among the Alpstein mountain range in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. The 34-acre lake is almost 1,150 metres above sea level and it can only be reached on foot.
A network of hiking trails connects Seealpsee with Mt. Säntis, as well as other places in the region.
One of the most popular ways to reach Seealpsee is to combine it with a visit to Ebenalp and the Gasthof Aescher Wildkirchli, known as the ‘restaurant in the rock’.
First, take the cable car from Wasserauen, about seven kilometres from the town of Appenzell, to Ebenalp. Services operate every 15 minutes and cost around CHF 22 per adult one way (CHF 34 return). Swiss Travel Pass holders pay 50%.
From the Ebenalp cable car station, where there’s a restaurant and hotel, it’s a 15 minute walk downhill to the Gasthaus Aescher Wildkirchli. Along the way you pass through the Wildkirchli Caves and past the Cave Chapel and former hermit’s house.
After enjoying a drink or a meal or simply taking in the magnificent views, continue on your way.
Allow around an hour to walk downhill from Aescher Gasthaus to Seealpsee. The trail is quite steep in parts and is mostly in a forest but as you get closer to the lake you get glimpses of it through the trees.
At Seealpsee there are two restaurants with terraces offering views over the lake, and row boats are available for rent. It’s possible (and highly recommended) to walk right around the lake, which takes about 45 minutes.
The lake is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer’s day and there is a long ‘beach’ that provides easy access for swimmers.
To return to Wasserauen, the walk (mostly downhill), takes around one hour.
The total length of the hike from Ebenalp (excluding the walk around the lake) is 5.4 kilometres.
Good to know: Car parking is available at Wasserauen for CHF 5 per day (ticket machines on site). Wasserauen can also be reached by train via Gossau or St. Gallen. The cable car station is opposite both the train station and the main car park.
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Oskar Card
The Oskar Card is available to guests who stay at designated hotels and apartments in the region for 2 nights or more. It includes travel on public transport and entry to major tourist attractions.
Visitors can book a 3-8 day Oskar Card, currently costing just 15 Swiss Francs per day. It is half price for anyone aged between 6 and 16.
The Oskar Card area covers six Swiss cantons, including Appenzellerland and St Gallen. All train travel is included as well as a selection of activities and attractions.
These include boat or gondola rides, mini golf, wellness centres, museums and more.
How to get to Appenzellerland
Appenzellerland can easily be accessed either by car or train. The journey from Zurich takes around 2 hours by rail or 1 hour and 10 minutes by road. Being close to Liechtenstein, the car trip from Vaduz takes just over half an hour.
Driving in Switzerland, particularly in the lesser populated Appenzellerland, is easy and provides the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning countryside.
Visitors can also drive or take a train from Lucerne, Basel or Bern. Geneva is some distance away, so the road trip between Geneva and Appenzell would take longer.
In fact, destinations such as Stuttgart in Germany, Innsbruck in Austria and Milan in Italy may be reached in less time than it takes to travel between Geneva and Appenzell.
Appenzell to Vaduz (Liechtenstein) 2h:5 by train / 0h:35 by car
Appenzell to Zurich: 2h by train / 1h:10 by car
Appenzell to Lucerne: 3h by train / 1h:40 by car
Appenzell to Basel: 3h:5 by train / 1h:55 by car
Appenzell to Bern: 3h:40 by train / 2h:15 by car
Appenzell to Geneva: 5h:30 by train / 3h:45 by car
Day trips from Zurich to Appenzellerland
Taking an organised day trip from Zurich is an easy way to see the best of Appenzellerland.
On this small group tour, you’ll discover the best of Appenzellerland – both scenic and culinary. The tour includes transport in a mini bus with a multi-lingual driver-guide, visits to Appenzeller Show Dairy and a boutique chocolate manufacturer (with tastings at both), a guided visit to the town of Appenzell and a visit to Hoher Kasten mountain for panoramic views. Also included is a goodie bag with minimum value of CHF 40!
> Click here for more details and to book your place.
If you’d also like to visit Liechtenstein on your day trip to Appenzellerland, click > here to read more.
Where to stay in Appenzellerland
The best way to really immerse yourself in the customs and beauty of Appenzellerland is to stay a while. Below you’ll find a selection of top-rated hotels to choose from.
Heiden: Hotel Heiden
Hotel Heiden is situated in the village centre and has 58 comfortable rooms as well as great dining options. Guests can enjoy sampling regional dishes and the peaceful atmosphere, and there are breathtaking views over Lake Constance as well as nearby meadows and forest.
> Click here for more information and prices
Appenzell: Hotel Appenzell
Hotel Appenzell is located in the historic Landsgemeindeplatz, in a central pedestrianised area of Appenzell. A highlight of this property is the elegant restaurant, which has a terrace on which to savour regional cuisine and homemade bread, cakes and pastries.
This hotel in Appenzell is around 500 metres from the train station and offers free bike rental to guests.
> Click here for more information and prices
Schwägalp: Säntis – The Hotel
Säntis – Das Hotel is located at the foot of Mt. Säntis in Schwägalp, next to the cable car station. Guests who stay overnight can enjoy breakfast served on the summit of the mountain.
The property offers well-appointed accommodation, free parking, a restaurant, bar, hammam and private garden. Every room has views over the gardens, and there is also guest access to a hot tub, sauna and terrace.
> Click here for more information and prices
Visiting Appenzellerland – Final Thoughts
It may be a little more off-the-beaten path than some other Swiss destinations but Appenzell is a stunning part of the country that is well worth a visit.
If you’d like to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities and get away from the tourist hotspots, a visit to Appenzellerland is a must.
With its strong traditions and customs that are still practised today, a landscape made up of rolling pastures and the Alpstein massif, and pretty villages to explore, Appenzellerland is the unspoilt paradise of Switzerland.
And with 95% of visitors to Appenzellerland being Swiss, you are guaranteed to enjoy an authentic holiday experience.
To read our full guide to Eastern Switzerland Region, > click here.
Listen to our podcast episode about Appenzellerland
Top Photo © Appenzellerland Tourismus AR
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