Appenzell Switzerland Travel Guide – Culture, Hiking & Alpine Charm in One Place

Tucked away in northeastern Switzerland, Appenzell feels like a living postcard. With painted wooden houses, Alpine meadows, cowbells ringing in the breeze, and locals still wearing traditional Swiss attire, Appenzell offers a rare and refreshing glimpse into a culture that has preserved its roots with pride.
 

Known for its world-famous Appenzeller cheese, Alpstein mountain hiking, and colorful folk traditions, Appenzell is the ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and anyone craving a truly authentic Swiss experience. No large crowds, just fresh mountain air, cozy chalets, and some of the most heartwarming hospitality you’ll find in Europe.

📚 Table of Contents

Why Visit Appenzell?

Where Is Appenzell Located?

How to Get to Appenzell

Getting Around Appenzell

Best Things to Do in Appenzell

Hiking in the Alpstein Region

Cultural Experiences & Traditions

Appenzeller Cheese – The Pride of the Region

Best Villages and Day Trips Nearby

Festivals and Events

Where to Stay in Appenzell

What to Eat and Drink

Best Time to Visit

Travel Tips

Final Thoughts

🌟 1. Why Visit Appenzell?

Appenzell is a blend of rustic alpine life and cultural richness that few places can match. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

🎨 Fairy-tale painted buildings and flower-decked balconies

🧀 Home of the legendary Appenzeller cheese

🥾 Hiking trails leading to mountain lakes and stunning peaks

🪗 Folk traditions like yodeling, flag-throwing, and cattle processions

🐄 A chance to see traditional alpine life that still exists

😌 Tranquil, relaxing, and free of mass tourism

🗺️ 2. Where Is Appenzell Located?

Appenzell is located in northeastern Switzerland, in the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, near the Alpstein mountains. It lies between Lake Constance and the towering Säntis peak, making it a perfect base for both cultural sightseeing and outdoor adventure.

🚉 3. How to Get to Appenzell

By Train

From Zurich: Approx. 2 hours (train to Gossau SG, then change to Appenzell Railway)

From St. Gallen: 1 hour by scenic regional train

From Lucerne: Around 2.5 hours via transfer in Gossau

By Car

Appenzell is around a 1 hour 20-minute drive from Zurich or 40 minutes from St. Gallen. Parking is available at village entrances.

🚶‍♂️ 4. Getting Around Appenzell

On foot: The town of Appenzell is pedestrian-friendly and easily explored by walking

Appenzeller Bahnen (Rail): Connects nearby towns, trailheads, and scenic spots

Postbuses: Reach more remote villages and trail points

Cable cars & funiculars: Ideal for hiking access to Ebenalp, Hoher Kasten, and Kronberg

🏔️ 5. Best Things to Do in Appenzell

🎨 Stroll Through Appenzell Village

Admire the colorful painted façades, peek into boutique shops selling local crafts and cheese, and enjoy the quiet charm of this historic alpine village.

🧀 Visit the Appenzeller Cheese Dairy (Schaukäserei Stein)

Watch how the spicy, aromatic Appenzeller cheese is made, sample different varieties, and learn about the secret herbal brine recipe!

⛪ Parish Church of St. Mauritius

A beautifully preserved church with a striking Baroque interior, right in the center of town.

🖼️ Museum Appenzell

Dive deep into the region’s traditions, costumes, music, and unique direct democracy system.

🥾 6. Hiking in the Alpstein Region

Hiking is the #1 reason many visit Appenzell, and the Alpstein massif offers trails for every level:

🌄 Top Hikes:

Ebenalp to Seealpsee: Ride the cable car up and hike to this jaw-dropping alpine lake.

Äscher Cliff Restaurant: Famous Instagram spot! Nestled on a cliffside below a cave chapel.

Hoher Kasten Panorama Trail: 360° views of Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein

Säntis Peak (2,502 m): The highest point in eastern Switzerland; cable car or strenuous hike

🚠 Trail Access Points:

Ebenalpbahn (from Wasserauen)

Kronberg cable car (Jakobsbad)

Hoher Kasten cable car (Brülisau)

🎭 7. Cultural Experiences & Traditions

Appenzell preserves traditions not found elsewhere in Switzerland:

🎺 Alphorn concerts in summer

👒 Traditional costumes still worn during festivals

🐄 Alpabfahrt: The festive descent of cows from the mountains in fall

🎌 Flag throwing and yodeling during local parades

🗳️ Landsgemeinde: An open-air assembly where residents vote by raising hands

Visit in late spring or fall for the most cultural events.

🧀 8. Appenzeller Cheese – A Taste of the Mountains

Produced for over 700 years, Appenzeller cheese is known for its strong flavor, enhanced by a herbal brine—a secret recipe known only to a few. It’s aged between 3–6 months and available in mild, strong, and extra-strong varieties.

Where to Try:

Appenzeller Schaukäseri in Stein

Cheese shops throughout Appenzell

Alpine huts and restaurants serve it in traditional dishes like fondue and cheese toast

🏡 9. Villages & Day Trips Near Appenzell

🌄 Brülisau

Gateway to Hoher Kasten and scenic hiking. Rural and peaceful.

🐐 Stein

Home to the Appenzeller cheese dairy and Swiss-style farms.

🏔️ Wasserauen

Base station for Ebenalp and the start of the Seealpsee trail.

🏛️ St. Gallen

Only an hour away, this UNESCO-listed town is perfect for a culture-filled day trip.

🎉 10. Festivals and Events

Alpabfahrt (Cow Descent) – September

Appenzeller Music Nights – Folk and alpine music in summer

Cheese Markets – Held regularly with regional tastings

Landsgemeinde (Open-air assembly) – Unique political tradition in April

🛏️ 11. Where to Stay in Appenzell

🏠 Boutique & Traditional Hotels:

Hotel Hecht Appenzell – Central, cozy, and beautifully decorated

Romantik Hotel Säntis – Facing the town square with mountain views

Hotel Hof Weissbad – Wellness-focused stay near walking trails

🌄 Alpine Huts & Cabins:

Berggasthaus Äscher – Stay on a cliffside!

Berggasthaus Schäfler – Rustic accommodation with epic sunrise views

🍽️ 12. What to Eat and Drink

Must-Try Dishes:

Appenzeller Käse (Cheese) – In all forms: slices, fondue, raclette, or toast

Rösti – A crispy potato pancake served with cheese or sausage

Siedwurst – A local boiled sausage often paired with sauerkraut

Birnbrot – A sweet bread with dried pears and nuts

Appenzeller Alpenbitter – Herbal liqueur made locally

Many guesthouses serve meals prepared from locally grown ingredients.

☀️ 13. Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) – Wildflowers bloom, excellent hiking

Summer (July–August) – Festivals, green pastures, open mountain trails

Autumn (September–October) – Cow parades, golden forests, clear skies

Winter (December–February) – Snowshoeing and small ski areas nearby

Appenzell is a year-round destination, but hiking is best from May to October.

🧳 14. Travel Tips

🧀 Try cheese shopping in local dairies—vacuum-sealed for easy travel

🏞️ Bring sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to explore the Alpstein trails

🚆 Buy a Swiss Travel Pass if traveling across regions

🗣️ Most people speak Swiss German, but many understand English

📸 Sunrise at Seealpsee is magical—go early!

🌄 15. Final Thoughts

Appenzell may be small in size, but it’s massive in personality. From alpine adventures to cultural traditions that date back centuries, this charming region offers one of the most authentic and unspoiled experiences in Switzerland. Whether you’re sipping cheese fondue in a mountain hut or hiking through flower-strewn meadows, Appenzell will leave you with memories as colorful as its houses.