Holiday in Appenzell

About Appenzell

Appenzell in the northeast of Switzerland is a time travel to the most primal corner of the Confederation. Here, at the foot of the mighty Alpstein with the distinctive Säntis peak, the Appenzellers cultivate their traditions with a fervor unmatched in Europe. The Landsgemeinde – the public assembly held outdoors, where votes are cast by hand signals – is a living example of direct democracy and still takes place in Appenzell Innerrhoden today. The village of Appenzell itself enchants with its brightly painted wooden houses, butcher shops with decorative facade paintings, and a pedestrian zone that resembles an open-air museum. Appenzeller cheese is world-famous, and its secret recipe – the herbal brine used to rub the wheels – is known only to a few insiders. The Appenzeller Alpauffahrt in June, where the herdsmen drive their decorated cows to the pastures in colorful traditional costumes, is one of the most impressive folk festivals in Switzerland. For hikers, the Alpstein is a paradise: The legendary circular hiking trail around the three mountain lakes Seealpsee, Fälensee, and Sämtisersee is among the most beautiful day hikes in Switzerland. The Ebenalp with its Wildkirchli cave built into the rock and the mountain inn Aescher – one of the most photographed places in Switzerland – is an absolute highlight. Appenzell is about an hour's drive from the Lake Constance region in southern Germany, making it the perfect day or weekend trip.