Holiday in Appenzell
Region in Switzerland — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇨🇭
Country
Switzerland
Type
Region
Best time to travel
May to October for hiking and Alpauffahrt, year-round for culture and cheesemaking, December to March for winter hiking
Budget/day
150-220 CHF (3-star hotel with breakfast, Säntis cable car, cheese factory visit)
Getting there from Germany
By car, about 1.5 hours from Lindau on Lake Constance via the A1 to St. Gallen and then to Appenzell. Also easily accessible by train via St. Gallen.
Deals for Appenzell:
What makes Appenzell special as a destination?
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.
What are the top highlights in Appenzell?
The top highlights in Appenzell include Berggasthaus Aescher, Seealpsee, Säntis, Appenzeller Schaukäserei, Landsgemeinde.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Berggasthaus Aescher
Iconic inn on the vertical rock face of Ebenalp – one of the most photographed buildings in the world
Seealpsee
Idyllic mountain lake in Alpstein, nestled between steep rock walls, perfect for swimming and picnicking
Säntis
At 2,502 m, the highest peak of the Alpstein, accessible by cable car, with panoramic views over six countries
Appenzeller Schaukäserei
Interactive cheese factory in stone, where you can experience the production of the famous Appenzeller cheese live
Landsgemeinde
Last remaining public assembly in Switzerland with hand voting – on the last Sunday in April
Hotels in Appenzell
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Reise-SIM für Appenzell
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Appenzell?
The best time to visit Appenzell is May to October for hiking and Alpauffahrt, year-round for culture and cheesemaking, December to March for winter hiking. Mild with 18-24°C, cooler at higher altitudes, often Föhn winds with clear visibility of the Alps In winter: Cold with -5 to 3°C, moderate snow in the valley, up to 8 meters of snow on Säntis
Recommended travel time
May to October for hiking and Alpauffahrt, year-round for culture and cheesemaking, December to March for winter hiking
Summer
Mild with 18-24°C, cooler at higher altitudes, often Föhn winds with clear visibility of the Alps
Winter
Cold with -5 to 3°C, moderate snow in the valley, up to 8 meters of snow on Säntis
How much does a holiday in Appenzell cost?
Budget travellers: 80-110 CHF (guesthouse, self-catering, hiking is free)/day, mid-range: 150-220 CHF (3-star hotel with breakfast, Säntis cable car, cheese factory visit)/day, luxury: 300-450 CHF (boutique hotel, gourmet menu, guided hike, wellness)/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
80-110 CHF (guesthouse, self-catering, hiking is free)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
150-220 CHF (3-star hotel with breakfast, Säntis cable car, cheese factory visit)
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
300-450 CHF (boutique hotel, gourmet menu, guided hike, wellness)
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Appenzell?
By car, about 1.5 hours from Lindau on Lake Constance via the A1 to St. Gallen and then to Appenzell. Also easily accessible by train via St. Gallen.
Book a package holiday to Appenzell
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Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Appenzell?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
In Switzerland, payments are made in CHF – exchange money at the border or at ATMs, or use card payment
The Ebenalp hike to Aescher is steep, but also doable for experienced hikers with children from 8 years old
At Seealpsee, you can dine in two rustic mountain inns right by the water – wonderful!
The Appenzeller Bahnen (cogwheel train from St. Gallen) is an attraction in itself – kids love it
Buy Appenzeller Biberli (filled honey pastry) as a souvenir – only available here in this quality
What should you eat in Appenzell?
Typical specialities in Appenzell: Appenzeller Käsefondue – with the spicy Appenzeller cheese and a splash of Appenzeller herbal bitter, Appenzeller Biberli – artistically decorated honey gingerbread filled with almond filling, Chääshörnli – Swiss cheese macaroni with Appenzeller cheese and crispy fried onions, Rösti – golden-brown fried potato pancakes, here topped with melted Appenzeller cheese, Mostbröckli – air-dried beef, an Appenzeller specialty for a platter.
These specialties you must try!
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