Things to see and do in Appenzell
Appenzell is a region full of charm – rolling hills, green alpine pastures, and picturesque villages where traditional Swiss culture remains alive. On the hiking trails around Säntis, through the idyllic valleys, or while strolling through Appenzell village, you can feel the tranquility, the clear air, and the unmistakable alpine character. Appenzell is perfect for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to experience the unspoiled, culturally rich heart of Switzerland.
A Gate to Paradise travel expert will help you plan your dream trip to the Appenzell and integrate the region harmoniously into your individual itinerary – authentic, well thought-out and tailored to your personal travel pace.
Alpine Cattle Drives
Experience the most beautiful day of the Appenzell farming families
Hiking around Seealpsee
Discover Switzerland's picture-postcard landscape
Discover our services
Every journey is unique. That’s why we don’t view your plans as a static package, but as a meticulously crafted design made up of exclusive elements, which we tailor perfectly to your personal needs. The result is a bespoke itinerary that remains just as flexible as your wishes once you’re there.
If you already have an itinerary in mind or have made some initial bookings, we’ll pick up exactly where you need us. We refine your existing vision through a professional travel audit, checking the logic and quality, and supplement your planning with hand-picked hotels or hidden gems not found in any guidebook. From the initial inspiration to the curated playlist playing in the background, we refine your plans in a modular, uncompromising way, with a love of detail.
Practical information for your trip
The best time to visit Appenzell depends on what activities you have planned. Generally speaking, the months from May to September are ideal, as temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, and the landscape around the Alpstein is a lush green. The summer months are particularly perfect for hiking in the Alpstein or trips to the Säntis. July and August are the warmest and most popular months.
In fall, especially in September and October, it is quieter, the air is clear, and the mountain landscape is ablaze with beautiful fall colors – ideal for nature lovers and photographers. Winter, from December to March, offers a fairytale snowy backdrop and opportunities for winter hikes and minor winter sports activities in the region. In spring, nature slowly comes to life, but there may still be snow at higher altitudes until May.
In summary, the months of June to September are particularly recommended for hiking and classic mountain landscapes, while winter is especially appealing for its atmospheric, snowy atmosphere.
Two to four days are usually ideal for Appenzell, depending on how active you want your stay to be. A weekend trip (two days) is enough to explore the historic village center with its colorful houses, sample regional specialties, and go on an easy hike or excursion in the surrounding mountains. With 3 to 4 days, you will have enough time for extended hikes in the Alpstein, for example, a trip to the Säntis or tours to idyllic mountain lakes, as well as cultural insights into the traditional customs of the region. If you are planning several mountain tours or want to enjoy nature in peace and quiet, a stay of 5 days or more is also worthwhile.
In Appenzell and the surrounding region, you can expect to find numerous traditional specialties that are strongly influenced by alpine agriculture and living customs. Appenzeller cheese is particularly well known. It is a spicy hard cheese with a secret herb brine recipe and is one of the most famous cheeses in Switzerland. Raclette and classic cheese fondue are also typical dishes, which are particularly popular during the cooler months. A traditional meat dish is Siedwurst with Chäshörnli (a type of cheese macaroni) or Appenzeller Mostbröckli, air-dried beef with an intense aroma. Hearty rösti variations are also popular. For dessert, you should definitely try Biberli – a gingerbread pastry filled with honey and almonds. Don’t miss out on a glass of Appenzeller Alpenbitter, a herbal liqueur with a long tradition in the region.
If you like authentic food, these specialties are best enjoyed in a traditional inn or on an alp with a view of the surrounding mountains.
