Appenzell Travel Guide | Switzerland
Updated: 3 days ago
In this travel guide, you will find out more about the Appenzell district, things to do and see there, how to get to Appenzell, and other useful tips and information.
Appenzell really is as beautiful as a postcard… Maybe even better! This region is one of the most wonderful places I have ever been to!
What is Appenzell famous for?
Appenzell village is located in Appenzell Innerrhoden, the smallest Swiss canton by population. Located in the northern part of Switzerland, this region is famous for its rolling green hills, traditional villages, and many cows. Surrounded by the Alpstein mountains, Appenzell offers incredible hiking trails and beautiful scenery throughout the year. Here are some of the top places to see and explore.
Seealpsee Lake
If you are planning a hike around the Appenzell area, please include Seealpsee Lake! The hike around it is incredibly beautiful. The atmosphere is just magic around the lake. You can take a dip in it, as swimming is allowed, but I warn you, the water is very cold, even in the summer!
How to Get to Seealpsee
The most popular route starts in Wasserauen, which you can reach by train or car. From there, the hike to Seealpsee takes approximately 1 - 1.5 hours uphill, depending on your pace. Although the route is not particularly long, some sections are quite steep, so I'd recommend wearing comfortable hiking shoes.
Once you reach the lake, you can enjoy a lovely walk around it, admire the mountain views, and relax before heading back down.
Appenzell is particularly beautiful for hiking in summer. Surprisingly, despite being surrounded by mountains, the region is not as famous for skiing as some other Swiss destinations. However, it also offers lovely winter walking routes. Just remember that many mountain hiking trails are inaccessible during winter because of snow and ice.
Explore Appenzell Town
It is not only nature that is incredibly beautiful, but Appenzell town itself is also very pretty! Every shop and café seems to be decorated, with colourful painted facades and cute little signs. Appenzell town is great for shopping and relaxing food and drink breaks.
One of the prettiest places to explore is Hauptgasse, the main street, where you'll find traditional Swiss buildings, little shops, and restaurants. I'd definitely recommend spending some time wandering around the town rather than visiting Appenzell only for its mountains.
Berggasthaus Aescher
One special place I have to highlight is Berggasthaus Aescher, a famous mountain restaurant and guesthouse. You have probably seen it on Instagram! It is situated in a very special place, built directly against a dramatic rock face, and has become one of the most famous landmarks in the Appenzell mountain area.
The easiest way to visit Aescher is by taking the Ebenalp cable car from Wasserauen, followed by a downhill walk of approximately 15 - 20 minutes. The path has some steep sections, so suitable footwear is recommended.
If you want to book your stay there or check opening dates, visit the official Aescher website.
Appenzeller Cheese
Appenzeller cheese is well known among cheese lovers in Switzerland, and the cheese-making culture is very strong in the area. I was amazed how, during our hike, we just came across this cute little cheese-making place in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by hills and only a few hikers. It really showed me how important cheese-making traditions are in Appenzell!
In the region, you'll find places offering tours and experiences where you can learn how the cheese is made and, of course, enjoy some tastings. This also explains the number of cows you can see in Appenzell. To produce all that cheese, you need them! Seeing the cows grazing on the beautiful green hills made the whole experience feel even more special.
If you're interested in learning more about the local cheese-making traditions, you can visit the Appenzeller Schaukäserei in Stein. It's a visitor cheese dairy where you can discover how Appenzeller cheese is produced.
If you are planning to travel around Switzerland, make sure to check out my guide to the 10 Best Places to Visit in Switzerland!
How to get to Appenzell?
If you do not have a car, then the best next solution will be the train. The exact train line depends on your origin, of course, so you can check your options here: How to get to Appenzell by train!
For example, the train from Zurich goes every 30 minutes and will take you 90 minutes to get there.
Appenzell is also offered as one of the most popular day trips from Zurich, so you can use some of the day trip offers that usually include a transfer.
Best Time to Visit Appenzell
I think the best time to visit Appenzell is from June to September, when the mountains are beautifully green, and most hiking trails are accessible. Early autumn is also a lovely time to visit, with beautiful scenery and generally fewer crowds. Winter offers a completely different atmosphere, but keep in mind that many mountain trails and cable cars have seasonal restrictions.
You can see my scenic hike in Appenzell in the video below.
It also shows Zurich and St.Gallen.
FAQ: Visiting Appenzell, Switzerland
Is Appenzell worth visiting?
Absolutely! Appenzell is one of the most beautiful regions in Switzerland, with traditional villages, incredible mountain scenery, lovely lakes, and plenty of hiking opportunities. I'd particularly recommend it if you enjoy nature and smaller, less busy destinations.
Can you visit Appenzell on a day trip from Zurich?
Yes! Appenzell is approximately two hours from Zurich by train, making it possible to visit in one day. However, if you're planning a longer hike or want to explore several mountain attractions, I'd recommend staying overnight.
Is the hike to Seealpsee difficult?
The popular route from Wasserauen takes approximately 1 - 1.5 hours uphill. It's not particularly long, but some sections are steep, so a reasonable level of fitness and suitable hiking shoes are recommended.
Do you need a car to visit Appenzell?
No, Appenzell is easily accessible by train, and you can reach popular hiking starting points such as Wasserauen using public transport. A car is useful for exploring smaller villages, but it's not essential.
What is Appenzell famous for?
Appenzell is famous for its beautiful Alpine scenery, hiking trails, colourful traditional buildings, Appenzeller cheese, and attractions such as Seealpsee Lake and Berggasthaus Aescher.
Read more: Travel guide to Appenzell
