Appenzell in Summer

Are you dreaming of glittering, mirror-like lakes and dizzying rocks, of crystal-clear springs and serene valleys, of picturesque villages and friendly people? Welcome to Appenzeller Land!

The hiking paradise in Appenzeller Land begins in the gently rolling hills at Lake Constance and stretches across verdant pastures to the pre-alpine Säntis Massif. Wellness and well-being are not just buzz words here. Various hotels and spa buildings are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and welcome visitors. This the most typically Swiss of all cantons, where traditions are alive and well, enchants visitors with its authentic customs and excellent gastronomy and cuisine. Enjoy our superb quality of life: unadulterated and spiced with good-natured humor.

Appenzell in Winter

You will never find noisy and over-crowded pistes in Appenzeller Land. The hills of this pre-alpine landscape and the mighty Mt. Alpstein present a snow-white winter wonderland.

This is the region that gladdens the heart of snowshoe hikers, ski trekkers, winter hikers and cross-country skiers. And our youngest guests swish on their sleds down into the valley on one of the numerous toboggan runs. Our exquisite skiing areas are small enough to keep skiers in sight and are well maintained with easy to negotiate pistes, especially for families and beginners. A winter hike through snow-covered forests, past delightful and lovingly decorated cottages is a fascinating experience. Our region offers a plethora of winter landscapes, events and activities you will always cherish in your memory. Take your time to relish these wonderful experiences.

Highlights

• In combination with a guided snowshoe tour, build your own igloo for an overnight stay.
• Winter hiking in a fairy-tale landscape at the foot of the Säntis.
• Romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides and social evenings with Appenzell fondue and mulled wine
• Fast toboggan runs
• 200 kilometers of cross-country trails
• Relax in the new outdoor pool of the Unterrechstein spa resort
• Escape winter for a moment with a fango treatment in the Natural Moor Spa in Gonten
• Look over the shoulders of the cheesemaker in an Appenzell cheese dairy in Stein
• Immerse yourself in culture in the museums of Appenzeller Land
• Experience first hand our local customs and traditional craftsmanship

Public Transport:

• Appenzell: 1 hour 50 min. from Zürich - Gossau SG by SBB; from Gossau by the Appenzell trains.
  
• Herisau: 1 hour 15 min. from Zürich - Gossau SG by SBB, from Gossau ride the Appenzell trains.
  
• Heiden: 2 hours 10 min. from Zürich - St. Gallen by SBB, from St. Gallen by postal car.

By car: Appenzell:
From Basel - Bern - Zürich: to Gossau SG on the Autobahn, subsequently on the well constructed main road via Herisau to Appenzell.

Herisau:
From Basel - Bern - Zürich: to Gossau SG on the Autobahn, subsequently on the well constructed main road to Herisau

Heiden:
From Basel - Bern - Zürich: to St. Gallen, exit Heiden, on the Autobahn, subsequently on the well constructed main road to Heiden
From Munich (D) - Bregenz (A): to St. Margrethen SG on the Autobahn, subsequently via the main road to Rheineck via Wolfhalden to Heiden.

Other/Air: Zürich (ZRH) has an international airport and can be reached by public transportation from the Appenzell region in approx. 90 minutes. The easily accessible airport of Altenrhein at Lake Constance near St. Gallen is ideal for European arrivals and departures. It is situated at the foot of the Appenzell region.