Appenzell
The capital of Inner Appenzell canton, with painted wooden houses lining its main street and well-preserved folk traditions. It is the most charming small town in Eastern Switzerland.
Appenzell lies about 20 km south of St. Gallen and can be reached in 45 to 50 minutes by the Appenzell Railway. Along both sides of the main street, Hauptgasse, are colorful wooden façades painted with flowers, animals and farming scenes. Shops sell handmade embroidery, spiced gingerbread, Appenzeller cheese and herbal bitters. Every year on the last Sunday of April, the cantonal assembly is held in Landsgemeinde Square, where citizens vote by a show of hands in the open air, a living relic of Swiss direct democracy. The town has the Appenzell Museum and a herbal liqueur distillery that can be visited. It is also the starting point for trips to Ebenalp, Seealpsee and Hoher Kasten, so plan a full day.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Appenzell
- Ebenalp & Berggasthaus Aescher
- Seealpsee
- Appenzeller Schaukäserei
- Hoher Kasten
- Drei Weieren & Mühleggbahn
- St. Gallen Old Town & Oriel Windows
- Abbey Library of St. Gall