At 2,502 metres, Säntis offers views of six countries. In Appenzell, another aspect of regional history takes centre stage: the Landsgemeinde is held every year in the historic Landsgemeindeplatz. There, people discuss cantonal elections and bills, and vote by a show of hands. The mountain landscape and political tradition offer two very different insights into Appenzell Innerrhoden.
Alpstein and trails through varied landscapes
In the Alpstein, rugged limestone peaks, distinctive ridges and mountain lakes such as Seealpsee and Fählensee shape the landscape. Hiking trails in Appenzell Innerrhoden also span a range of terrain: the extensive network stretches from rugged alpine areas to easier valley walks across gently rolling green hills. One route from Schwende is 11.78 kilometres long and passes, among other places, Seealpsee, Wildkirchli and Wasserauen. For a winter excursion, the Gonten–Hundwiler Höhe snowshoe route is a good option; when visibility is good, its panorama extends as far as Lake Constance.
The alpine garden on Hoher Kasten covers around 5,000 square metres and is home to around 300 different plant species. It is part of the Hoher Kasten–Kamor–Schwämme–Chienberg plant protection area. The Europa circular trail on Hoher Kasten is wheelchair-accessible and is also suitable for families with pushchairs and people with mobility impairments. Check the trail conditions before your trip. The Wildkirchli caves offer another special landscape experience: they are known for prehistoric finds; cave bear skeletons and stone tools are considered evidence of prehistoric hunters.
Ebenalp: cable car and climbing garden
The Wasserauen–Ebenalp aerial cableway carries passengers from Wasserauen to Ebenalp and is accessible to people with disabilities. From Wasserauen railway station, it is a two-minute walk to the valley station. At the mountain station, the panoramic hall and viewing terrace are step-free; the station itself is wheelchair-accessible. Timetables and connections may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before setting off.
An alpine climbing garden is located on the upper wall at Zisler, a 15-minute walk from the Ebenalp mountain station. Its 46 easy, well-protected routes are aimed at beginners. As route conditions and access may change, check them before your climbing visit. A striking building on Ebenalp, the Berggasthaus Aescher sits right beside the sheer rock face.
Appenzell: village history, art and tradition
In Appenzell, the main street is lined with attractive, colourful houses and is a popular draw for visitors. At Adlerplatz is Roman Signer’s installation «Drehscheibe», designed as a three-minute experience in spatial perception. The Catholic church is dedicated to Saint Mauritius; the parish church’s location is first mentioned in 1071. The 400-year-old «Maria der Engel» convent is also in Appenzell.
Music and dance are also part of regional culture. Alpstobede gatherings take place on larger alpine pastures during the alpine summer, with programmes varying from one gathering to another. They include Appenzell music, folk dancing and yodelling; named elements include the «Mölirad» dance figure, the «Hierig» couple’s dance and «Ratzliedli». In Gonten, ROOTHUUS GONTEN is a centre for traditional music from Appenzell and Toggenburg. The centre offers guided tours and yodelling courses.
The Appenzeller Bahnen Museum displays historic railway vehicles, objects from everyday railway life in the past and changing documentary exhibitions. Its exhibits include Switzerland’s only narrow-gauge diesel-electric railcar from 1929, preserved in its original condition. The museum also documents a once-planned railway line from Appenzell via Wasserauen, Seealpsee and Meglisalp to Säntis. The Appenzell Museum of Art focuses on modern and contemporary art and offers a classical concert programme. A night watchman’s tour visits historic sites in the village centre of Appenzell; as it may be available seasonally, check the dates before your visit.
For getting around the region, the Appenzeller Bahnen connect Appenzell with places such as Altstätten, Rheineck, St. Gallen, Gossau, Wil and Frauenfeld. Alongside mountain and nature experiences, visitors can also choose to explore village history, music and museums in their own right.
Discover more destinations: Appenzell, Gonten, Oberegg, Wasserauen, Schlatt-Haslen, Rüte, Mittelland, Hinterland.
Go to the main travel overview: Appenzell.
