Gais offers a range of starting points for a stay, from local history to guided nature experiences. The historic views of the village at the museum bring the past particularly vividly to life. When planning, it is also worth considering the differences between weather-dependent winter activities and cultural and nature themes described as available year-round.
Village square and historic perspectives
The settlement of Gais was first mentioned in 1467. It developed around the church and was laid out according to plan around a large village square. An important event in the Appenzell Wars also took place in the area of Gais: the Battle of the Stoss occurred in 1405, during the wars of 1401 to 1429. After the village fire of 1780, Gais was rebuilt on its old layout, giving the village square a unified character. In 1977, Gais received the Wakker Prize for its efforts to preserve its townscape of national importance.
The Gais Museum displays more than 200 views of the village dating from the late 18th to the early 20th century. These are complemented by seven panoramic partial views of the village surroundings, drawn by Johann Ulrich Fitzi between 1840 and 1842 for Salomon Heim, the landlord of the Ochsen inn. The collection thus brings together views of the village from an extended period with a precisely dated depiction of its surroundings.
Visitors who would like to get to know Gais on a guided tour can join the “Come on in” programme, which offers village tours with local residents. The tours are for individuals and groups and provide insights into culture, history and local delicacies. The village’s former role as a health resort is also part of its history: Gais became well known for its whey cures. By arrangement, the Biber Bakery at Dorfmühle offers an introduction to the art of baking bread or Biber gingerbread.
Forest, landscape and encounters
The Gais Forest Adventure Area is set among forests and flowering litter meadows. It includes the “Nature Trail of the Senses,” with 50 signs and objects, a barefoot path and a forest xylophone. This lets visitors explore the natural environment through a range of stations and sensory experiences, rather than seeing it merely as a backdrop for a walk.
For a closer look at nature, there are approximately one-hour guided tours with forest educators and specialists. Depending on the topic, they may cover trees and shrubs, forest animals, birds or insects, as well as sustainable forest management and the functions of the forest. A guided hike in the Gais recreation area focuses on farms, forests and litter meadows, as well as the biodiversity of the landscape.
Another way to encounter animals and nature up close is the petting farm. It is intended for families, school classes and groups. The nature experiences therefore take different forms: the nature trail uses signs and objects, the approximately one-hour guided tour focuses on a particular topic, and the petting farm offers encounters with animals.
Activities on cross-country trails, ice and water
The Gais Cross-Country Skiing Centre has a 30-kilometre trail for both classic cross-country skiing and skating. Cross-country skiing equipment can be rented there. The two styles offer different ways to use the trail, so your choice depends on which type of cross-country skiing you prefer.
When winter temperatures are suitable, the Gais natural ice rink is open for public skating. Seasonal activities also include ice hockey games and lessons, as well as curling. For a different kind of water activity, the Gais outdoor swimming pool has a 25-metre pool with a 1-metre diving board, a non-swimmer pool with a small slide, and a children’s pool.
Getting there and planning
The Appenzell Railways connect Gais with the towns of St. Gallen and Appenzell every half hour. Check the current timetable before travelling. The activities also have different conditions: the forest tours last about an hour, the baking introduction is available by arrangement, and use of the natural ice rink depends on winter temperatures. These details can help you fit activities into your stay.
Discover more destinations: Speicher, Trogen, Bühler, Teufen.
Go to the main travel overview: Mittelland.
