2-4 pax, 1600€/person
4-6 pax 1500€/person
(in double occupancy)
One of my favourite areas in Switzerland (easy, as it is my home place). A not very touristic one and with so much to discover. Appenzell, a small canton with little houses in a very typical architecture are scattered all over the area with many picturesque small villages. Appenzell is also the capital town with a size easy to walk around. The region is known for rural customs and traditions such as the ceremonial descent of the cattle in autumn and cultural events such as folk music and rustic dances. We will admire old houses, taste the famous very smelly Appenzeller cheese, try the local liqueur and chat with locals, said to be a bit special in their own, charming way. The Alpstein, where we plan to hike two days, is a mountain range with Säntis the highest peak (2502m). Many trails cover this region, cold lakes wait to jump in if you dare and little mountain huts invite us to stay overnight. A visit to St.Gallen with a nice old part and known for the Abbey of St. Gall with its old library, a UNEsCO world Heritage center and one of the most important cultural centres in Europe. We have time to just stroll around and try a typical St. Galler Bratwurst.
Day 1 Arrival in Zürich
today, depending arrival time, we have the chance to visit the biggest town of Switzerland and one of Switzerland’s primary financial centres. An easy city to walk around.
Train to Appenzell and overnight
Day 2 + 3 visit and walk in Appenzell
we have two days to visit Appenzell, a town in northeastern Switzerland, at the foot of the Alpstein mountains. The car-free center features wooden houses with colorful facades. We will explore the area on our hikes through little villages, rivers and past farm houses. Beyond the alluring scenery, hiking in Appenzell (Appenzellerland) is a tremendous cultural experience. You can buy Appenzeller Käse (cheese) from mountain dairies and mountain inns, witness seasonal cattle drives and hear Alphorn music as well as Yodeling. There’s a high concentration of mountain inns and alpine pasture huts, which means we’ll never be hungry.
3 overnights in the area of Appenzell
Day 4 + 5 walking in the Alpstein mountains
This two days we will be walking in the Alpstein region and depending on the weather we will decide our route. The Alpstein region offers many treasures, so we can choose anything from a leisurely walk to a strenuous mountain hike on one of the countless hiking trails. The region’s 27 cosy mountain inns are located such that it is certain to pass one along our way. There we’ve time to rest and enjoy a delicious plate of «Rösti» (fried potatoes). We plan to overnight at Fählenalp on matresses. It feels like being in Heidiland with all the animals in this family run hut. If you’re brave enough you can also jump into the lake. The family will prepare breakfast and dinner for us, all products home made from their own cattle.
walking each day about 10km, 4h
1 overnight in a hut
Day 6 visit St. Gallen
today we have a whole day to visit the old part of the town. St. Gallen, a city south of Lake Constance (Bodensee), in northeastern Switzerland. It’s home to the Abbey of St. Gall, a monastery of various architectural styles including baroque. The complex includes a library with a rich collection of ancient books, and a twin-towered cathedral. Nearby, the Textile Museum details this important local trade. Many buildings in the old town have decorative bay windows. We can also enjoy a walk around the three Weihern lakes with an amazing view of the town. A typical Swiss town , not always on the list for tourists, that’s why it is so charming
overnight at St. Gallen .
Day 7 departure
* The program might change, depending weather
What to take with:
a warm fleece and rain jacket
water proof shoes (preferably light ones, not too heavy)
buff
warm hat
gloves
sun hat
walking pole
small backpack for walks
water flask
casual, sporty clothes
Remember we travel light
-5 overnights
-3 nights in a small hotel in the area of Appenzell
-1 night in a mountain hut
-1 night in a small hotel in St. Gallen
-half board in mountain hut
-transfer Zürich – Appenzell and St. Gallen – Zürich
-flights
-transfers from airport
-meal
-insurances
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