2-4 pax, 930€/person (dbl occup.)
4-6 pax 820€/person (dbl occup.)
This is one of my absolute favourite corners of Switzerland—and not just because it’s home. Appenzell is still wonderfully non-touristic, a place where life moves at a gentler pace and there’s always something new to discover. Small villages with colourful, traditional houses are scattered across the rolling countryside, and Appenzell town itself is compact and easy to explore on foot.
What makes this region special is its strong sense of tradition. Rural customs are still very much alive, from the ceremonial descent of the cattle in autumn to folk music and rustic dances. We’ll take our time to admire historic houses, taste the famously smelly Appenzeller cheese, try a local herbal liqueur, and chat with the locals—said to be a bit special in their own, charming way, but are incredibly warm and charming once you get to know them.
We’ll spend two days hiking in the Alpstein, my favourite mountain range in the area. With Säntis rising to 2,502 metres, the scenery is dramatic yet accessible. There are countless trails, crystal-clear alpine lakes for the brave among us, and cozy mountain huts where we’ll stay overnight and enjoy the simplicity of life in the mountains.
Our journey also includes a visit to nearby St. Gallen, with its beautiful old town and the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous library is one of Europe’s most important cultural treasures. We’ll wander through the streets at an easy pace and finish with a true local classic: a St. Galler Bratwurst.
This trip is about sharing a place I love, travelling slowly, and experiencing Switzerland beyond the usual highlights—together, in a small group.
Day 1 Arrival in Zürich
We arrive in Zürich today. Depending on everyone’s arrival time, we’ll have the opportunity to take a gentle first walk through Switzerland’s largest city and one of its main financial centres. Zürich is compact and easy to explore on foot, with a lovely old town, lively cafés, and glimpses of the lake and river along the way—an ideal soft landing after the journey.
In the afternoon, we hop on a train and travel east towards Appenzell. Sit back, relax, and enjoy how the landscape slowly changes as we leave the city behind and head into the rolling countryside.
After arriving in Appenzell, we settle in and enjoy our first evening together in this charming region.
overnight Appenzell
Day 2 visit and walk in Appenzell
We have a full day to enjoy Appenzell and its surroundings at an unhurried pace. The town of Appenzell lies in northeastern Switzerland, at the foot of the Alpstein mountains, and is known for its car-free centre and beautifully painted wooden houses. It’s a place made for wandering—slowly, curiously, and with plenty of pauses along the way.
We’ll explore the landscape on foot, walking through small villages, along rivers, and past traditional farmhouses. The scenery is charming, but what makes hiking in the Appenzellerland truly special is the strong sense of living culture. Along the way, we may pass mountain dairies selling fresh Appenzeller cheese, encounter seasonal cattle drives, or hear the sound of an alphorn or yodeling drifting across the hills.
There is a high concentration of mountain inns and alpine pasture huts in this region, which means we’ll always have a welcoming place to stop, rest, and enjoy hearty local food. These day is about connecting—with the landscape, the traditions, and each other—while experiencing one of Switzerland’s most authentic regions.
Walk about 6km
overnight 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
Over the next two days, we immerse ourselves in the Alpstein mountains. Our exact routes will depend on the weather and the group, giving us the freedom to choose from a wide range of possibilities—from gentle alpine walks to more challenging mountain hikes. The Alpstein is full of hidden treasures, and whichever path we take, the scenery is guaranteed to be rewarding.
One of the joys of hiking here is the abundance of cozy mountain inns. With 27 alpine huts scattered across the region, we’re never far from a welcoming stop. These are perfect places to rest, enjoy the views, and refuel with a hearty plate of Rösti—crispy fried potatoes, alpine-style.
We plan to spend the night at Fählenalp, sleeping on mattresses in a family-run mountain hut. With grazing animals all around, it feels a bit like stepping into a Swiss storybook. For the brave among us, there’s even a cold mountain lake nearby for a refreshing dip. Our hosts will prepare both dinner and breakfast for us, using homemade products from their own cattle—simple, honest food that tastes especially good after a day of walking.
Each day, we’ll walk around 10 km, with approximately 4 hours of hiking, leaving plenty of time for breaks, views, and spontaneous moments along the way.
walking each day about 10km
1 overnight in a hut
Day 6 visit St. Gallen
Today we have a full day to explore St. Gallen at an easy, unhurried pace. Located south of Lake Constance in northeastern Switzerland, St. Gallen is a typically Swiss town that often stays under the radar—and that’s exactly what makes it so charming.
We’ll wander through the old town, where many buildings are decorated with beautifully crafted bay windows, each one different and full of character. The highlight of the day is the Abbey of St. Gall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remarkable complex brings together several architectural styles, including baroque, and is home to the famous Abbey Library, with its rich collection of ancient manuscripts. The twin-towered cathedral completes this impressive ensemble.
If time and mood allow, we’ll also enjoy a walk around the Drei Weieren lakes, a peaceful area above the town offering wonderful views over St. Gallen and the surrounding landscape. For those interested, the nearby Textile Museum gives insight into the textile trade that once shaped the city’s history.
This is a day for strolling, discovering, and soaking up the atmosphere of a quietly beautiful 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
Flexible dates for groups of min. 4!
-2 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
-4 breakfasts
-half board in mountain hut
-all transfers (except airport)
-flights
-transfers from airport
-meal
-insurances