Appenzell Getaway

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Appenzell - Aescher guesthouse

Arrive in Zurich and travel by train to the town of Appenzell (2 hrs) in the half-canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. Your hotel is set on the main pedestrian shopping street of Appenzell, near Landsgemeinde square with a historical democratic tradition dating to 1378. Take an 11-minute train to the Wasserauen-Ebenalp cable car. Ride to the top of Ebenalp and walk to the Berggasthaus Aescher guesthouse built into the cliff's edge. Enjoy a treat in their restaurant before going back down by cable car or walking down and then train back to Appenzell. (D)

Day 2 – Säntis-Schwägalp

Säntis-Schwägalp is one of the few places where you can see Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, France, and Itally all at the same time! Today you can take a train/bus to Urnasch to ride the cable car up to the top of Säntis which is at an elevation of 8200 feet. You can do some hiking at the top if you would like before returning to Appenzell. You should also have time to visit the Appenzell museum near your hotel. (B)

Day 3 – Hoher Kasten - Above the Rhine Valley

A short train ride on the local Appenzellerbahn takes you to the village of Weissbad where you change to a bus to Brülisau. Ascend the Alpstein massif with its towering limestone pinnacles and ridges by a tram to the summit of Hoher Kasten. Since 1964, the cable car from Brülisau has run directly to the summit. At the top, you can enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant with a sun terrace providing views to Appenzell and the St. Gallen Rhine Valley. There are some hiking options at the top before returning to Appenzell. (B)

Day 4 – Onward Departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for onward destinations. (B)