Summer in Appenzell, Switzerland

Alpine Bliss in Switzerland’s Loveliest Corner

If you’re dreaming of a summer escape that blends storybook scenery, outdoor adventure, and cultural charm, look no further than Appenzell, a picture-perfect region tucked into the foothills of eastern Switzerland. With its rolling green meadows, painted chalets, cowbells echoing through the valleys, and welcoming local character, Appenzell offers an idyllic, slower-paced alternative to the more tourist-heavy Alpine resorts — yet with every bit as much beauty.

We based ourselves in Appenzell village, the heart of the canton and easily one of the prettiest towns in Switzerland. It’s compact, colourful, and full of personality. Ornately painted facades line the high street, traditional cheese shops tempt you in with samples of the region’s famous Appenzeller cheese, and everything feels wonderfully walkable and warm. It’s a place where tradition is alive and well — from local dress to direct democracy still practised in open-air assemblies.

Hiking and Biking in Alpine Paradise

Summer in Appenzell is all about being outdoors. The surrounding landscape is crisscrossed with well-marked hiking and cycling trails, ranging from gentle strolls through alpine pastures to more challenging climbs with rewarding panoramic views.

A highlight of our trip was hiking up to the Aescher-Wildkirchli guesthouse, a wooden inn dramatically built into the side of a cliff. The route there — which includes a scenic cable car from Wasserauen to Ebenalp — offers stunning views and passes through caves once inhabited by prehistoric humans. Sitting on the terrace with a cold drink, gazing out over the valleys below, was one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

For those who prefer two wheels, Appenzell is superb for cycling, with e-bike rentals widely available and routes taking you through meadows, forested hills, and quiet farming villages. We followed a loop through Urnäsch and Schwende, stopping off for local delicacies and the occasional coffee with mountain views.

Family Fun at Jakobsbad

Travelling with children? Jakobsbad, just a short drive or train ride from Appenzell, is a local gem packed with family-friendly fun. There’s a summer toboggan run (a hit with kids and adults alike), a rope park with varying levels of difficulty, and a playground set against an alpine backdrop. The mood is cheerful and relaxed, with picnic areas and snack bars that make it easy to spend a whole afternoon there.

Jakobsbad is also the starting point for the Kronberg cable car, which whisks you up to panoramic hiking trails with views of the Säntis massif. At the top, there’s a barefoot trail and wooden play structures — another fun, active way for children to engage with the mountain environment.

Charming Small Towns Worth Exploring

While Appenzell itself is enchanting, the surrounding towns and hamlets are full of rural charm and authentic Swiss culture. In Urnäsch, we visited a small but fascinating museum dedicated to local customs, particularly the Silvesterklausen, a unique New Year’s celebration involving elaborate masks and costumes.

Gonten, known for its natural beauty and wellness hotels, is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or spa day, while Trogen, with its grand 18th-century buildings and ties to the Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation, makes for a lovely half-day visit.

The Appenzeller Cheese Factory Experience

One of the highlights for food lovers and curious visitors alike is a visit to the Appenzeller Schaukäserei (Cheese Factory) in nearby Stein. Here, you can watch the traditional cheesemaking process from a viewing gallery, learn about the mysterious blend of herbs used in the cheese’s ageing process, and, of course, taste it in all its glorious, tangy variations. The factory is informative, accessible, and great for all ages — a perfect stop between hikes or as a rainy day activity.

The attached restaurant offers hearty alpine fare (including more cheese, naturally), and the gift shop sells local products and souvenirs that go far beyond the usual postcards and fridge magnets.

A Day Trip to St. Gallen

No trip to this region would be complete without a day in St. Gallen, just under an hour away by train. The contrast is striking — from rural quiet to vibrant city — yet St. Gallen still feels intimate and approachable.

The highlight is undoubtedly the Abbey Library of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Stepping into its Baroque interior, with ornate woodwork and centuries-old manuscripts, is like entering a sanctuary of knowledge and art.

St. Gallen also offers excellent shopping, museums, and cafés — ideal for a rainy day or a break from hiking. Don’t miss the charming old town, where colourful oriel windows and boutique shops line cobbled streets.

Final Thoughts

Appenzell in the summer is a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. It’s a place where nature and tradition go hand in hand, where children can run free in meadows, and where every member of the family will find something to love — from hiking and biking to cheese tasting and tobogganing.

Whether you're sitting on a mountaintop terrace, cycling through a quiet village, or watching your kids race down an alpine slide in Jakobsbad, you’ll find that Appenzell offers a uniquely Swiss summer — full of heart, history, and unforgettable views.

Time-Pressed Travel has many tried-and-tested itineraries for Switzerland and we look forward to preparing your personal itinerary.