Review of Appenzell – A small, warm town

If you are looking for a quiet, uncrowded tourist destination in Switzerland, full of the charm of nature and traditional local culture, I would like to recommend Appenzell, a small town in the northeastern region of the country. It is a destination that many people may overlook, but it is more impressive than you think. 🌿 ⸻ 📍 A small town full of charm As soon as I stepped into the city of Appenzell, I felt like I had entered a fairy tale world. The colorful houses have frescoes in the traditional Swiss style. The Hauptgasse pedestrian street is lined with local shops, pastry shops, cheese shops, and cute souvenirs. There are no cars here, perfect for a slow and relaxing walk around the city. 🏘️ ⸻ 🧀 Appenzeller Cheese – A must-try When I arrived at the birthplace of Appenzeller cheese, how could I miss it! I stopped by Appenzeller Schaukäserei, a traditional cheese factory. Tourists can watch the cheese-making process and try the cheese with a strong and unique flavor. It is a secret recipe that has been kept for over 700 years – cheese lovers will definitely love it! ⸻ 🏞️ Breathtaking Nature From the city, take the train to Wasserauen, the starting point of the hike. I chose the route to Seealpsee – a crystal clear emerald lake in the middle of a valley. The trail is not too difficult, taking about 45-60 minutes, walking through meadows, cow farms and spectacular mountain views all the way. When I reached the lake, I felt like I had received a great prize from nature. 🍃 Another highlight is taking the cable car up to Ebenalp to visit the Äscher Cliff Restaurant, an old wooden house on the edge of a cliff – the view here is world class! There is also the Wildkirchli cave to explore. 🏔️ ⸻ 🎉 A culture that still exists I was lucky enough to see the cattle procession down the mountain in autumn (Alpabzug). The locals dress in traditional costumes and lead the cattle decorated with bells and beautiful ornaments back to the village. It is a lovely sight and reflects the Appenzell way of life very well. ⸻ ☕ Experienced tips • Recommended accommodation: Hotel Hecht or Gasthaus Hof, with a warm and family atmosphere And easy to walk around the city • Local food: Try Rösti with Appenzeller cheese, or Swiss-style dried meat dishes • When to go: Spring (May-June) or autumn (Sept-October) is when nature is at its most beautiful ⸻ ✨ Conclusion: Appenzell, a city that offers more than just tourism Appenzell is not as big or famous as Lucerne or Zurich, but it offers a deeper and more sincere experience, with beautiful nature, a simple lifestyle, and a proudly preserved culture. Here, I felt that I had truly experienced “real Switzerland”. ⸻ If you are looking for a relaxing destination in the middle of the mountains, with a unique cultural experience, Appenzell is the answer you should not overlook. 🌄💚