The Appenzell region in eastern Switzerland is known for its rolling hills, spiky Alpstein peaks and signature cheese of the same name.
The best hikes near Appenzell for casual hikers and families. Options ranging from easy short trails with fun amusements to more difficult mountain trails where you earn the view.
How to get to Appenzell
Appenzell is located in north eastern Switzerland. From Zürich, it’s about 1h20 by car and 2 hours by train.
If you stay at least 2 nights at a participating accommodation, you can get the Oskar card, which gives you public transport and discounts on mountains in the region.
Favorites near Appenzell
Cheese & Chocolate near Appenzell
Where to stay near Appenzell
Everything in this area is a reasonable day trip from Zürich. But if you plan to do multiple activities, you’ll have more fun if you stay overnight in the region.
The Appenzell village is a convenient base, but you may prefer one of the mountain hotels. Here are a few suggestions,
Next to the Seealpsee lake, there are two mountain hotels: Gasthaus Forelle and Berggasthaus Seealpsee. This would give you more time at the lake, so you can be a nice way to break up the hike.
You can break up the long Hoher Kasten-Saxer Lucke trail by stopping halfway at Berghaus Bollenwies next to the Falensee. They serve the best Rösti in the region, deep fried and so delicious.
Berggasthaus Staubern is on this same hike but on the ridge, so you get the panorama view from their outdoor terrace.
At the top of the Kronberg lift, there is Berggasthaus Kronberg, a mountain hotel with views of the Alpstein. Even if you don’t stay overnight, you can ride up the cable car for their special breakfast buffet.
