appenzell Attractions
Things to Do in Appenzell, Switzerland | Local Guide
Places to visit – Day trip from Zurich
What to do in Appenzell?
Appenzell, Switzerland is one of the most compact and rewarding mountain regions in the country. The Alpstein stretches between the Säntis and Hoher Kasten and packs a remarkable variety of Appenzell attractions into a small area — mountain lakes like the Seealpsee, the cliff-face guesthouse Äscher, panoramic summit views and idyllic villages. Whether you’re planning Appenzell hiking routes or just looking for a scenic day out, this region delivers more than its size suggests.
One of Appenzell Switzerland’s greatest strengths is how close everything is. You can combine a village, a cable car, a viewpoint and a short hike in one day without spending most of your time travelling. That makes the things to do in Appenzell work perfectly even as a day trip from Zurich. Whether you’re looking for classic Appenzell attractions, serious Appenzell hiking routes or just a slow afternoon with a mountain view, there is more to see in Appenzell than you’d expect from such a small region. This guide covers what to do in Appenzell across every type of visit — first-timers, photographers and couples planning an elopement included.
Appenzell at a Glance
How to get there
Good to know for planning
Getting to Appenzell
Appenzell is more accessible than many people expect. From Zurich, the trip usually takes around 1 hour 45 minutes – via St. Gallen or Gossau, then onward with the Appenzellerbahnen directly into the village or to Wasserauen, the starting point for several of the best day trips.
For a day trip, public transport is often the simplest option. Anyone heading to Saxerlücke will find a car more flexible. Parking is available in Appenzell, Wasserauen, Brülisau and at the Schwägalp.
Places to visit in Appenzell
Five of the best Appenzell attractions, each with its own character. First-time visitors to Appenzell, Switzerland are best off starting with Seealpsee, Äscher and Säntis. Anyone looking for what to see in Appenzell beyond the classics will find equally strong scenery at Saxerlücke — one of the most dramatic Appenzell hiking destinations in the region.
Seealpsee
The Seealpsee is one of the classics in Appenzell. The lake sits below steep rock walls and offers exactly the kind of mountain scenery many people associate with Switzerland. Despite being well known, it’s not as crowded early in the day.
Start in Wasserauen. The paved road is the most direct route, but the more scenic option is the trail via Hotel Alpenrose through forest and meadows. The climb is not long, but steeper than many first-time visitors expect. Aim to arrive early – when the light is soft, the reflections are strong, and there are still few people around.
Berggasthaus Äscher
The Äscher is one of the most famous places in Appenzell – and just as impressive in person. The guesthouse looks as if it was built directly into the rock face. What makes it special is not just the building itself, but the whole setting: the cliff wall, the cave path through Wildkirchli, and the view down into the valley.
The easiest route is by cable car to Ebenalp, then down through the caves to the Äscher. The walk is short and manageable in good conditions. Go as early as possible for softer light and fewer people. For sunrise shots, note that the first cable car often runs later than first light – worth checking in advance.
Hoher Kasten
The Hoher Kasten is one of the easiest panoramic summits around Appenzell. At the top, the view opens across the Alpstein, the Rhine Valley, and far beyond on clear days. If you’re looking for a big mountain experience without a long climb, this is the place.
The cable car from Brülisau makes the outing very straightforward. The summit area is open and pleasant to explore. In autumn, fog rolling through the Rhine Valley below can make the views even more spectacular. Anyone who prefers hiking will find longer approach routes too.
Saxerlücke
The Saxerlücke is one of the most striking photo spots in the wider Appenzell area. What defines it are the Kreuzberge – a row of sharp rock towers that give the landscape far more drama and line than anywhere lower in the region. The view feels open and wild.
Although many people associate it with Appenzell, the easiest route starts on the Rhine Valley side, from Frümsen. Take the cable car to Staubern, then continue on foot to the pass. The hike is manageable but remains a proper mountain walk – allow enough time and bring good shoes.
Säntis
The Säntis is the most famous mountain in the region and the most iconic viewpoint in Eastern Switzerland. If you want the biggest summit experience around Appenzell, this is it. The mountain feels rawer, higher and more exposed than anywhere else in this guide.
The easiest way up is by cable car from Schwägalp. Hiking to the summit is significantly more demanding and should only be attempted in good conditions. Even in summer it can be cold and windy at the top – always bring more layers than you think you’ll need. The weather on the Säntis shapes the experience more than almost anywhere else.
Best Season for Each Spot
Not every Appenzell attraction works the same way year-round. The things to do in Appenzell shift significantly between seasons — Appenzell hiking routes that are fully open in August may still be snowbound in May. Winter visitors still have options but need to plan carefully. Here’s what to expect for each spot across the year.
Spring (April to June)
Summer (July to August)
Autumn (September to October)
Winter (November to March)
Day trip to Appenzell from Zurich
The short distances in Appenzell, Switzerland make it easy to combine several Appenzell attractions in one day. Whether you’re doing a day trip from Zurich or based in the region, here are three ways to structure the day depending on what to do in Appenzell that fits you best.
First Visit
If it’s your first time in Appenzell and you want to see the main highlights in one day.
Quiet and Off the Beaten Track
If you want to avoid the crowds and see the quieter side of Appenzell.
Over Two Days
If you have more time, want to stay overnight and fit in the Saxerlücke.
Book your Photoshoot in Appenzell
A glimpse into our work as elopement photographers in Appenzell, Switzerland. Appenzell hiking trails, alpine lakes and mountain light — this is our home region. For more stories from the Alpstein, visit our blog.
Elopement in the Alpstein for two
A small, intimate sunrise hike for two in late autumn to the Saxerlücke in Appenzell.
Sunrise on the Säntis
An after-elopement shoot on the Säntis at sunrise, the morning after the wedding day.
Winter Elopement on the Schwägalp
A small, intimate winter elopement in Switzerland on the Schwägalp during the Advent season.
Good to know
Anyone spending more than one day exploring the things to do in Appenzell, Switzerland has a good range of overnight options — from simple mountain guesthouses right on the Appenzell hiking trails to classic hotels in the valley. Here are the best options, plus equipment tips for the region.
Hotels in the Valley
Guesthouses on the Mountain
Equipment Tips
You can go a long way in the Alpstein with relatively little gear. More important than focal length is being at the right spot early and keeping a close eye on the weather.
What Else to Bring
Drones
Flying drones in the Alpstein has been prohibited by cantonal law since November 2020, to protect local wildlife. Exceptions are possible but must be applied for through the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden.
Don’t hesitate
Questions
Answers
Ask more!
ready TO SAY HI?
We want to hear what makes your relationship unique and how we can best capture your day.
© 2026 Alpstein Fotograf
SWITZERLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER –
MOUNTAIN WEDDINGS, ELOPEMENTS AND FAMILY PORTRAITS
Alpstein Fotograf Alpstein Fotograf Alpstein fotograf Alpstein fotograf Alpstein fotograf
