appenzell Attractions
Things to Do in Appenzell,
Switzerland | Local Guide
Places to visit – Day trip from Zurich
Things to Do in Appenzell: The Best Photo Spots and How to Plan Your Trip
Looking for the best things to do in Appenzell, Switzerland? We’ll show you our favorite photo spots in the region we call home. The Alpstein – the mountain range stretching between Säntis and Hoher Kasten – is compact, and that’s exactly what makes it so good: alpine lakes like Seealpsee, cliffside mountain inns like the famous Äscher, and panoramic peaks like Säntis are all packed into a surprisingly small area.
If you’re wondering what to do in Appenzell and have more than one day (we strongly recommend you do), start by getting a quick overview of the region. Because distances here are short, you can easily combine cable cars, viewpoints, and hiking trails into one trip – without backtracking or wasting time in transit.
The best starting point is the village of Appenzell itself. You’ll find great restaurants and traditional shops here, perfect for fueling up before your adventure or picking up a souvenir – Appenzeller cheese and the local Alpenbitter liqueur are the classics. The village is also the main hub for the PostBus (Switzerland’s yellow regional buses) and the Appenzell railway.
Park your car in the large lot in the village and use public transit from there: you stay flexible, you don’t have to loop back to your starting point after a hike, and you skip the hassle of hunting for parking at the trailheads.
Appenzell at a Glance
Getting to Appenzell
Good to Know for Planning
Getting to Appenzell
Appenzell is easier to reach than most people expect. From Zurich, the train takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, usually with a change in St. Gallen or Gossau. From there, the narrow-gauge Appenzell railway takes you straight to Appenzell village or on to Wasserauen, where several of the best hikes in the region begin. If you’re flying in, Zurich Airport has its own train station – from there, it’s a straight two-hour ride to the foot of the Alpstein. That makes Appenzell one of the fastest mountain regions to reach in all of Switzerland – and an easy day trip from Zurich.
For a day trip to the main Appenzell attractions, public transit is usually the simplest option – Swiss trains run on time, and if you’re traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass, the route is covered. If you also want to reach spots like Eggli, Schlatt, or the Saxerlücke ridge, a car gives you more flexibility. You’ll find parking lots in Appenzell, Wasserauen, Brülisau, and at Schwägalp.
The Best Photo Spots in Appenzell
Five places, each with its own character. If it’s your first time in Appenzell, start with Seealpsee, the Äscher, and Säntis – they’re the classics for a reason. If you’d rather skip the crowds, head for the Saxerlücke: far fewer tourists, and the views are just as strong.
Seealpsee
The Seealpsee is one of the classic Appenzell attractions. 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 to Visit Appenzell, Switzerland
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)
Appenzell Hiking and Day Trips
Short distances are the Alpstein’s biggest advantage: you can easily combine several places in a single day. Here are three suggestions, depending on what you’re looking for.
Your First Day Trip to Appenzell, Switzerland – Our Sample itinerary
Wondering what to do in Appenzell if you only have one day? Here’s the itinerary we recommend to first-time visitors who want to hit the main highlights:
A Quieter Day in Appenzell – Away from the Crowds
If you’d rather skip the tourist hotspots and see the quieter side of Appenzell, this is the itinerary for you.
Two Nights in the Alpstein – A Multi-Day Hiking Tour
If you have more time, want to stay overnight in the mountains, and dream of seeing the Saxerlücke, this Appenzell hiking tour is for you.
Book Your Photoshoot in Appenzell
Want to turn your trip to Appenzell into something you can hold onto forever? Pair it with a photoshoot in the mountains – on the trail, at the lake, wherever the light is best. Get in touch and we’ll help you plan it.
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.
Where to Stay – and What Camera Gear to Bring
If you’re staying in Appenzell for more than a day, you have plenty of good options – from simple mountain inns right along the hiking trails to classic hotels down in the valley.
Hotels and Places to Stay in the Valley
Hotels and Places to Stay in the Mountains
Camera Gear Tips
You don’t need a bag full of gear to shoot here. More important than any focal length: be on location early and keep an 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 you’ll need to apply for a permit through the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden.
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MOUNTAIN WEDDINGS, ELOPEMENTS AND FAMILY PORTRAITS
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