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Genuine small Swiss canton
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Genuine small Swiss canton
Destination:
Switzerland, Appenzell
Date:
22.06.2020
Experience Seekers
If you are looking for an authentic slice of rural Swiss life, look no further than the charming town of Appenzell, a genuine Swiss canton in the Northeaster part of the country.
Appenzell still preserves many medieval customs and traditions and is as authentic as it gets, when it comes to uncovering a true Swiss treasure.
The story of Appenzell
One of the destinations that I consider among the most genuine in Switzerland is the charming canton of Appenzell in the Northeaster part of the country, a genuine small Swiss canton. It is located under the foothills of the Alpstein mountain and is definitely one of Switzerland’s hidden gems well worth experiencing. To visit this town is to step back in time: you will walk along pedestrian streets lined with colourful houses, rural customs and quaint little stores and boutiques, overflowing with local products (think wooden craftsmanship, beer and cheese). You will even encounter locals wearing traditional folk costumes. Appenzell still preserves its genuine rituals and traditions that date back to the Middleages. You’d have to work hard to find a more picture-perfect example of a genuine small Swiss canton.
The Appenzeller Cheese
Most probably, you may have already heard of Appenzell, thanks to its world-famous, award-winning local cheese, the “Appenzeller”, which you can find in several countries and in all Swiss supermarkets. From its distinctive branding alone, it is obvious that there is rich history and tradition behind this much-loved cheese. The main photo shows the Appenzeller (a man from Appenzell) in his local traditional dress and reveals the authenticity of this enchanting alpine destination.
An off-grid Swiss gem
As I like to discover below the radar delights wherever I go, I decided to visit Appenzell, which is just an hour’s drive from Zurich. The promenade of the capital is a strictly pedestrian zone, full of tall buildings with head turning facades covered in colourful frescoes. It is like an outdoor art gallery! Stay tuned to learn about the colourful house heritage from a local Appenzeller. During weekends, from time to time, you will spot locals wearing traditional dress, singing in the streets.
Dowtown Appenzell
In downtown Appenzell, you will discover a town hall decked out with flags and colours, cheery boutique hotels, the castle, the monastery, the cathedral, a cute dolls-house of a church adorned with eye-catching vitraux (stained glass). Needless to say, as a cheese lover, I couldn’t resist heading to the Appenzeller Show Dairy, an experiential cheese “museum” and factory, during my visit to this memorable Swiss town.
Secret paths for bikes and hikes
What is amazing during summer time here in this genuine small canton is the rich variety of scenic roads and hiking trails. Insider tip: When you see a motorcyclist driving in front of you, just follow them. They always seem to know the most interesting roads that take you to places where you can enjoy the best views. I followed a group of motorcyclists and soon I discovered a unique road that brought me to Schwaegalp at an elevation of 1.278 meters. From there you can take the cable car up to Mt. Saentis (2.502m height), the highest mountain in the Alpstein massif of North Eastern Switzerland. The surrounding scenery is magnificent, as green as it gets; as if someone has laid a green carpet in nature. You could see emerald valleys everywhere, cows, cows and more cows, alpine hills, tall trees, little villages. The colours of the sky during sunrise and sunset will steal your breath away.
On your way to Zurich
On your way back to Zurich, you will come across a forest reserve, the Kreisalpen that dates back to 1914, where rare birds and animals like deergeese, foxes and snow hares are preserved. You will not see them but it is good to know that all these species are being given safe shelter. There are so many different routes you can take around this area and all of them will surround you in an endless green beauty that you’re sure to love!
Stay tuned to read about the Appenzeller Show Diary at “A genuine place to say cheese” story.
