Weekend in Appenzell

The open-air political square where citizens vote each April by raising their swords. Surrounded by guild houses and the striped Appenzell Banner. A great spot to sit on a bench an

Tip: If you visit on the last Sunday in April, you'll witness the Landsgemeinde vote — it's free and unique, but get there by 11am to see the procession.

A level 2km path along the River Sitter from the edge of the village to the Eggerstanden hamlet. You pass wooden footbridges, grazing cows, and small farms selling cheese directly

Tip: Pack a Swiss army knife and buy a half-wheel of Appenzeller cheese (CHF 8–12) from the farm at the far end — they offer a taste before you buy.

A perfectly preserved medieval village with painted house facades, carved wooden signs, and a cobbled main square (Landsgemeindeplatz). The entire town centre is walkable in under an hour.

Tip: Arrive before 9am on a weekday to see the weekly farmers' market set up — it's locals-only and quiet, with better photo light.

A compact folk museum in a classic Appenzell house showing traditional costumes, cow bells, and butter churns. Good for understanding why the Appenzell breed of brown cow lives on steep slopes.

Tip: Skip the audio guide; the English captions on exhibits are sufficient. Best ten-minute stop is the upstairs room with hand-painted furniture.

A working brewery that makes Appenzeller Bier. The self-guided tour costs CHF 5 and takes 30 minutes, showing copper kettles and a bottling line. A tasting of one beer is included.

Tip: Skip the expensive beer spa. Instead, buy a CHF 3 'Bierverschnitt' (beer-and-lemonade mix) in the shop — locals drink it after hiking.