Appenzell Innerrhoden: Mountain Scenery and Traditions

Appenzell Innerrhoden combines alpine landscapes with a distinctive cultural heritage and village history. In the Alpstein, limestone peaks, striking ridges and mountain lakes such as Lake Seealp and Lake Fählensee shape the scenery. There are also paths through gentler valleys, viewpoints and cultural attractions that can give your stay a very different focus.

Mountain views, plants and trails in the Alpstein

The Hoher Kasten Alpine Garden covers about 5,000 m² and contains around 300 different plant species. It is part of the Hoher Kasten–Kamor–Schwämme–Chienberg plant conservation area. The elevations also vary: Säntis is 2,502 m high and offers views across six countries. The Europa-Rundweg trail on Hoher Kasten also offers views across six countries. The circular trail is accessible to wheelchair users and is also suitable for families with strollers and people with mobility impairments; check the conditions before your trip.

The Alpstein also brings together landscapes, striking structures and archaeological finds. The Aescher mountain inn stands right beside the sheer rock face of Ebenalp. The Wildkirchli Caves are known for prehistoric finds; cave bear skeletons and stone tools are considered evidence of prehistoric hunters. So alongside the viewpoints, rock formations and archaeological history also take center stage.

The network of hiking trails in Appenzell Innerrhoden passes through varied landscapes, from rugged alpine areas to easier valley walks across gently rolling green hills. An 11.78 km hike from Schwende passes, among other places, Lake Seealp, Wildkirchli and Wasserauen. Those considering a snowshoe route will find a panorama extending to Lake Constance on the Gonten–Hundwiler Höhe route; visibility depends on the weather. In the wider Appenzell region, hiking trails stretch from the shores of Lake Constance to the Alpstein.

Getting your bearings around Wasserauen and Ebenalp

The Wasserauen–Ebenalp cable car takes passengers from Wasserauen up to Ebenalp and is accessible to people with disabilities. Its valley station is a two-minute walk from Wasserauen railway station. At the top, the mountain station is accessible to wheelchair users; from there, there is step-free access to the panorama hall and viewing terrace. Checking the timetable and current conditions can help with your day’s planning.

The alpine climbing garden on the upper wall at Zisler is a 15-minute walk from the Ebenalp mountain station. It offers 46 easy, well-protected climbing routes for beginners. As route conditions and access may change, check them before climbing. The different activities appeal to different interests: scenic views and plant life, archaeological traces or climbing can each be a focus for a stay.

Village history, art and Appenzell traditions

In Appenzell, a village walk passes the colorful houses on Hauptgasse, the parish church, the castle, Landsgemeindeplatz and Roman Signer’s artworks at Adlerplatz. The Catholic church is dedicated to Saint Maurice; its location is first mentioned in 1071. Adlerplatz is home to Signer’s installation «Drehscheibe», designed as a three-minute experience in spatial perception. A night watchman’s tour visits historic places in the village center; its seasonal availability may vary.

The historic Landsgemeindeplatz is the venue for the annual Landsgemeinde. There, people discuss cantonal elections and ballot measures, then vote by a show of hands. Alpstobede are another form of community tradition: they take place during the alpine summer on larger communal alpine pastures. They feature Appenzell music, folk dancing and yodeling, including the «Mölirad» dance figure, the partner dance «Hierig» and «Ratzliedli». The individual programs vary.

Museums also reveal different sides of the region. The Appenzeller Bahnen Museum displays historic railway vehicles, objects from everyday railway life in the past and changing documentary exhibitions. On display is Switzerland’s only narrow-gauge diesel-electric railcar from 1929 in its original condition. The museum also documents a once-planned railway line from Appenzell via Wasserauen, Lake Seealp and Meglisalp to Säntis. The Appenzell Art Museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art and offers a classical concert program. The 400-year-old «Maria der Engel» convent adds to the region’s historic and cultural attractions.

In Gonten, ROOTHUUS GONTEN is a center for traditional music from Appenzell and Toggenburg; guided tours and yodeling courses are offered there. Other possible activities include a tour of Appenzeller Alpenbitter, with the chance to look inside the herb room, and a visitor workshop where participants bake their own Bärli-Biber and learn the art of making Biber. Check dates and availability for tours, workshops and seasonal activities before your trip.

Plan your stay around your interests

Your preferred focus for the trip can be a useful starting point when choosing a hotel: would you rather spend your days on mountain trails and enjoying the views, or are village history, museums and local traditions more important? The attractions and programs mentioned offer different starting points. Plan travel, tours and events around the activities that interest you.

Discover more destinations: Appenzell, Gonten, Oberegg, Wasserauen, Schlatt-Haslen, Rüte, Mittelland, Vorderland.

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