We’d like to experience the Appenzell region of Switzerland. Perhaps Appenzell Town, but mainly driving a rental car through the countryside, seeing small villages, etc. How many days should we allow?
This would be part of a longer trip so the goal is to spend the right amount of time in Appenzell, neither stretching out our stay nor shortening it. So, how many days should we allow?
Thoughts on villages, scenic drives, etc. welcome!
Hello, what month? do you hike? Appenzell is below the tree line, green Alps' so therfore very pretty. If this is a driving vacation take a look at the Klaussen Pass. J
I'd suggest at least two nights in Appenzell, as it's a very historic and scenic area, with a somewhat different culture than other parts of Switzerland. However, the length of time will depend on what you want to do/see in that area. I'd suggest having a look at the RS Switzerland guidebook to familiarize yourself with sights in that area. I would highly recommend the Hotel Adler in Appenzell - https://www.adlerhotel.ch/en/home/ .
Tips:
If you stay 3 nights, most hotels and accommodations give you a pass that gets you many free activities. (free rides up 3 lifts including the Ebenalp lift, a free day of e-bikes, free entrance to several museums and the cheese factory nearby, free rides on the trains, free ride on the rodelbahn nearby, etc. etc, )
Appenzell is small and how much you enjoy it can be a little weather dependent. If it is beautiful and you can do all those things for free, filling two days will be easy. Some other rainy day activities: Visit the Appenzeller Brewery that makes the Alpenbitter. It is mostly a store, but you may get lucky and get on an English speaking tour (we did, but they are not often). Ask at the TI about any traditional music shows in the area. (Rick Steves lists one that takes place on certain nights at a hotel. We went to it in 2018 and it was very good.) Also, even on cloudy days, you can ride up the lifts and enjoy the restaurants at the top. (At least if you have the free pass...may not be worth the money without it.) Ebenalp is the most well known and has the famous Aescher hut (as seen on the Rick Steves videos) It is a short hike down to it and can be slippery on wet days.
For a first visit, I would suggest 2-3 nights at the most.
If you are coming from or going to Lucerne or Lauterbrunnen, I recommend Route 8 via the towns of Schwellbrunn, Wattwill, Uznach etc. The area between Appenzell and Highway 3 goes through many charming villages and is much more scenic than taking the highway past Zurich. (which I have also done)
Drive the speed limit. You will not see many cameras, but they are there. Switzerland's philosophy is they don't want you to know where they are (unlike Italy that warns you) According to an article I read, it is illegal to tell people where they are..like in a blog.
Lastly, enjoy your trip!
Thanks to all for the comments.
To make my question a bit clearer, we'd be travelling in early May. We're particularly interested in small, scenic villages and scenic drives in the country or up mountains.
Appenzell is very scenic, the villages are delightful, and the drive between Appenzell and Lucerne is just what you are looking for If you are heading that direction. (see my previous post). If this is what you are interested in, you will enjoy Appenzell. It would be easy to plot out a nice drive through the hills and quaint towns. (We did an awesome tour on e-bikes) I have not experienced any drives that get you way up the mountains for views. They tend to use lifts. The closest would be the drive to Allstatten. You do gain some nice elevation, but it leads to a small town with a lift that takes you higher. (Hoher Kasten) Of course, you don't have to be up high to enjoy mountain views, so any drive will be scenic. If you just want to take a nice drive, 2 nights with one full day will be enough. If you want to experience some of the lifts, I would do 3 nights, 2 full days which will also get you the free pass. (Be sure you verify it is available from where you are staying before booking. It seems like everyone gives it, but double check.)
Also, the mountains may still be melting out and some of the huts you have to hike to may be closed, but it doesn't sound like you are hiking anyway.
