Below is where we are currently staying for our Summer trip. This is our second trip to Switzerland so we wanted to explore new areas. Wondering if you we should take 2 nights from Pontresina and start first in Appenzell? We love nature and the outdoors and plan to do lots of hiking and biking.
Arrive in Zurich
6 nights Pontresina
5 nights Lake Garda (Italy)
1 night Milan
3 nights Bettmeralp
1 night Zurich
Yes, a vote for Appenzell! We were there last summer as a first stop in Switzerland and absolutely loved the area. There were far fewer tourists while we were there in early June, while the Berner Oberland was quite busy.
Appenzell has stunning green fields backdropped by gorgeous mountain views. There is quite a lot of hiking in this region- Seealpsee & the Aescher guesthouse are here, as is Hoher Kasten, the Saxer Lucke, and hikes on Santis. The trains, buses, and cable cars were always very well timed to get us where we wanted to go.
https://www.appenzell.ch/en/alpstein/hiking/hiking-tour-suggestions.html
Katherine thanks so much for the reply! How many days did you stay?
I think we were there for 3-4 nights?
I would not take time away from Pontresina given your interests. I do think 5 nights at Lake Garda is a long time… Maybe steal 2 nights from Garda and 1 from Pontresina. 3 nights is, IMO, sufficient in Appenzell.
