Appenzell is the capital of the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden in northeastern Switzerland, a largely car-free old town famous for its hand-painted, brightly frescoed house facades and ornate wrought-iron shop signs (Tafeen) along the Hauptgasse. It is best known for the Landsgemeinde, an open-air direct-democracy assembly where citizens vote by show of hands on the last Sunday of April, and for its living folk culture, traditional costumes and Appenzeller cheese. As of 2026 the well-preserved pedestrian lanes remain a favourite, and the village also serves as the gateway to the Alpstein mountains (Ebenalp, Seealpsee). It is a compact place you can explore on foot in about half a day.
The pedestrian Hauptgasse lined with colourfully painted houses and forged wrought-iron shop signs
Landsgemeindeplatz square, setting for the open-air Landsgemeinde held on the last Sunday of April
The Town Hall (Rathaus) with its 1928 facade by August Schmid and the ornately painted Löwen pharmacy
Heiligkreuz Chapel, rebuilt after the 1560 fire, with 1964 stained glass by Ferdinand Gehr, and St. Mauritius parish church
Roman Signer's contemporary installations, including the rotating viewing turntable at Adlerplatz (about a 3-minute panorama)
Good to know
SeasonThe Landsgemeinde (26 April in 2026), the summer peak and weekends make the narrow lanes and trains very crowded, so book lodging and seats well ahead.
RulesThe village is reached by the narrow-gauge Appenzeller Bahnen and is free with the Swiss Travel Pass; many shops close on Sundays and over the lunch break, so check opening hours.
SafetyThe centre is mostly pedestrian and very safe, but watch for cars and trains at crossings; if you add an Alpstein hike, wear proper shoes and check the weather.
MannersKeep quiet during the Landsgemeinde, church services and in residential lanes, and ask before photographing locals in traditional dress.
CautionOutright scams are rare, but restaurant and souvenir prices are high; confirm cable-car and museum fares and hours through official channels before you go.
SeasonIn winter the cobbled lanes can be icy and mountain cableways may pause operating, so check the running status in advance.
Practical info
From St. Gallen or Gossau SG, change to the narrow-gauge Appenzeller Bahnen and alight at Appenzell station, a few minutes' walk from the centre. Wandering the village is free; individual museums, watching the Landsgemeinde and the Ebenalp cable car are charged separately, so check fares, opening hours and the Landsgemeinde date on the official sites for the latest information.
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