Guided Walking in the Swiss Appenzell Alps

New holiday

Location: Switzerland

Duration: 7 nights accommodation

Itineraries available: 1

Board Type: Half Board

Non-members From

Call to Enquire

Members From

Call to Enquire

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Switzerland’s postcard-perfect scenery takes centre stage on this relaxed walking holiday in enchanting Appenzell. The region’s excellent cable car network makes light work of the steepest climbs, leaving you free to follow your experienced leader on gentle trails through spectacular Alpine landscapes. Walk panoramic paths atop the summit of Ebenalp, see the remarkable Berggasthaus Äscher guesthouse carved into the cliff face, and feel the grass beneath your feet on the famous Barefoot Trail through picturesque alpine meadowlands. From the mirror-like waters of Lake Seealp to Appenzell’s rolling green pastures, each day promises unforgettable walks, local traditions, and delicious Swiss cuisine.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...

Nestled in the heart of Appenzell’s charming, car-free old town, Hotel Löwen combines traditional Swiss hospitality with the unique character of the Appenzell region. Housed in a historic building along the picturesque Hauptgasse, the hotel offers a warm and authentic atmosphere, making it an ideal base for discovering the cultural and natural highlights of eastern Switzerland. The hotel features beautifully decorated guestrooms in typical Appenzell style, featuring Wi-Fi, TV, radio and safety deposit box. Each evening, dinner arrangements have been made at local restaurants just a short stroll (approx. 3-minute walk) from the hotel. 


What You’ll Love

  • Walking the famous Barefoot Trail through the soft peat meadows of the Gonten high valley 

  • Views of six countries from the Europa-Rundweg trail 

  • Riding the Kronberg Cable Car, the longest in Appenzell 

  • The dramatic cliffs of the Alpstein massif 

  • Learning about local cheese production at the Appenzeller Demonstration Cheese Dairy 

  • Sampling traditional Swiss gingerbread at a local bakery 


What's Included

  • Return flights from London, including baggage and transfers by rail (flights available from other airports - price may vary) 

  • HF Tour Manager 

  • Return luggage transfer service between airport and hotel 

  • A choice of 2 guided walks per day with local leaders (on walking days) 

  • 7 nights' accommodation in Appenzell 

  • 7 breakfasts & 7 dinners 


Reviews


Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Fly from London to Zurich, where you’ll meet your HF Holidays Tour Manager. We then travel by second-class rail to our hotel in Appenzell, a journey of approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. 

Your main luggage will be transferred separately, so please keep essential items, including your passport, medication and payment cards, in your hand luggage. 

After time to settle in, we’ll take a gentle guided stroll through Appenzell’s colourful streets and stop at Appenzeller Alpenbitter for a complimentary tasting of a traditional Swiss herbal liqueur. This evening, we gather and take a short walk to a local restaurant for a welcome drink and dinner. 

Morning walk (both groups): Jakobsbad to Gontenbad 

Distance: 3 miles (4.9 km) 
Ascent: 205 feet (63 m) 
Descent: 250 feet (76 m) 

Today begins with both groups enjoying a walk together along the popular Barefoot Trail through the peat meadows of the Gonten Valley.  Taking the train to Jakobsbad, we set off on a flat trail that leads through soft grass and shallow streams to Gontenbad, offering an unusual and refreshing way to experience the landscape. 

We then return to Jakobsbad by train and ride the cable car to Kronberg. Both afternoon options offer impressive views towards Säntis and the rugged peaks of the Alpstein massif. 

Option 1: Kronberg and Jakobsalp 

Distance: 2.5 miles (4km) 
Ascent: 800 feet (250 m) 
Descent: 800 feet (250 m) 

From the top of Kronberg, we follow easy paths around the summit before descending gently towards Alp Laufte. Our route takes us via Jakobsquelle and Jakobsalp, with far-reaching views across the surrounding mountains. We return to the summit and take the cable car down to Jakobsbad. 

Option 2: Kronberg to Jakobsbad 

Distance: 4.5 miles (7 km) 
Ascent: 80 feet (25 m) 
Descent: 2,650 feet (800 m) 

Our longer option follows the Kronberg ridge towards Scheidegg before descending through Alpine scenery to Jakobsbad via Chlepfhütte and St Jakob. Although there is little ascent, the route includes a sustained descent from the summit. 

Both groups reunite in Jakobsbad before returning to Appenzell by train.

We travel by train to Wasserauen before taking the cable car to Ebenalp. Today’s walks showcase some of the best-known scenery in the Alpstein mountains, including the prehistoric Wildkirchli caves, the striking Äscher cliffside restaurant and the emerald-green waters of Lake Seealp. 

Option 1: Ebenalp and Äscher 

Distance: 2.5 miles (4.5 km) 
Ascent: negligible 
Descent: 2,350 feet (720 m) 

From Ebenalp, we descend through the prehistoric Wildkirchli caves to the famous Äscher restaurant, dramatically positioned beneath an overhanging cliff. We continue through Chobel towards Wasserauen, with the opportunity to visit Lake Seealp along the way. 

Option 2: Ebenalp and Lake Seealp 

Distance: 5 miles (7.5 km) 
Ascent: 450 feet (140 m) 
Descent: 2,850 feet (860 m) 

Our longer walk also visits the Wildkirchli caves before descending through woodland and Alpine pastures to Lake Seealp. From the lake, we continue along the valley to Wasserauen. 

Both groups meet at Gasthaus Seealpsee before walking downhill to Wasserauen station and returning to Appenzell by train. 

A short train journey takes us to Gais, a village surrounded by green pastures and traditional Appenzell farmhouses, famed for its beautifully preserved architecture and historic centre. Choose between a leisurely circuit through the countryside or a longer walk over Gäbris, one of the area’s best-known viewpoints. 

Option 1: Pastures and Farmhouses Around Gais 

Distance: 3.5 miles (6 km) 
Ascent: 450 feet (140 m) 
Descent: 2,850 feet (860 m) 

Our gentler walk follows quiet paths through the countryside surrounding Gais. Passing traditional farmhouses and rolling pastures, we walk via Zweibrücken, Sammelplatz and Möser before returning to the village. 

Option 2: Gais and Gäbris 

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5 km) 
Ascent: 1,550 feet (480 m) 
Descent: 1,550 feet (480 m) 

From Gais, we climb through the rolling hills to Gäbrisseeli and the summit of Gäbris. The route visits locations associated with the region’s historic battles and rewards the ascent with extensive views across the Appenzell region. 

Both groups meet in Gais at lunchtime. This afternoon, we’ll visit a local bakery to taste Appenzeller Biber, a traditional gingerbread filled with almond paste, before returning by train. 

Today is free for you to relax at the hotel, take an independent walk or use your Appenzeller Holiday Card to visit other places of interest. 

You may like to travel to St Gallen to see its UNESCO-listed Abbey District and historic library. Alternatively, head to the Urnäsch Valley for a walk around the Osteregg loop, a rewarding circular walk that offers panoramic views of the Appenzell foothills. 

We travel by PostBus to Brülisau and take the cable car to the summit of Hoher Kasten. Both options offer exceptional mountain scenery, with views across the Alpstein range and into six countries on a clear day. 

Option 1: Hoher Kasten to Brülisau 

Distance: 3 miles (4.5 km) 
Ascent: negligible
Descent: 2,850 feet (880 m) 

We begin with the Europa-Rundweg, an easy panoramic trail around the summit. There will also be time to visit the Alpine flower garden before we descend through Ruhesitz to Brülisau. 

Option 2: The Hoher Kasten Ridge 

Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5 km) 
Ascent: 1,360 feet (420 m) 
Descent: 4,200 feet (1,280 m) 

Our longer option follows the spectacular geological ridge from Hoher Kasten towards Staubern. We then descend through Rainhütten, Alp Soll and Ruhesitz to Brülisau, with extensive views across the surrounding mountains along the way. 

Both groups reunite at the Brülisau cable-car station before returning to Appenzell. 

We travel by local bus to Stein to visit the Appenzeller Demonstration Cheese Dairy. An interactive exhibition reveals how the region’s famous cheese is produced. 

This afternoon, choose between a gentle themed trail leading to the Appenzell Folk Museum or a longer walk through the Urnäsch Valley. 

Option 1: Appenzell Treasure Trail 

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.5 km) 
Ascent: 200 feet (60 m) 
Descent: 200 feet (60 m) 

Starting at the Appenzeller Demonstration Cheese Dairy, we follow a gentle themed trail through the surrounding countryside to the Appenzell Folk Museum. 

Option 2: The Urnäsch Valley 

Distance: 7 miles (11 km) 
Ascent: 1,800 feet (550 m) 
Descent: 1,800 feet (550 m) 

Our longer walk descends from Stein into the Urnäsch Valley. The route crosses several historic wooden bridges, including the “talking bridge” near the meeting point of the Urnäsch and Sitter rivers, before returning to Stein. 

This evening, we gather and take a short walk to a local restaurant for a farewell dinner. 

After a relaxed final breakfast, we travel by train from Appenzell to Zurich Airport for our flight to London. Your main luggage will be transferred separately from the hotel to the airport. 

Accommodation

Hotel Löwen

Nestled in the heart of Appenzell’s charming, car-free old town, Hotel Löwen combines traditional Swiss hospitality with the unique character of the Appenzell region. Housed in a historic building along the picturesque Hauptgasse, the hotel offers a warm and authentic atmosphere, making it an ideal base for discovering the cultural and natural highlights of eastern Switzerland. The hotel features beautifully decorated guestrooms in typical Appenzell style, featuring Wi-Fi, TV, radio and safety deposit box. Each evening, dinner arrangements have been made at local restaurants just a short stroll (approx. 3-minute walk) from the hotel. 

More Information

          array(1) {
  [0]=>
  array(4) {
    ["id"]=>
    string(26) "01kwy2ke56589b97q48m872zrv"
    ["title"]=>
    string(63) "Vaccinations & health information - SHARED WITH ALL EU NEW 2026"
    ["content"]=>
    string(2718) "

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

" ["category"]=> array(4) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm4p4t63wg52zvx8ye389" ["name"]=> string(21) "Vaccinations & health" ["slug"]=> string(19) "vaccinations-health" ["parent"]=> array(2) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm3q8ts22vjqv7zy4hdym" ["name"]=> string(16) "Trip information" } } } }

Vaccinations & health information

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

          array(1) {
  [0]=>
  array(4) {
    ["id"]=>
    string(26) "01kwy2ke62f9ebjpfzd921qwsm"
    ["title"]=>
    string(56) "Passport & Visa information - SHARED FOR ALL EU NEW 2026"
    ["content"]=>
    string(2240) "

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 
" ["category"]=> array(4) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm4yk7az1rhv9r0ynqhp9" ["name"]=> string(17) "Passports & visas" ["slug"]=> string(15) "passports-visas" ["parent"]=> array(2) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm3q8ts22vjqv7zy4hdym" ["name"]=> string(16) "Trip information" } } } }

Passport & Visa information

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 
          array(1) {
  [0]=>
  array(4) {
    ["id"]=>
    string(26) "01kwy2njw8vaf4t52x7p70m2tb"
    ["title"]=>
    string(38) "Packing list - Overseas Guided Walking"
    ["content"]=>
    string(1394) "

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)
" ["category"]=> array(4) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm3faq6484y3v603qfg25" ["name"]=> string(21) "Essential information" ["slug"]=> string(21) "essential-information" ["parent"]=> array(2) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm0fhq0ycna6d9smf80p6" ["name"]=> string(19) "Holiday information" } } } }

Packing list

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)
          array(1) {
  [0]=>
  array(4) {
    ["id"]=>
    string(26) "01kwy2ng4a7ahkb20yn4mea2er"
    ["title"]=>
    string(38) "With flights - SHARED WITH ALL EU & WW"
    ["content"]=>
    string(423) "

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

" ["category"]=> array(4) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm1jxxttqsvsc67w5dt8y" ["name"]=> string(35) "Joining instructions (with Flights)" ["slug"]=> string(33) "joining-instructions-with-flights" ["parent"]=> array(2) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm19gzzsp3tv1r1r7ka2f" ["name"]=> string(20) "Joining instructions" } } } }

With flights

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

          array(1) {
  [0]=>
  array(4) {
    ["id"]=>
    string(26) "01kwy2njwat6yj95emh494zjj0"
    ["title"]=>
    string(36) "Without flights - SHARED WITH ALL EU"
    ["content"]=>
    string(219) "

Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.   

*Subject to availability 

" ["category"]=> array(4) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm1vck9a9h3cr9qycms3r" ["name"]=> string(38) "Joining instructions (without Flights)" ["slug"]=> string(36) "joining-instructions-without-flights" ["parent"]=> array(2) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm19gzzsp3tv1r1r7ka2f" ["name"]=> string(20) "Joining instructions" } } } }

Without flights

Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.   

*Subject to availability 

          array(2) {
  [0]=>
  array(4) {
    ["id"]=>
    string(26) "01kwy2ke58t5fqvkmz61x5j04a"
    ["title"]=>
    string(51) "Travel Insurance - SHARED WITH ALL EU & WW NEW 2026"
    ["content"]=>
    string(770) "

Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.

For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/

" ["category"]=> array(4) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm57nsr6ya7rha4swbehk" ["name"]=> string(18) "Useful Information" ["slug"]=> string(18) "useful-information" ["parent"]=> array(2) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm0fhq0ycna6d9smf80p6" ["name"]=> string(19) "Holiday information" } } } [1]=> array(4) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01kwy2ke8g4zt1y2g9zbjmcfng" ["title"]=> string(46) "Drinking Water - SHARED ACROSS ALL EU NEW 2026" ["content"]=> string(859) "

Drinking Water

Standards for drinking water vary widely around the world. In many destinations, tap water may not be safe to drink, brush your teeth with, or use for making ice. Where advised, you should drink only bottled or treated water and ensure that bottle seals are intact before use. If bottled water is unavailable, water should be boiled or filtered.

Staying well hydrated is particularly important in hot climates and during active holidays. Carry water with you and drink regularly. 

If you are unsure about local water safety, check official country-specific health advice before travel, or ask your accommodation or local guides for guidance once you arrive.

" ["category"]=> array(4) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm57nsr6ya7rha4swbehk" ["name"]=> string(18) "Useful Information" ["slug"]=> string(18) "useful-information" ["parent"]=> array(2) { ["id"]=> string(26) "01jz2mm0fhq0ycna6d9smf80p6" ["name"]=> string(19) "Holiday information" } } } }

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore, if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so before you travel.

For more information about healthcare and its costs, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/

Drinking Water

Drinking Water

Standards for drinking water vary widely around the world. In many destinations, tap water may not be safe to drink, brush your teeth with, or use for making ice. Where advised, you should drink only bottled or treated water and ensure that bottle seals are intact before use. If bottled water is unavailable, water should be boiled or filtered.

Staying well hydrated is particularly important in hot climates and during active holidays. Carry water with you and drink regularly. 

If you are unsure about local water safety, check official country-specific health advice before travel, or ask your accommodation or local guides for guidance once you arrive.

Carbon Footprint

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Code: APP07-LCL09

Share

Dates & availability

Guided Walking in the Swiss Appenzell Alps

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership
Image

Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

Image

Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

Image

Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

Image

Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

Your Wishlist

Start your next adventure.

Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday to your wishlist.