Guided Walking in the Swiss Appenzell Alps

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kzrme4evnjcbejws6xrkcyyq
    [title] => Arrival in Appenzell
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
Fly from London to Zurich. 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. 
    [S] => 1
    [E] => 1
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => 
)
                    

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kzrmjffj811prw25f4tvj670
    [title] => The Barefoot Trail and Kronberg
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
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.
    [S] => 2
    [E] => 2
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => 
)
                    

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kzrmq8hvx2b3rcwca1s26wrf
    [title] => Ebenalp, Äscher and Seealpsee
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
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. 
    [S] => 3
    [E] => 3
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => 
)
                    

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kzrmt03x6y2d7772p31aw04s
    [title] => Walking Around Gais
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
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. 
    [S] => 4
    [E] => 4
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => 
)
                    

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kzrmv5btpz4g395sz12chg8q
    [title] => Free Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
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. 
    [S] => 5
    [E] => 5
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => 
)
                    

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kzrn0rznaweere3d16qhmret
    [title] => Hoher Kasten
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
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: 5 miles (8 km) 
Ascent: 400 feet (120 m) 
Descent: 3,200 feet (980 m) 
Our longer option starts at the summit of Hoher Kasten and descends along grassy mountain paths with spectacular views across the Alpstein peaks and the Rhine Valley. We continue the descent towards Resspass passing through alpine meadows and pockets of forest. Finally, after crossing Appenzell farmland scattered with alpine huts and grazing cattle, we descend into Brülisau.
Both groups reunite at the Brülisau cable-car station before returning to Appenzell. 
    [S] => 6
    [E] => 6
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => 
)
                    

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kzrn7ch7d6pdf3gap1m2pvyh
    [title] => Appenzeller Cheese and the Urnäsch Valley
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
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. 
    [S] => 7
    [E] => 7
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => 
)
                    

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kzrn89jf9fmtk46jqbfpbn00
    [title] => Departure
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
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. 
    [S] => 8
    [E] => 8
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => 
)