Appenzell

This region in eastern Switzerland is considered one of the most conservative in the country. Women gained the vote in 1990, and until recently, elections took place in the town square. Here you’ll find few spectacular mountain peaks, but rather a lovely green land of rolling hills, little rivers and fondly preserved villages. A wonderful place for a leisurely walk, ride or drive. Tour groups flock to Appenzell town to experience traditional Swiss culture, and the locals oblige by dressing up in period costume and selling cheese, chocolate and lace. The Appenzell region is the center of Swiss folk music - yodeling and accordion-playing goes ...

This region in eastern Switzerland is considered one of the most conservative in the country. Women gained the vote in 1990, and until recently, elections took place in the town square. Here you’ll find few spectacular mountain peaks, but rather a lovely green land of rolling hills, little rivers and fondly preserved villages. A wonderful place for a leisurely walk, ride or drive. Tour groups flock to Appenzell town to experience traditional Swiss culture, and the locals oblige by dressing up in period costume and selling cheese, chocolate and lace. The Appenzell region is the center of Swiss folk music - yodeling and accordion-playing goes on at wirtschaften, accompanied by hearty bratwurst, rösti, and local beer and wine. The area’s highest peak, Säntis, offers a panorama of eastern Switzerland. This area is a short hop from Zurich, fine for a side trip on the way to Graubunden. The historic city of St. Gallen, the postage-stamp country of Liechtenstein and the lovely shore of Lake Constance are all nearby.

About the Expert

Charlie Morris is the author of the Open Road guidebooks Best of Honduras, Best of Costa Rica, Best of Belize, and Switzerland Guide.