Appenzell: Day Trips and Tours from Zürich

The charming village of Appenzell lies in northeast Switzerland at the foot of the Alpstein mountains. Along with its natural beauty, Appenzell and its surrounding region is known for its delightful rural customs and cultural events.

The center of the village is car free, making it a pedestrian safe space and a pleasure to visit.

A day trip to Appenzell from Zürich should certainly be something to consider when deciding on excursions.

Here's all you need to know about Bern, one of the most exciting day trips from Zürich.

How to get to Appenzell from Zürich?

The Swiss capital of Bern is located southwest of Zürich on a narrow bend of the Aare River.

From Zürich to Appenzell by car

The driving distance from Zürich to Appenzell is roughly 98 kilometers. A road trip between the two destinations along the A1 will take just over an hour under normal traffic conditions,

From Zürich to Appenzell by public transport

A 102 kilometer train journey between Zürich and Appenzell takes around two hours. This includes a train change at Gossau with a 20 minute layover time .

Guided tour to Appenzell from Zürich

A guided full-day tour is by far the most convenient way to visit Appenzell. You can sit back and enjoy the scenic drive, and your guide will be on hand to tell you more about the area. A full day tour lasts between eight and ten hours.

What is the typical itinerary?

On a day trip to Appenzell from Zürich your journey will usually stop, either in St. Gallen or Rapperswil. Both cities have their own charm and interesting attractions.

Appenzell is one of Switzerland’s most traditional regions and a tour includes time to stroll down the car-free lanes. There is an extensive network of trails around the village which are great for rambling.

In Appenzell, green pastures and soaring mountain peaks lie side by side and create an image that is quintessentially Swiss. A visit to one of the chocolate or cheese producers may also be included in your trip.

As you are in the west of the country, you may find a tour that combines Appenzell with a visit to Liechtenstein. Otherwise, you can expect to return to Zurich after a full day of touring.

What kinds of tours are available?

There are a few options when deciding on which Appenzell day trip from Zürich will be best for you. These are some of the most popular types of day trips to choose between:

Small-group guided day trips to Appenzell from Zürich

Small-group day tours offer great value for money and typically start at the Sihlquai bus station. Some tours will stop for a short while in St. Gallen while others spend a short time in Rapperswil.

In the car-free village of Appenzell you can stroll on your own, with your guide, or join a walking tour.

The Maestrani chocolate factory and Appenzell cheese dairy are two of the places you might expect to visit on your tour and you are sure to find a tasty treat for the return journey.

After a full day taking in all that Appenzell has to offer, your tour will return to Zürich in the early evening.

Private day trips from Zürich to Appenzell

To have the luxury of a private vehicle and guide, and a pickup directly from your hotel, consider a private day trip.

You will have some flexibility to tailor your touring to your own interests. After a full and interesting excursion, you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Day tour from Zürich to Appenzell and Liechtenstein

On a day trip that includes both Appenzell and Liechtenstein, you can expect to start your tour in Appenzell before heading across the border to Vaduz in Liechtenstein. After visiting this landlocked principality, you will head back to Zürich.

How much does a day trip to Appenzell from Zürich cost?

Small-group guided day trips to Appenzell from Zürich cost from €270 per adult with children aged 6 to 15 paying around 50 percent of the adult price. No children under the age of five are permitted these tours.

Private day trips from Zürich to Appenzell start at €900 for a minimum of two people. A bigger group of eight can expect to pay around €2,500.

Day tour from Zürich to Appenzell and Liechtenstein cost roughly €350 per person in small groups of up to six individuals.

What will you see and do?

Appenzell is typical of a traditional Swiss alpine village with quaint car-free streets and frescoed buildings.

There are many small stores and boutiques, making it an ideal place to shop for souvenirs and memorabilia.

On your tour, you can expect to visit the Appenzell museum, Maestrani chocolate factory and Appenzell cheese dairy.

Ascend Hoher Kasten mountain by cable car for magnificent views of Appenzell and the Rhine Valley.

When is the best time to visit Appenzell?

If you would like to experience the moving of the cows to their alpine pastures, then book your visit for mid-May to June. The descent to lower pastures takes place from mid-August to the end of September.

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Advise the tour operator if you have dairy or nut allergies.
• Carry a reusable water bottle as tap water is safe to drink.