Picture Perfect Hiking in the Swiss Alps – Appenzell, Switzerland

Located about ninety minutes from Zurich, sits one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country.  The Appenzell Alps are quite simply breathtaking.  The Swiss region of Appenzell makes you feel as though you’ve almost stepped back in time; there are various chalets, farmers, and cows all scattered around the traditional villages.  In the Appenzell region the locals praise their dairy heritage and revel in the beauty of the alps around them.

To get to Appenzell we rented a car for the day from downtown Zurich.  We planned to have the whole day to not be rushed for time.  We were on a mission to hike in the beautiful sunshine, enjoy the views, and stop to enjoy local food and drinks along the way.  We went in July and although the weather was warm, there was still a nice brisk breeze to keep us from getting too hot.  Once we arrived in Appenzell we took the Wasserauen Cable Car to the top of the summit, Ebenalp.

Once the cable car reached the top that’s we started our decent down the mountain.  Along this path we came to a restaurant and guesthouse on the side of the cliff.  Here, perched high in the clouds we enjoyed a beer with locals and visitors alike, everyone enjoying the scenery around us.

After we indulged in a fine swiss beer or two we were given two choices.  We could hike down the rest of the mountain to the base (about two miles) or we could choose to walk back up to the cable car and take it down.  We heard the hike was the way to go so we followed the path downward.  The hike is fairly easy so I’d recommend taking the path down even if you consider yourself a beginner, the views are worth it.

The hike down takes anywhere from 45-60 minutes depending on your speed.

Once you reach the bottom you will be greeted by one of the most stunning views.  I’d suggest spending some time taking photos and admiring the alps.  The water is a crisp turquoise green color and the towering mountains shine behind.

Located at the base there is a lovely cafe.  We opted to eat lunch down here nestled alongside the water.  We rewarded our hike with an order of schnitzel and some more Swiss beer.

For our last hurra of the day we walked around the lake.  We snapped photos, walked amongst the grazing cows and saw various chalets reminiscent of traditional Switzerland.

The Appenzell Alps are the perfect recipe for a day of hiking in the Swiss Alps.

Hannah

Hannah has been traveling the world since she was a little girl. She started her travel blog Heels to Hiking Boots in 2012. Heels to Hiking Boots is all about the modern female traveler. The woman who can throw on a pair of heels for a night out, and then wake up and lace up her muddy hiking boots for a day of exploration.