You can reach the lake from Wasserauen in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This beautiful corner of Switzerland embodies pastoral romanticism.

Farms are situated on hilly green pastures framed by pockets of forest.

Hiking in the Alpstein is magnificent and surprisingly very accessible.

Most day-hikes begin or end with a Seilbahn (aerial cableway).

As youre hiking, youll be accompanied by the cheerful bell ensemble of the alpine cows and goats.

Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of hiking here is that you can purchase Appenzeller cheese directly from farmers.

So, in our book, Appenzell is one of the best places in the world to hike.

Unlike Austria, there are no 10 day or shorter period options.

In Switzerland, the vignette can be purchased in petrol stations, post offices, garages, TCS outlets, as well as from the road traffic authorities.

From the guesthouse, its a 5-minute drive to reach the historic center of Appenzell.

The guesthouse can only accommodate a few people, as there are only 2 small guest rooms.

We reached out directly to the Appenzellerland Tourismus AI and they replied: In the mountains around Appenzell it is allowed to camp wild.

The procession of cattle to alpine pastures takes place every year from mid-May to June.

Alpine herdsmen, clad in traditional costumes, and carrying a milking pail (Fahreimer), lead the bell cows up to the alp for the summer.

Side note: the single long golden earring shaped like a snake that the men wear in one ear is an ancient symbol of fertility and protection against snake bites.

From mid-August to the end of September, the descent takes place in a similar fashion.

Serendipitously, the Folk Music Festival was taking place in the town of Appenzell during our visit.

Music is an important way in which Appenzeller people uphold their cultural heritage.

We were able to hear traditional music, like multi-voice yodeling, and see locals clad in their vibrant traditional attire.

The wooden hobby horse procession mainly takes place on Saturday.

However, living in a traditional society has its challenges and downsides too.

The women of Switzerland didnt earn the right to vote until 1970 (very late by European standards).

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