From St. Gallen: Private trip to Appenzell and the Aescher

Your private driver will pick you up in St. Gallen, one of Switzerland’s most historic cities. Here you'll find the Abbey Library, a UNESCO World Heritage site often called the eighth wonder of the world.

Shortly after leaving the city, the route passes through the Appenzell region. Expect gentle hills, meadows, cows with bells, and scattered farmhouses with carved eaves and flower boxes. After about an hour, you'll reach Appenzell, a village full of character. Narrow streets, pastel-coloured houses with hand-painted facades, and a village square shape the atmosphere. Music, crafts, and the famous Appenzell cheese are deeply rooted in this area.

You can stroll along the main street through traditional shops selling handmade wooden toys, textiles, and Appenzell schnapps. The Appenzell Museum, housed in a 16th-century building, offers insight into local customs and traditional costumes. If you wish, your driver can also arrange a short visit to a nearby cheese dairy where you can see cheese production and taste fresh cheese on site.

After your time in Appenzell, the road continues into the Alpstein massif towards the small village of Wasserauen. This is where the trail to the Aescher mountain guesthouse begins, one of Switzerland’s most iconic photo spots. You’ll take a cable car up to Ebenalp, which climbs 700 metres in just six minutes. From the mountain station, a scenic path leads through the Wildkirchli caves, where hermits lived in the 17th century. Later, traces of Neanderthals were discovered there.

After the caves, the view opens up to the Aescher mountain guesthouse, impressively perched beneath a steep limestone cliff. The guesthouse dates back to 1860 and was originally built to accommodate shepherds and pilgrims. Today, it serves simple, hearty Swiss dishes such as rösti, alpine cheese, and homemade cakes. The terrace with its view over the Seealp valley is especially lovely.

If you want to explore more, you can optionally hike down to the Seealpsee in about 40 minutes. This clear mountain lake is one of the most beautiful in eastern Switzerland. Its steep peaks and mirror-like water reflections make it a fantastic photo opportunity.

After your meal and some time enjoying the view, you’ll take the cable car back down to Wasserauen. Your driver will be waiting there to drive you back to St. Gallen, accompanied once again by expansive views of rolling green hills and a landscape that perfectly captures the Swiss character.

• St. Gallen → Appenzell → Ebenalp → Aescher Inn → St. Gallen (approx. 50 km round trip)

• Recommended: comfortable hiking shoes and a light jacket
• Short walks are needed to reach the Aescher
• Mountain weather can change quickly

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