self-guided Region Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein

Besides Lake Constance, Appenzellerland and the Alpine region in Toggenburg are the most popular destinations in the region of Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein. Heidiland and Glarnerland are also well-known vacation destinations, along with Schaffhausen with its famous Rhine Falls. The three lakes are called the pearls of the Alpstein: the Seealpsee, the Sämtisersee and the Fählensee. But also the spectacular mountain restaurant Äscher, built in rock, is a popular destination in the region.

The hilly areas in Appenzellerland, Heidiland and Glarnerland are wonderfully suitable for hiking and extensive bike tours. The mountains in Alpstein offer more than 700 km of hiking trails. A mountain paradise also awaits you in the Churfirsten in Toggenburg.

For families and groups a scooter fun is a nice experience. For canyoning the Fallenbach gorge near Amden is suitable. It almost resembles a gorge in the rainforest and is nevertheless also well suited for beginners

In winter there is also hiking, with and without snowshoes. Around Schwellbrunn, which was awarded the title of "most beautiful village in the world" in 2017, you walk at about 800 to 1100 m.a.s.l. and have almost exclusively a wonderful view of the Alpstein mountains. You can sled for four kilometers on the Schwägalp, over three kilometers between Stoss and Altstätten and on many other sledding runs. The small mountain resort of Malbun in the Principality of Liechtenstein at 1600 meters above sea level offers a beautiful winter sports area with 23 km of slopes and seven lifts.

The old town of Rapperswil is definitely worth a visit. The main square and six lanes branching off from it, dating back to the late Middle Ages, as well as the beautiful castle on the hill in the town, are sights to behold. The lovely lakeside promenade has plenty of seating and various restaurants.

The landmark of the city of St. Gallen is its Abbey District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The car-free old town, with its magnificent houses from the 16th to 18th centuries, is also worth seeing. The colorful bay windows are popular photo spots, with only Schaffhausen having more bay windows than St. Gallen. The theater group Mummenschanz is known far beyond the city limits.

Frauenfeld is the capital of the canton of Thurgau and has a charming old town with a small castle. The rectangular layout of the town and its tower date back to the 13th century, while the grand embassy houses are from the 18th century.

Schaffhausen lies right by the Rhine and also boasts a medieval old town. Bay windows and painted facades are typical of this car-free city. High above the town stands the Munot fortress, which was built in the 16th century based on a design by Albrecht Dürer. Stein am Rhein is guarded by Hohenklingen Castle and is noted for its charming houses decorated with frescoes. Both towns are just 20 km apart and can be reached by boat on this particularly romantic route in about two hours.