Appenzell Switzerland

The historic center of Appenzell is small, flat, and visually engaging, which makes it ideal for families. Painted façades, traditional shops, and open squares allow you to explore at an easy pace without tiring children. Landsgemeindeplatz, the central square, remains an important local space and is still used for open-air voting events. This part of Appenzell is not about deep historical explanations. It’s about atmosphere. Children tend to notice the colors, shop windows, and everyday life unfolding around them rather than formal landmarks or exhibitions.

Säntis is the highest peak of the Alpstein massif and one of the most dramatic viewpoints in northeastern Switzerland. The cable car from Schwägalp takes you directly to the summit and is part of the experience itself. A round-trip ticket costs 58 CHF for adults and 29 CHF for children aged 6-15. Children under six ride free. The cable car runs approximately every 30 minutes. At the top, panoramic platforms offer safe viewing areas, but weather conditions can change quickly, and strong winds are common-even on sunny days. From my first-hand experience as the Itinerary Expert, Säntis can be breathtaking one moment and fully clouded the next. This unpredictability is part of the visit, but it helps to manage expectations.

Ebenalp is accessed by cable car from Wasserauen and feels more approachable for families than Säntis. A round-trip ticket costs 36 CHF for adults and 18 CHF for children. From the top station, several walking paths begin, including routes suitable for first-time mountain walkers. Ebenalp is also known as a paragliding launch area, which often becomes an unexpected highlight for children. The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, and walking routes can easily be shortened or adapted depending on energy levels. From the perspective of the Itinerary Expert, Ebenalp works well as a flexible mountain day: you can walk a little, stop often, and still feel you’ve had a full experience.

Äscher – Wildkirchli is one of the region’s most iconic locations: a restaurant and guesthouse built directly into a rock face, reached on foot from Ebenalp. Access to the site itself is free; you only pay for the cable car to Ebenalp or hike up from the valley. The walk includes caves and narrow sections that feel adventurous but remain manageable with care. Most children find this part engaging rather than exhausting, especially when breaks are built in. From first-hand experience, this is one of those places where photos match reality. The setting really is that striking.

Seealpsee is often described as one of the most photogenic alpine lakes in Switzerland, and based on first-hand experience, that description is fair. The lake lies at 1,143 meters and is reached on foot from Wasserauen in 45-90 minutes, depending on the chosen path. Access to the lake is free. Once you arrive, the walking loop around Seealpsee is flat and calm, but the climb up should not be underestimated. Rowboats can be rented for approximately 5 CHF per 30 minutes, and several mountain restaurants sit directly by the shore. Swimming is possible, although the water remains cold even in summer. From the perspective of the Itinerary Expert, Seealpsee works best when treated as a slow destination rather than a quick stop.

Appenzell is not about amusement parks, yet it keeps children engaged through real, hands-on experiences. Cable cars, lakes, animals, open meadows, and short hikes naturally hold attention. Easy routes around Wasserauen and Schwende are particularly suitable for families with younger children. Watching cows, hearing their bells, and observing alpine farm life often becomes more memorable than structured attractions. These moments feel spontaneous and grounded.