Different languages, cultures and landscapes in Switzerland offer a variety of experiences. Our visit to the eastern part of Switzerland was exceptional. The visit had the added benefit of visiting neighbouring Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein in one day.

Appenzell

Green rolling hills characterise the Appenzell landscape. We could imagine Heidi and Peter laughing between the goats. We took a cable car up to the Ebenalp, the northernmost peak of the Appenzell Alps. Many people paraglide from the top of the mountain. They tested our nerves with their excited and nervous screams as they jumped off the edge to fly the 770m down.

We walked one of the many beautiful hiking trails on top of the mountain from Ebenalp. The hiking trail took us past prehistoric caves, where there is evidence that Neanderthal people lived 40,000 years ago. There are also bones of cave bears and leopards.

We ate cheese like Heidi in a wooden cottage

Our visit to the famous Appenzeller cheese factory was a pleasant experience. We were amazed by the variety of cheeses made with various combinations of mixed herbs. 

We spoiled ourselves with fondue and a cheese platter accompanied by home-baked bread and fruit chutney for lunch. The restaurant looked like a Heidi cottage in the mountains, with everything made of wood.

We bought Appenzeller herbal liqueur. It is still made according to an old family recipe and contains 42 types of herbs.

Heidiland

The Heidiland region utilised the Heidi theme for tourism purposes with a Heidi House in Maienfeld and Heidi hiking trails. One of Switzerland’s well-known natural hot springs, Bad Ragaz, is also in the region. We visited the Tamina fountains that feed Bad Ragaz.

The steam from the hot water created a mystical atmosphere. We felt so small in time when we read that people discovered these fountains already in 1240. People travelled far and sat in the water for up to ten days with great faith in the healing power of the water. The sketches of the baths built of stone reminded me of the baths in biblical times that the sick visited regularly.

Austria and Germany

We were very close to the border and could not resist the temptation to drive through Austria and Germany. In Austria, we explored a beautiful nature reserve. The waterfalls between the autumn-coloured trees took our breath away.

In Germany, we went shopping. Many items are much cheaper in Germany than in Switzerland. On weekends, the Swiss flood the German towns close to the border. They take advantage of the lower prices and the 19% VAT exemption.

Lichtenstein

On the way home, we visited Vaduz, Lichtenstein’s capital, to look at the castle. It was built in the 12th century and is the official residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Lichtenstein is the sixth smallest country in the world and a monarchy. Economically Liechtenstein has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world. It has a significant financial sector in Vaduz. As we stood at the castle, a shiny black car drove through the gates and kept our imagination guessing.

It is a great privilege to get to know Switzerland better. We use our opportunity to discover the different things that each area and each season has to offer. I share in a previous letter more about our experience of the French and Italian parts of Switzerland in the summer.

Kind regards

Emsia