The home of Heidi and Swiss heritage
Eastern Switzerland
Typical farmhouses and grazing cows, rolling hills and lush countryside: travelling through this pretty part of Switzerland, you really feel like you’re looking behind the scenes and beyond the crowds. This region is the setting for the fictional Heidi story but it’s also the heartland of very real folklore and traditional craftsmanship. Fine lace, vibrantly painted shutters and hand-carved wooden cows are still being skilfully made here. But perhaps the best way to experience the natural beauty of Eastern Switzerland is by taking a scenic hike off the beaten path, with us as your guide.
Old books and fine lace
Quiz question: which city has one of the world’s oldest libraries with a magnificent baroque hall? The answer: St Gallen, a charming place brimming with medieval splendour. It was also known for its delicate lace worn by high society. Fun fact: Michelle Obama wore a dress made from St Gallen fabric at her husband’s inauguration.
A small world of its own
The village of Appenzell and its surrounding region is so charming that it almost feels like a fairy tale. Take a leisurely walk along the car-free main street with its beautifully painted buildings and pungent cheese shops. In this rural area traditions remain vibrant and integrated into daily life, so you can often see time-honoured outfits and folk dances.
Living customs
Have you ever wanted to see a traditional bell smith at work? Or try your hand at carving a wooden cow? You can with Cosa. Maybe you’d rather hear traditional Swiss musical instruments being expertly played? Or witness the annual descent of the cows from the Alps? Perhaps an age-old festival, such as the Silvesterchlausen with its yodelling and elaborate hats.
When the cows come home
The little girl of the Alps
Heidi: she is famous enough to be known by only one name. Johanna Spyri’s story of the young Swiss girl who finds friendship and peace in the mountains around Maienfeld has been translated into over 50 languages. We’ll take you to find tranquillity in the surrounding vineyards of the Bündner Herrschaft while enjoying some local wine.
Take part in the Swiss pastime
You’ve probably seen a pic of that restaurant, the one built against a cliff. It’s cute but can get crowded, as does the Wildkirchli tunnel system nearby. Come with us away from the masses to the best spots with more solitude and great views. With over 65,000km of hiking trails available, why not do what the locals do and explore Switzerland on foot.
Eastern Switzerland in brief
Tucked in beside Lake Constance and bordering Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein, this part of Switzerland is not so well-known. The region stretches from St Gallen through the twin Appenzell cantons to the Bündner Herrschaft, and includes Säntis, the highest peak of Eastern Switzerland at 2502m. Canton Thurgau is famous for its apples, so springtime is a riot of tiny pink blossoms. Appenzell Innerrhoden and Glarus are the last two cantons with a Landsgemeinde or annual open-air parliament. One of our favourite regional products is the St Galler bratwurst – but be careful, locals really dislike it if you eat these sausages with mustard.
When to go
All year
Why go there
Local traditions
Craftsmanship
Vineyards
What to see
St Gallen Abbey library
Appenzell
Bündner Herrschaft
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Wherever you want to go in Switzerland, we can make it happen. Just click on the link to find out all we have to offer in every region of this beautiful country.
