Zürich: Appenzell Day-Trip with Cheese & Chocolate Tastings

Discover the charm of Appenzell with this full-day tour from Zurich, priced at $305 per person. Designed for those eager to experience authentic Swiss traditions, this 11-hour journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, offers cheese and chocolate tastings, and includes a ride to Hoher Kasten for panoramic mountain views. With a small group limit of 15 participants, the tour emphasizes personalized attention and comfort in a fully-guided experience. While the schedule is packed with memorable stops, some guests note that the cheese factory visit can feel a bit lengthy. This tour suits food lovers, scenery enthusiasts, and visitors wanting an immersive taste of Swiss culture.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $305, this 11-hour tour covers a full day of exploring Appenzell and nearby highlights.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 15 participants, ensuring a more personalized and engaging experience.
• Cheese & Chocolate Tastings: Enjoy authentic Swiss cheese at a show dairy and artisan chocolate at a boutique manufacture.
• Scenic Mountain Views: Ride the cable car to Hoher Kasten at 1,800 meters for breathtaking panoramas.
• Authentic Swiss Town: Stroll through Appenzell’s colorful streets, squares, and painted houses, with some free time to explore.
• Sustainable Operations: The tour’s carbon-balanced activities are certified by myclimate.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Zurich Departure and Convenient Meeting Point

The tour departs from Zurich Sihlquai Bus Station, near Zurich HB train station. Travelers find the departure point easily on track 18, across from Starbucks. Arriving 15 minutes early allows for smooth check-in with the printed or digital QR code. The location is accessible via tram on lines 4, 6, or 13.

The tour concludes back at the same meeting point, making it straightforward for those staying in Zurich or planning to continue exploring.

Exploring the Scenic Drive to Appenzell

The journey begins with a scenic drive along Lake Zürich, passing through Rapperswil, known for its medieval castle. The route features photo stops that showcase the lakeside scenery and rolling Swiss hills. This drive sets a relaxing tone for the day, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the landscape.

As the bus moves into the Appenzellerland, the views become more gentle and pastoral, with lush fields and traditional Swiss homes. The drive alone offers a glimpse of the serene countryside that surrounds this charming region.

Visits to a Typical Swiss Farm and a Cheese Dairy

First, the tour visits a typical Swiss farm where fresh cow milk is sampled straight from the udder, giving an authentic taste of local dairy products. Next, the group heads to the Appenzeller show dairy in Stein AR, where the process of turning natural Swiss milk and herbs into the village’s famous Appenzeller cheese is demonstrated.

Here, visitors have the chance to try a cheese tasting and guess the secret ingredients that make Appenzeller cheese unique. The cellar, which stores up to 12,500 wheels of cheese, offers a fascinating peek into traditional cheese aging methods.

Aerial Cable Car to Hoher Kasten for Mountain Panoramas

One of the highlights is the cable car ride to Hoher Kasten, departing from Brülisau. The 8-minute cable car transports visitors to 1,800 meters, where panoramic views stretch across the Appenzell region, Rhine Valley, and Vorarlberg.

The revolving restaurant at the summit allows visitors to enjoy refreshing drinks or snacks while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Although some days may be cloudy, the experience of ascending to such heights remains memorable.

More Great Tours Nearby

Chocolate Making at a Boutique Factory

Another highlight is the visit to a boutique chocolate manufacture, where a Maître Chocolatier explains the artisan craft behind Swiss chocolate. Guests are invited to sample a selection during a chocolate tasting, highlighting the quality and craftsmanship of local chocolates.

This stop offers a delightful sensory experience, perfect for those who appreciate fine confections and want to understand the art of chocolate making in Switzerland.

Exploring Appenzell’s Streets and Traditional Baked Goods

Back in Appenzell, the tour guides lead a short walking tour through the town’s colorful streets and decoratively painted wooden houses. The town’s squares and local shops invite exploration, with time to browse traditional souvenirs.

A visit to a local bakery introduces Appenzeller Biberli, a Swiss gingerbread treat. Guests can learn about this distinctive pastry and purchase handmade goods to take home.

Practical Details and Tour Logistics

The tour includes transportation in a comfortable minibus, driven by a professional multilingual guide. All entrance fees and guided visits are included, along with a goodie bag valued at CHF 40. The carbon-balanced operation emphasizes sustainability.

Food and drinks outside tastings, as well as personal expenses, are not included. Travelers should bring passport or ID, and note that the tour is not suitable for children under 6 or wheelchair users.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This full-day experience appeals to foodies, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts. The combination of cheese and chocolate tastings, mountain views, and traditional Swiss town exploration offers a well-rounded taste of Appenzell’s lifestyle.

While some reviews mention the price as a concern, most find the value justified by the quality of experiences and personalized guides. The small group size ensures a more intimate and flexible tour.

Final Thoughts on the Appenzell Day-Trip

This tour from Zurich provides a comprehensive introduction to Swiss regional culture, cuisine, and scenery. The combination of scenic drives, mountain vistas, and culinary delights creates a well-balanced day trip.

The expert guides and interactive stops make it engaging, though guests should be aware that the cheese factory visit can take up a significant portion of time. This 11-hour tour is ideal for those seeking authentic experiences with a focus on local traditions and spectacular views.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour from Zurich?
The tour lasts 11 hours, starting and ending at the Zurich Sihlquai Bus Station.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers fully-guided transportation, visits to the show dairy, cheese and chocolate tastings, cable car ride to Hoher Kasten, and a goodie bag valued at CHF 40.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The activity is not suitable for children under 6 years or wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring passport or ID for identification. It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

What kind of views will I see from the mountain?
From Hoher Kasten, expect panoramic views of the Appenzell region, Rhine Valley, and Vorarlberg, weather permitting.

Are there any optional purchases during the tour?
Yes, guests can buy local souvenirs and specialty foods in Appenzell, including traditional baked goods.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is easy to reach via tram 4, 6, or 13 to Sihlquai/HB, and is 15 minutes early for check-in.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour special compared to others?
The small group size, authentic cultural stops, and spectacular mountain views make it an immersive and comfortable way to explore Appenzell.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
While most activities are outdoors, cloudy or misty weather at Hoher Kasten may limit visibility, but the experience of the mountain ride and town exploration remains enjoyable.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby