Swiss Fairytale Escape: Hiking, History & Heavenly Views in Schwende-Rüte

#springitinerary 🌿 Weekend Itinerary: Schwende-Rüte & the Chapel of St. Michael #### **Day 1: Arrival & Alpine Magic** **Morning:** 🚆 **Scenic Train Ride** – Arrive in Appenzell (nearest major town), then take a local bus/taxi to Schwende-Rüte. ☕ **Breakfast at Gasthaus Hof** – Warm Swiss hospitality with fresh bread, local cheese, and Alpine honey. ⛪ **Visit the Chapel of St. Michael** – A picturesque 17th-century chapel with breathtaking mountain views. **Afternoon:** 🥾 **Hike to Hoher Kasten** (or take the cable car) – Panoramic views of Lake Constance and the Alps. 🧀 **Lunch at Berggasthaus Hoher Kasten** – Try **Rösti** with Appenzeller cheese and a cold Alpenbier. 🌲 **Stroll Through Ebenalp’s Wildkirchli Caves** – A mystical trail leading to the famous **Aescher Cliff Restaurant**. **Evening:** 🍽 **Dinner at Gasthaus Linde** – Cozy fondue or **Älplermagronen** (Swiss alpine pasta). 🌠 **Stargazing** – Minimal light pollution makes for incredible night skies. --- #### **Day 2: Culture & Countryside Bliss** **Morning:** 🥐 **Breakfast at Bäckerei-Konditorei Fässler** – Buttery croissants and Appenzeller coffee. 🎨 **Appenzell Village Visit** – Explore colorful houses, the **Appenzell Museum**, and cheese shops. **Afternoon:** 🚶 **Gentle Walk to Seealpsee** – A turquoise alpine lake perfect for a picnic. 🧺 **Lunch at Berggasthaus Seealpsee** – Fresh trout or a hearty barley soup. 🛍 **Pick Up Local Souvenirs** – Appenzeller cheese, herbal liqueurs, or a hand-carved cowbell. **Evening:** 🍷 **Sunset at Chapel of St. Michael** – Return for golden-hour photos and quiet reflection. 🍫 **Farewell Swiss Chocolate Tasting** – Try **Confiserie Soldanelli**’s truffles. --- ### **🌟 Why This Itinerary?** ✔ **Off-the-Beaten-Path** – Few tourists, pure Swiss charm. ✔ **Perfect Mix** – Hiking, culture, and relaxation. ✔ **Local Flavors** – Cheese, chocolate, and mountain cuisine.