St. Gallen & Appenzell – Culture, Cheese, and Scenic Railways

St. Gallen - ⛪ Explore the Cathedral, a baroque architectural marvel with its towering ceilings, ornate stucco, and awe-inspiring frescoes.
️ Discover history – the former Benedictine monastery, established over 1,200 years ago, was a pivotal learning center in Europe. Visitors will learn about the monks’ manuscript copying, knowledge preservation, and cultural influence on the region.
Enjoy tranquil courtyards and alleys – as you wander through cobblestone paths flanked by historic buildings, you’ll feel the serene and timeless essence of this sacred site.

Abbey Library of St Gall - Enter the “Philosophers’ Hall” – a stunning baroque library adorned with carved wood, frescoed ceilings, and shelves filled with thousands of leather-bound books. The ambiance is like stepping into a fairytale.
See invaluable manuscripts – including medieval illuminated texts, early musical notations, and documents from the 8th century, when the monastery was a European knowledge hub.
Learn about UNESCO heritage – discover how the Abbey of St. Gall became a scholarly center that preserved and disseminated knowledge across Europe, earning its UNESCO World Heritage status.
✨ Admire the renowned mummy – the library’s small cabinet of curiosities also features extraordinary items, including an Egyptian mummy, rare globes, and medieval artworks.
️ Experience history – walking on creaky wooden floors beneath painted ceilings, visitors will feel the library as monks and scholars did centuries ago.

Mühleggbahn - Ride a historic funicular – this short yet steep railway links the lower city near the train station with the Mühlegg district above. It’s a fun and unique way to experience St. Gallen’s landscape.
Enjoy panoramic views – as the car ascends, travelers can admire rooftops, the cathedral’s spires, and the surrounding hillsides dotted with charming houses.
️ Immerse in local life – locals use the funicular daily, offering guests a glimpse into everyday St. Gallen life, from students commuting to residents running errands.
Reach walking trails and scenic spots – at the top, travelers can explore quiet streets, parks, and trails with views over the city and the Swiss countryside beyond.
✨ A quick, picturesque experience – the ride itself is brief but memorable, providing visitors a taste of Swiss engineering and a perfect photo opportunity.

Appenzeller Schaukaserei - Watch live cheese-making – from fresh Alpine milk to the famous spicy Appenzeller cheese. Guests can observe the cheesemaker as huge copper vats are stirred, curds are pressed, and cheese wheels are salted and matured.
Learn about the secret herb brine mixture that gives Appenzeller cheese its distinctive flavor. The recipe is centuries old and remains a closely guarded secret.
️ Taste various cheese types – from mild to extra-spicy, travelers can enjoy a tasting plate or even a hearty fondue, surrounded by authentic Appenzell hospitality.
Step into tradition – interactive exhibits, films, and old tools explain how cheese has been made in the region for over 700 years. The rustic wooden buildings and the scent of fresh cheese create a truly authentic Alpine atmosphere.
Enjoy the village and landscape – Stein is nestled in the rolling green hills of Appenzell, with views of farms, pastures, and the Säntis mountain in the distance.

Appenzell - ️Stroll through the vibrant old town – narrow streets lined with vividly painted houses, adorned with intricate frescoes, tell the story of Appenzell’s rich history and unique culture.
️ Discover local crafts and specialties – from handmade cheese and wooden toys to traditional textiles, travelers can browse shops and markets that celebrate regional traditions.
️ Taste Appenzeller cheese and delicacies – the town is the heart of the famous Appenzeller cheese region, offering tastings, cheese shops, and cozy cafes where visitors can enjoy local flavors.
Immerse in local traditions – depending on the season, travelers might hear folk music, see traditional costumes, or witness local festivals that bring the town’s heritage to life.
Explore the surrounding landscapes – Appenzell is surrounded by rolling hills, lush meadows, and scenic walking trails, offering breathtaking views of the Alpstein mountains.

Brauerei Locher AG - Visit the Brauerei Locher in Appenzell, home of the renowned Appenzeller beer. This independent brewery is known for its creativity, brewing not only traditional lagers but also beers infused with alpine herbs, whiskies, and even soft drinks made with mountain spring water. On site, you can discover how age-old brewing tradition meets modern innovation, and learn why this brewery is a point of pride for the Appenzell region.

Those who wish may take part in a tasting to sample different flavors, while others can simply enjoy the cultural insights and the welcoming atmosphere. Surrounded by rolling hills and alpine charm, Brauerei Locher offers a glimpse into both the flavors and traditions of eastern Switzerland.

Verkaufsstelle Appenzeller Bahnen - Ride a classic cogwheel railway – this charming mountain train descends steadily through rolling hills, giving travelers a sense of traditional Swiss engineering in action.
Enjoy panoramic countryside views – winding past green meadows, forests, and small villages, guests can take in the peaceful beauty of the Appenzell region from a unique perspective.
️ Pass through quaint villages – stops along the route allow glimpses of timbered houses, local farms, and the everyday life of the region’s residents.
Capture memorable moments – the combination of steep inclines, scenic curves, and Alpine vistas provides perfect photo opportunities throughout the ride.

Bahnhof - Optional: To round off the day Swiss-style, enjoy a delightful meal aboard a train restaurant, combining local flavors with the magic of traveling on rails. This tour blends culture, tradition, and breathtaking landscapes – all accessible by public transport.

3 Mountains in 1 Day Tour: Cable Cars, Funiculars & Lake Cruise

Stanserhorn-Bahn - Glide up the lower slopes of the Stanserhorn on a charming wooden funicular from 1893, one of the oldest still in operation. Enjoy a nostalgic journey through meadows and traditional Swiss chalets, with the feeling of stepping back in time.

CabriO Stanserhorn-Bahn - Transfer to the world’s first double-deck, roofless cable car: the Cabrio. Stand on the open-air upper deck and feel the fresh alpine breeze while you rise high above forests, ridges, and cow pastures. The panoramic views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding Alps are simply unforgettable.

Stanserhorn - At 1,898 meters, the summit offers sweeping 360-degree views of ten lakes, countless mountain peaks, and the central Swiss lowlands. Stroll along the flower trail, meet the friendly marmots, or relax on the terrace with a coffee while soaking in one of Switzerland’s most iconic vistas.

Morschach, Luftseilbahn - Begin your ascent to the second mountain with a scenic ride on the cablecar from Morschach. Floating high above the valley, the cableway reveals sweeping views of Lake Lucerne and the rugged alpine terrain.

Stoos - Arrive in the tranquil car-free mountain village of Stoos, set on a sunny plateau. Here, traditional chalets, peaceful walking paths, and breathtaking alpine scenery invite you to pause and take in the fresh mountain air.

Bergkapelle Stoos - Visit the charming mountain chapel, a picturesque symbol of the village and a quiet place of reflection. With its backdrop of peaks and meadows, the Bergkapelle is a true alpine postcard scene.

Standseilbahn Schwyz-Stoos - Conclude your visit with a ride on the world’s steepest funicular railway, descending toward Schwyz at gradients of up to 110%. The futuristic cabins level themselves as you glide smoothly down the mountainside—an engineering marvel and a thrill in itself.

Zahnradbahn Goldau - Rigi Kulm - Climb the slopes of the “Queen of the Mountains” aboard Europe’s first mountain railway. The nostalgic cogwheel train carries you through meadows and forests as the views over Lake Lucerne and the Alps open wider with every turn.

Mt. Rigi - At Rigi Kulm (1,798 m), enjoy a 360-degree panorama stretching from the snowcapped Alps to the Swiss Plateau and across 13 glittering lakes. It’s one of Switzerland’s most celebrated viewpoints.

For those who wish, follow the gentle trail from Rigi Kulm down to Rigi Kaltbad. This classic ridge walk combines sweeping alpine vistas with wildflower meadows and fresh mountain air.

Luftseilbahn Weggis - Rigi Kaltbad - Descend by aerial cable car to the lakeside village of Weggis, gliding above vineyards and traditional farmhouses. At the bottom, the sparkling waters of Lake Lucerne await.

Lake Lucerne - End the day with a relaxing boat ride across Lake Lucerne. From Weggis, glide past bays, vineyards, and forested hillsides, with the mountains mirrored in the water. The journey back to Lucerne is a peaceful finale, offering time to sit back on deck and enjoy the scenery from a new perspective. For those who wish, a quick dinner can be enjoyed in the on-board restaurant while cruising.

Lucerne - If you still have energy after the day’s mountain adventures, take a short walk through Lucerne’s charming Old Town. Cross the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), admire the colorful frescoed houses, or simply enjoy the lively lakeside promenade before returning.

Crossing the Alps to Ticino: Castles, Grottos, and Lago Maggiore

Eisenbahn Kehrtunnel Gotthard Panorama Express SBB - Travel through the very heart of Switzerland on the Gotthard Panorama Express, where engineering brilliance meets breathtaking alpine landscapes. The journey carries you along the historic Gotthard railway, famous for its spectacular spiral tunnels. These masterpieces of 19th-century engineering twist deep into the mountains, allowing trains to climb through dramatic valleys and sheer cliffs.
From your seat, watch as the train curves high above its own tracks, revealing ever-changing views of rugged peaks, rushing rivers, and stone villages nestled in the valleys. Each tunnel exit offers a new panorama — a true showcase of Swiss ingenuity and natural beauty combined.
Relax and enjoy the slow unfolding of the Alps from the comfort of panoramic carriages. A ride on the Gotthard Panorama Express is more than a train journey — it’s a passage through history, culture, and the very soul of Switzerland.

Swiss Alps - Crossing the Alps on the historic Gotthard railway is a journey through both landscapes and cultures. The train gradually climbs from the green valleys of northern Switzerland into rugged alpine scenery before entering the old Gotthard tunnel, once the longest in the world.
Moments later, daylight returns — and with it, a new world. Palms replace pines, stone houses glow in warmer light, and the air feels softer. It’s the gentle yet striking moment when northern Switzerland gives way to the south, and the journey takes on an unmistakably Mediterranean touch.

Fortress of Bellinzona - In Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino, history rises above the town in the form of three UNESCO-listed castles. The lower fortress, easily reached from the old town, is open to the public and invites you to wander freely through its towers, walls, and courtyards. Below, the streets of Bellinzona reveal Italian flair with lively markets, arcaded houses, and cafés — a vivid mix of culture and history at the southern gateway to the Alps.

Arcegno - In the south, we pause at the charming village of Arcegno, where narrow lanes, stone houses, and chestnut groves recall an older rhythm of life. Here you’ll step away from trains and lakes to enjoy the warmth of Ticino in an authentic grotto — a rustic restaurant tucked into the hillside, serving local food and wine in a cozy setting. It’s a chance to taste the region as well as see it, and to slow down for a moment before continuing the journey.

Punto Panoramico Balladrum - From Arcegno, an optional hike over the Balladrüm ridge takes us through quiet chestnut groves and open viewpoints above Lago Maggiore. The path offers changing perspectives of the deep-blue lake and the surrounding mountains, a gentle contrast to the dramatic alpine scenery earlier in the day. Step by step, the southern light and landscape draw us closer to the lakeshore.

Ascona - Our journey continues to Ascona, a lakeside town often called the “pearl of Lago Maggiore.” Its arcaded houses, lively piazza, and palm-lined waterfront create an inviting atmosphere of ease and elegance. If you wish, enjoy a leisurely walk along the promenade, where villas and gardens line the shore, offering tranquil views across the lake in a setting full of southern charm.

Ristorante Pizzeria al Piazza - Optional Prolongation: End the day with a relaxed dinner in a typical pizzeria before boarding the train back north.

Gotthard Base Tunnel - The return journey brings us back north in record time, carried through the Gotthard Base Tunnel — at 57 kilometers, the world’s longest railway and deepest traffic tunnel. Opened in 2016 after nearly two decades of construction, it represents one of the greatest engineering achievements of our time.
In less than 20 minutes, the train glides silently up to 2,300 meters beneath the Alps, with more than two kilometers of solid rock towering above. The contrast is striking: where the historic mountain route revealed the Alps curve by curve, the base tunnel cuts straight through them with speed and precision. It is a reminder of how Switzerland continues to shape the dialogue between nature, history, and progress.
As we emerge back into central Switzerland, we look back on a day that offered a glimpse of southern Switzerland’s charm together with the adventure of crossing the Alps both over and under them — an experience that lingers long after the journey ends.

• Personal guide Dave: Swiss local, qualified geographer & teacher
• Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
• 3 personally arranged tours

• Meals
• Overnight Accommodation (the 3 day tours start and end in Zurich)

Experience the diverse beauty of Switzerland in just three days, using public transport just like the locals, and making the journey an integral part of the adventure. On the first day, travel east to St. Gallen and Appenzell, where you can explore the UNESCO-listed Abbey Library, savor cheese, and enjoy a ride on a scenic cogwheel railway. Day two brings you to central Switzerland, where you can ride historic funiculars and modern cable cars to three peaks, followed by a relaxing cruise on Lake Lucerne. On the third day, cross the Alps into southern Ticino, where Italian flair blends with Swiss charm. Wander through charming villages, admire palm-lined lakeshores, and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere in Ascona and Bellinzona. Each day concludes with a return to Zurich, allowing you to travel light while experiencing three unique regions—cultural treasures, alpine adventures, and southern sunshine. Guided by a geographer with a master’s degree and 15 years of teaching experience, you will also gain insights into the formation of Switzerland’s landscapes and the shaping of its culture.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.