Eastern Switzerland
 and Liechtenstein

Eastern Switzerland on the banks of the Rhine stretches from the shimmering waters of Lake Constance across the hilly Appenzellerland to the Alpine landscapes of Toggenburg, the Heidiland region and the Glarnerland.

The skiing areas of Eastern Switzerland are perfect for all skiing, snowboarding and carving fans — with fabulous descents and wonderful views over the lakes and the mountains.
In summer cyclists will find an excellently signposted network of cycle paths. Whether you prefer riding from one fishing village to the next along the shores of Lake Constance or scaling high peaks on a mountain bike.

Schaffhausen

Schaffhausen is Switzerland’s northernmost canton with the capital of the same name.   Schaffhauserland — embedded in a beautiful landscape. Characterized by the Rhine, endless vineyards, dense forests and the hills of the Randen. Guests of the city may feel the fine misty spray of the thundering Rhine Falls, floating gently down the middle of one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe, enjoy the fruity-fresh wines of Schaffhausen’s Blauburgunderland or stroll through the gem of Stein am Rhein and being captivated by the medieval charm and facade paintings.

Architecture along the Rhine resembles that of Old Germany and Austria, frequent features being half-timbers and rippling red-tile roofs. In cities like Schaffhausen, masterpieces of medieval frescoes decorate townhouses, many of which have ornately carved bay windows called oriels. In the country, farmhouses are often covered with fine, feathery wooden shingles as narrow as Popsicle sticks, which weathering has turned to chinchilla gray.  The very countryside itself—conical green hills, fruit trees, belled cows, neat yellow cottages—resembles the naive art it inspires.

The Thurgau

The Thurgau region of Switzerland is located, hidden away, in the far northeastern corner of the country. It is bordered by Zurich to the west and by Lake Constance to the east. The capital is Frauenfeld. It is a small town which offers however many things to do. You will find small but fine museums about history, nature and culture, music events from intimate to the largest of its kind in all of Europe — the Openair Frauenfeld. Also you may catch picturesque views of the Thur and Seebach valleys while hiking or pedaling, and get an excellent glass of Thurgau organic wine on the way. 

The proximity to Germany means that there is a strong Germanic influence on the winemaking practices of Thurgau. The most grown varietal is famous Pinot Noir. The vines of the Thurgau are planted along the picturesque hillsides and valleys of the region, making it one of the most naturally beautiful wine regions in Europe and the perfect wine tourism destination.
The city of St. Gallen, in the canton of the same name, is part of the World Heritage. It is the lively center of Eastern Switzerland and a classic cultural attraction all year round. The convent estate of St. Gallen, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, forms the heart of the city with its baroque cathedral and its famous collegiate library. The numerous museums inspire those who are eager to learn and the intense cultural life around its excellent multidisciplinary theater, the numerous cabarets and the regular festivals strengthen the reputation of the city as the metropolis of Eastern Switzerland.

The Old Town of St. Gallen is almost void of traffic and is therefore best enjoyed on foot. If you are interested in beer, visit St. Gallen’s local brewery, Schuetzengarten. Schutzengarten also hosts a beer bottle museum and a restaurant next door to the brewery.

Appenzell

Appenzell region is composed of two half-cantons: Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden with the capitals of Appenzell and Herisau

With about 7,000 inhabitants, Appenzell is the political, economic and cultural center of Appenzell Innerrhoden, the smallest Swiss canton. The car-free village beckons with pretty lanes and a myriad of small stores and boutiques that are ideal for shopping and browsing. The facades of the buildings are decorated with frescoes. Appenzell Museum, which is in the town hall, shows a cross section of Appenzell’s history and culture. Appenzell benefits from a particularly dense network of rambling trails, including ‘experience trails’ such as the barefoot trail near Gonten, a trail which enables you to experience nature, and the circular chapel trails.

Popular destinations from Appenzell are the Wildkirchli save, the world-famous mountain restaurant Äscher, the Ebenalp and the crystal clear Seealpsee.

The Principality of Liechtenstein

The Principality of Liechtenstein, nestled in the heart of Europe between Switzerland and Austria, is only half an hour’s drive from Lake Constance. The principality seduces with its great diversity in a small space. The 160 square kilometres of the Principality constitute a wonderfully beautiful spot on the Earth that stretches from the fascinating world of the Rhine valley up to the healthimbuing mountainscapes of the alpine region at 2 500 metres asl. The last German-speaking monarchy comprises eleven municipalities with 38 000 inhabitants. It is compact in the truest sense of the word and bears the name of an esteemed dynastic family that resides in Vaduz Castle. In wintertime it’s perfect fot snowboarders, cross-country skiers and tobogganists. The ultra-modern, comfortable lifts and the unique new children’s paradise «Malbihort» are situated in a protected valley at 1600 metres asl. The safe and compact ski region with 23 kilometres of pistes is ideal for families with children. It invites guests to embark on long winter walks, to skate or to sunbathe on the convivial terrace of the mountain restaurant. 

Traditional cuisine of Eastern Switzerland is famous by their cheeses such as Appenzeller, Schabziger or Challerhocker.  Also, worth to try Schüblig — is a popular Swiss sausage made with pork or beef. It is usually prepared with nonfat milk, onions, and selected spices. The sausage is traditionally consumed raw and uncooked, but the local varieties are typically lightly smoked to add extra aroma. Capuns is a traditional dish, it is usually made with a combination of dried meat and spätzle dough wrapped in hard leaves. The combination is cooked in butter, then slowly simmered in stock and cream. Once prepared, the dish is typically topped with fried bacon pieces and grated cheese.

Bündner Nusstorte is a traditional tart consisting of a shortbread pastry filled with nuts and caramel. Walnuts are typically used for the filling, but other nuts may also be used, although very rarely. The oldest known recipe dates back to 1900.