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

Travel through Switzerland’s charming apple-growing region on a scenic train ride from Zurich to St. Gallen. As the journey unfolds, the landscape opens into gentle hills lined with orchards and traditional villages — a picture of rural life in northeastern Switzerland. In spring, countless apple trees transform the countryside into a sea of white blossoms; in late summer and autumn, their branches hang heavy with ripe fruit.

⛪ Step inside the Cathedral – a masterpiece of baroque architecture with soaring ceilings, richly decorated stucco, and frescoes that leave visitors in awe.
️ Walk through history – the former Benedictine monastery, founded over 1,200 years ago, was once a major center of learning in Europe. Guests will learn how monks copied manuscripts, preserved knowledge, and shaped the culture of an entire region.
Enjoy the peaceful courtyards and alleys – strolling through cobblestone paths surrounded by historical buildings, travelers experience the calm and timeless atmosphere of this sacred place.

Enter the “Philosophers’ Hall” – a breathtaking baroque library filled with carved wood, frescoed ceilings, and shelves holding thousands of leather-bound books. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a fairytale.
See priceless manuscripts – including medieval illuminated texts, early musical notations, and documents dating back to the 8th century, when the monastery was a center of knowledge in Europe.
Learn the story of UNESCO heritage – discover how the Abbey of St. Gall became a hub of scholarship that preserved and spread knowledge across the continent, earning its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✨ Admire the famous mummy – the library’s small cabinet of curiosities also holds extraordinary pieces, including an Egyptian mummy, rare globes, and medieval artworks.
️ Feel history come alive – walking on creaking wooden floors under painted ceilings, visitors will experience the library as monks and scholars once did centuries ago.

Ride a historic funicular – this short but steep railway connects the lower city near the train station with the Mühlegg district above. It’s a fun and unique way to experience St. Gallen’s terrain.
Enjoy panoramic views – as the car climbs, travelers can admire rooftops, the spires of the cathedral, and the surrounding hillsides dotted with charming houses.
️ Step into local life – locals use the funicular daily, so guests get a glimpse of 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, giving visitors a taste of Swiss engineering and a perfect photo opportunity.

Watch cheese being made live – from fresh Alpine milk to the famous spicy Appenzeller cheese. Guests can look over the cheesemaker’s shoulder as huge copper vats are stirred, curds are pressed, and wheels of cheese are salted and matured.
Learn about the mysterious mixture of the secret herb brine that gives Appenzeller cheese its unmistakable flavor. The recipe is centuries old and still a closely guarded secret.
️ Taste different cheese varieties – 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 lies in the rolling green hills of Appenzell, with views of farms, pastures, and the Säntis mountain in the distance.

️Stroll through the colorful 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.

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.

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.

Optional: To round off the day Swiss-style, we 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.