A quiet village of intricately painted houses and a tradition-bound citizenry who observe ancient traditions and dress much as they did 100 years ago, Appenzell drips with country charm. Men wear black hats decorated with flowers, bright red vests, gold pants, white knee socks and one earring, while “Sunday best” for women is an ankle-length pleated skirt, tied bodice, huge embroidered lace collar and a black-winged bonnet trailing a wide red ribbon. The region is home to some of the country’s strongest cheeses as well as Appenzell Alpenbitter, an inky, locally-produced aperitif served over ice.

Top Sights:
• Appenzeller Volkskunde Museum
• cable car to Mt. Säntis, highest peak in the Alpstein range

Suggested Activities:
• Visit the Appenzeller Volkskunde Museum in Stein to watch a farmer make Appenzeller cheese by hand over an open fire. After that go next door to the Appenzell Schaukäserei (Showcase Cheese-Dairy) and see the same basic process done the modern way
• Visit St. Gallen (12 miles) and take in the fascinating Textile Museum and the breathtaking Abbey Library.

Places to Stay:
• Romantik-Hotel Säntis, Landsgemeindeplatz 3, CH-9050 Appenzell, tel. +41/071/7878722, fax 7874842, email: saentis@romantikhotels.com, web: www.romantikhotels.com/Appenzell/

A Place to Dine:
• Try the Kalbsleber und Rösti (calves liver and fried potatoes) at the Säntis.