We escaped to the Appenzell Region in Eastern Switzerland to avoid the noisy New Year's Eve fireworks in our town! (Brother-in-Law lives in a cute little historical Appenzell house in a slightly remote area outside of the town of Appenzell). We spent the weekend of Dec.31 and Jan.1 there. Saturday's experience of watching the traditional New Year's Eve celebrations in this area was a wonderful experience again. Those photos are HERE.
Sunday January 1, 2023: Appenzell (6 km)
After a restful night in the secluded house in Appenzell (I barely heard the fireworks from the city) and it being another nice warm day, we opted on a small 6-km walk along the rolling hills of the Appenzell countryside, starting at the house and taking a round-about way into the city. The landscape here is very appealing, and Appenzell with its decorated houses is worth several visits. But hiking at this time of year is difficult: Either you walk on clean paved roads, or muddy pasture trails. We were done walking after two hours, and on the train headed for home at 1 p.m.
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Here is where we spent the night, far enough away from the noise of the fireworks. This house is under heritage protection, as it used to be the old traveler's inn for merchants passing through on their horses. |
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It was another nice warm day for a walk. Originally we had planned a longer loop along Trail no.990 (Appenzell Chapel Trail) but I am still not able to walk that far after surgery, so we descended sooner into the town of Appenzell. Still, it was a 6 km walk. |
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The river which flows through Appenzell and near where Urs' brother lives is called the Sitter River. The lovely covered wooden bridge is called the Lankbrücke. |
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Lots of very lovely painted details on the buildings in Appenzell. The paintings depict what kind of shop it is, i.e. apothecary, bakery, etc. |
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Hotel Säntis on the "Landesgemeindeplatz" in Appenzell, a large square where the people still gather today when there is a vote with a show of hands. (No secret ballots here). |
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Heading out of Appenzell by train on our way home. |
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Where Herisau and Appenzell are located in eastern Switzerland |
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