Appenzell to Liechtenstein | Discover the Hidden Alps
A journey filled with epic hikes, views and culture of neighboring European countries
Trip Highlights:
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Discover the Appenzell region, famous for its pastoral culture and folk art, including native paintings and brass work.
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Trek through high alpine paths, charming mountain huts, berghaus inns, and castles.
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Cross into Liechtenstein, one of Europe’s smallest countries, bordered by Austria’s rugged mountains.
Our trek begins in a hidden gem of Switzerland, the Appenzell region, where the majestic limestone cliffs of the Alpstein and Säntis ranges rise dramatically above lush pastures. This area offers a well-planned network of huts and Berghaus inns, each comfortably within a day’s walk of one another, making it ideal for trekking. We then cross into the Principality of Liechtenstein, one of Europe’s smallest countries, bordered by Austria’s rugged mountains and the Swiss Rhine Valley. Liechtenstein’s 38,000 residents live across 11 municipalities, sharing a strong cultural heritage with their Swiss neighbors and speaking primarily German.
Appenzell: The unique geography of the Appenzell region, coupled with its fascinating culture and history, make this a fabulous destination to begin this adventure. The peaks rise abruptly out of pristine pastures and numerous lovely, little tarn lakes punctuate many of the valleys.
The Appenzell region is famous for its pastoral culture and folk art, including native paintings and brass work. Interestingly, locals often wear traditional costume in the higher pastures, with men walking barefoot and in leather shorts and braces adorned with brass cows and goats. Appenzell represents the last bastion of old Switzerland and offers a unique opportunity to see the country the way that it existed centuries ago.
Liechtenstein: “Klein aber fein.” This German phrase, meaning “small but fine,” perfectly captures Liechtenstein. Despite being one of Europe’s tiniest countries, it offers impressive food, culture, hospitality, and scenery. Our visit includes high alpine paths, charming mountain huts, and the castles.
The landscape is largely mountainous, with its highest peak, the Grauspitz, reaching 2,599 meters (8527 ft.).
Trip Itinerary
Independently transfer to Appenzell. Overnight in a charming four-star inn.
Our adventure begins with a warm-up hike in the scenic Alpstein mountains. We’ll visit the iconic cliffside Berggasthaus Aescher-Wildkirchli, then continue to Berghaus Schäfler for a panoramic alpine lunch. After a memorable day on the trail, we return to our hotel in Appenzell.
Distance: 6.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1200 ft.
We begin with a scenic tram ride up Hoher Kasten, then hike the ridge-line trail to Berggasthaus Bollenwees, stopping for lunch at Staubern. After crossing the Saxer Lücke, we’re treated to unforgettable views of the Kreuzberg peaks. We end the day at our accommodation above the serene Fählensee lake. We will not have luggage tonight.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1300/1500 ft.
We start the day with a gentle warm-up along Fählensee, then ascend to the rugged peak of Altmann. A shortcut takes us over Zwinglipass, where we’ll enjoy lunch at Zwinglipasshütte. Afterward, we descend to Bergrestaurant Gamplüt for a cable car ride to Wildhaus, followed by a transfer across the Rhine to Vaduz, Liechtenstein’s charming capital, where we’ll spend the night.
Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 3200/2500 ft.
Today, we tackle the Fürstensteig, known as the “Prince’s Climb.” This thrilling trail winds along a stunning limestone ridge above Vaduz, offering up-close views of the dramatic rock formations. Sweeping vistas over the Rhine Valley reveal both Swiss and Austrian landscapes, making this a truly memorable hike. We return to our hotel in Vaduz to unwind after a day on the trail.
Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2800 ft.
Today’s hike takes us to the charming alpine, ski-resort village of Malbun. After a short transfer to Steg, we follow a trail that ascends the summit of Schönberg, or “beautiful mountain,” before descending into Malbun. On clear days, the views stretch all the way to Lake Constance in southern Germany.
Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2800/2400 ft.
Our final hike takes us to the Austrian border and up to the summit of Augstenberg. At the peak, a sturdy summit cross and unforgettable panoramic views await before we descend to the Pfälzerhütte, Liechtenstein’s only mountain club hut. We complete the adventure with a loop trail back to our hotel Malbun.
Distance: 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2000/2750 ft.
