Eggerstanden

A small village in the rolling hills between Herisau and Appenzell, known for its typical Appenzell farmhouses and peaceful rural character. It offers easy access to hiking trails and represents the authentic agricultural heritage of the region.

Things to do

• Hiking to Säntis — Start multi-hour alpine hikes from Eggerstanden toward the Säntis massif, with well-marked trails passing through traditional dairy pastures and offering panoramic views of eastern Switzerland.
• Visit local dairy farms — Tour working Appenzell dairy farms around the village where you can observe traditional cheesemaking and milk production methods that define the region.
• Walking through farmhouse villages — Stroll through Eggerstanden and neighboring hamlets to admire the distinctive painted wooden farmhouses with their characteristic Appenzell decorative patterns and shutters.
• Cycling the Appenzell loop routes — Ride moderate-difficulty regional cycling paths that connect Eggerstanden with Herisau and Appenzell town, passing through meadows and forest.
• Picnicking at scenic overlooks — Pack local cheese and bread and settle at one of the many elevated vantage points in the hills above the village for views across the rolling Appenzell countryside.

Food to try

• Appenzeller Käse — Sample the region's protected-designation cheese, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese aged in a distinctive herb brine, available fresh from local dairies and farm shops.
• Appenzeller Siedwurst — Try this traditional boiled sausage made with beef and pork, often eaten warm with freshly baked bread and mustard at village festivals or farm cafés.
• Müesli with Alpine milk — Experience authentic muesli served with fresh, unpasteurized milk from local dairy herds, reflecting the breakfast tradition that originated in this region.
• Appenzeller Schabziger — Taste this unique green herb cheese, made with clover and available grated or in small blocks, representing centuries of Appenzell cheesemaking tradition.
• Farm-fresh butter and cream — Purchase unsalted butter and thick cream directly from village dairy producers, whose products showcase the quality of grass-fed Alpine cattle milk.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect farm privacy and seasons — Most farms remain working agricultural operations; ask permission before entering pastures and avoid visiting during early morning or evening milking times.
• Learn basic Swiss German greetings — Locals speak Swiss German (Appenzell dialect), so learning 'Grüezi' (hello) and 'Dankä schön' (thank you) shows respect and opens friendly conversations.
• Timing visits to match village rhythms — Sunday afternoons and weekday mornings are quieter; many small shops and farm stands operate limited hours, so plan visits accordingly rather than expecting commercial convenience.
• Participate in seasonal traditions — Spring cattle drives (Viehscheid) and autumn festivals celebrate Appenzell heritage; ask locals about dates and respectfully observe or join these communal pastoral events.