Gonten

A quiet village nestled in the Appenzell valley known for its well-preserved traditional farmhouses with characteristic painted shutters and facades. It's a perfect base for exploring the surrounding hiking network and experiencing rural Appenzell culture.

Things to do

• Appenzell Alps hiking network — Explore well-marked trails connecting Gonten to surrounding peaks and valleys, ranging from easy valley walks to challenging alpine routes with panoramic views.
• Traditional farmhouse tours — Visit preserved Appenzell houses in and around Gonten to see characteristic hand-painted shutters, wooden architecture, and rural heritage craftsmanship.
• Säntis cable car excursion — Take a short trip to nearby Säntis mountain via cable car for sweeping Alpine vistas and alpine meadows.
• Appenzell dairy culture experience — Visit small local dairies and cheese producers around Gonten to learn about traditional Appenzell cheese-making methods and taste fresh alpine dairy products.
• Posamenten textile heritage trail — Walk through the region to discover the history of Appenzell's traditional ribbon-weaving industry and visit small workshops still practicing the craft.

Food to try

• Appenzell Käse (Appenzell cheese) — Seek out the protected regional hard cheese with its distinctive herb blend, aged in wine and cider, with a sharp, complex flavor best enjoyed at local farmers' markets or traditional restaurants.
• Bratwurst and Appenzell sausages — Try locally produced pork sausages seasoned with traditional regional spices, often grilled or served at village inns and festivals.
• Appenzell Biber (gingerbread) — Taste this spiced, elaborately decorated gingerbread specialty that has been produced in Appenzell for centuries, available at local bakeries and markets.
• Mostbröckli (air-dried pork) — Sample thin slices of this traditional smoked and air-dried pork delicacy, a regional speciality often served as an appetizer with local wine.
• Alpstein dairy milk and yogurt — Enjoy fresh, locally-produced milk and creamy yogurts from valley dairies, often sold directly at farms or village shops.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect traditional dress customs — Appenzell maintains strong traditions of folk costume; locals wear traditional attire at festivals and celebrations, and visitors should dress respectfully and avoid mockery of these practices.
• Learn basic Swiss German greetings — While many speak standard German or English, learning simple Swiss German phrases like 'Grüezi' (hello) and 'Merci' (thank you) is appreciated by locals in this traditional rural community.
• Visit during Appenzell festivals — Plan your trip around local festivals such as Appenzell Folk Festival or New Year's traditions to experience authentic cultural celebrations and traditional customs in action.
• Shop at Sunday farmer markets — Visit village markets on weekends to purchase local cheese, sausages, and baked goods directly from producers while experiencing daily community life and local traditions.