Zürich: Appenzell Day-Trip with Cheese & Chocolate Tastings

Central Plateau, Zurich



Join a premium small-group tour to Appenzell, the idyllic region of Eastern Switzerland, and discover the secrets behind the country's famous cheese and chocolate.

Appenzell Day Trip with Cheese, Chocolate, and Hoher Kasten Cable Car

Discover Swiss traditions, cheese production, and mountain views on this guided day trip from Zurich to Appenzell.

Highlights

  • Learn about Swiss customs and cheese production at a traditional farm and Appenzeller show dairy
  • Stroll through the picturesque streets of Appenzell
  • Enjoy panoramic views from the Hoher Kasten mountain via an aerial cable car
  • Visit a boutique chocolate manufacturer with tasting experience

Description

This small-group excursion begins with a scenic drive along Lake Zurich, passing the medieval castle in Rapperswil, before entering the gently rolling hills of Appenzellerland with photo stops along the way.

Visit a typical Swiss farm to taste fresh cow milk, then explore the Appenzeller show dairy in Stein AR. Learn how natural Swiss milk and herbs create Appenzeller’s distinctive cheese, and see the cellar storing up to 12,500 cheese wheels. Participate in a cheese tasting and try to identify the top-secret ingredients.

Travel to Brülisau for a cable car ride to Hoher Kasten mountain (1,800 meters). From the revolving restaurant, take in views of the Appenzell region, Rhine Valley, and Vorarlberg.

Next, visit a boutique chocolate maker where the Maître Chocolatier explains artisan chocolate production, followed by a tasting session.

Return to Appenzell for a guided walking tour through its traditional streets and squares, highlighting decorated wooden houses. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore and shop for local souvenirs at your own pace.

Includes

  • Fully-guided tour by professional multilingual driver-guide
  • Transportation in a comfortable minibus
  • Visit to Appenzeller show dairy with cheese tasting
  • Guided walking tour of Appenzell
  • Cable car ride to Hoher Kasten
  • Carbon-balanced operations certified by myclimate

Excludes

  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses

Easy Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a camera. Book in advance to secure your spot, especially in high season.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes visits to a Swiss farm and Appenzeller show dairy, cheese and chocolate tastings, a walk through Appenzell town, and a cable car ride to Hoher Kasten mountain.
The tour travels from Zurich via Lake Zürich and Rapperswil, including a photo stop at Rapperswil's medieval castle before reaching Appenzellerland.
Yes, the tour includes cheese tastings at an Appenzeller show dairy where you learn about local cheese production.
Yes, chocolate tastings are part of the experience showcasing Swiss traditions and local products.
The cable car ride goes to the top of Hoher Kasten mountain, offering views of the surrounding Appenzell region.
Yes, the itinerary includes a walk through the picturesque streets of Appenzell town.
Yes, the tour is designed as a small-group experience for a more personalized visit to Appenzell.
The tour operates year-round; check the website for current availability and seasonal highlights.
Meals are not specified as included; check the tour details on the booking site for more information.
The full-day tour typically lasts about 10 hours, including travel, visits, and tastings.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.4M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again