Gais(Switzerland) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Gais, the top family-friendly hotel is Hotel Alpenhof, a charming boutique property blending traditional Appenzell architecture with modern amenities. Its spacious rooms feature wooden interiors, large mountain-view windows, and complimentary breakfasts with local honey and fresh bread. Located in the heart of Gais town center, it’s just steps from the Church of St. Jacob and weekend craft markets. The hotel also offers child-friendly services like high chairs, baby cots, and guided nature walks to nearby Rosenberg Trail.

With easy access to hiking, biking, and cultural experiences, Hotel Alpenhof provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere ideal for families seeking authentic Alpine comfort and adventure.

The best place to experience local culture in Gais is the Old Town (Altstadt), where cobblestone streets wind through 17th-century stone and timber houses. Here, visitors can admire the intricate façade of the Church of St. Jacob, explore historic interiors with frescoes and ancient pipe organs, and attend seasonal craft fairs featuring handmade cheeses, honey, and wool textiles.

Every summer, the Appenzell Folk Festival (Festspiele Appenzell) brings live performances of traditional plays and folk songs in an open-air theater. These events reflect the deep-rooted community spirit and oral traditions of the region. The Old Town isn’t just a historic district—it’s the living heart of Gais’s cultural identity.

For easy access to natural attractions like the Rosenberg Trail and the Appenzell Highlands, stay at Hotel Bergblick, located just minutes from the trailhead in southern Gais. This mountain-view hotel offers cozy rooms with wood-burning stoves, soundproof windows, and free rental gear including hiking poles and detailed trail maps.

It’s also within a 10-minute walk of Gais Train Station, allowing quick transfers to destinations like Eiger or Lake Appenzell. With its blend of tranquility and convenience, Hotel Bergblick is perfect for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful yet well-connected base.

One of Gais’s most unique experiences is participating in a traditional cheese-making workshop at the Appenzeller Käsemanufaktur. Visitors learn how to ferment milk, cut curds, press them into molds, and age the famous Appenzell cheese—a process shaped by centuries of alpine farming.

Guides explain how the region’s high-altitude pastures and pure water contribute to the cheese’s distinctive flavor. Additionally, during summer, the Gais Folk Festival (Festspiele Appenzell) hosts outdoor performances of traditional plays and folk music, preserving the area’s rich oral heritage. These immersive activities offer more than sightseeing—they provide a genuine connection to rural Swiss life.

Nighttime in Gais shines brightest with stargazing and mountain bonfire gatherings. Due to its high elevation and minimal light pollution, Gais is one of the best spots in Switzerland for astronomy. Local astronomy clubs host regular star parties on Rosenberg Mountain, offering telescopes and expert commentary.

Many guesthouses, such as Hotel Alpenhof, organize evening bonfire nights, where guests gather around a fire pit to enjoy hot chocolate, homemade rye bread, and stories passed down through generations. These intimate, fireside experiences reflect the community’s deep bond with nature and tradition—perfect for quiet, meaningful evenings under the stars.

Despite being a small town, Gais offers excellent transportation access. The Gais Train Station connects regularly to St. Gallen and Ticino, with trips taking only 30–45 minutes. Local bus services run to key destinations like the Appenzell Highlands and Rosenberg Trail entrance.

For those driving, the A12 motorway provides fast access. Within the town, most attractions—including the Old Town, Church of St. Jacob, and craft markets—are walkable. Eco-friendly electric bike rentals are also available for exploring country lanes. Overall, Gais balances seclusion with practical connectivity, making it ideal for slow travelers.

Gais is a photographer’s dream, especially for capturing morning mist over the Alps and dappled sunlight through narrow alleyways. At sunrise, the Rosenberg Trail overlook offers breathtaking views of fog-laden meadows and white timber cottages, resembling a postcard from another era.

The Church of St. Jacob features intricate carvings that create dramatic shadows when lit by low-angle sun, ideal for architectural shots. Meanwhile, the Old Town’s cobbled streets become reflective mirrors after rain, often dubbed ‘Switzerland’s hidden mirror’ by photographers. Bring a wide-angle lens and tripod to capture the golden hour glow and soft light of early morning.

These scenes highlight Gais’s seamless blend of nature and heritage—a visual feast for creative minds.

Gais’s culinary highlight is Appenzell cheese (Appenzeller Cheese), a bold, aged hard cheese with a complex flavor of nuts and herbs. It’s featured in dishes like cheese fondue, baked potatoes with cheese, and cheese soup at local restaurants like Gasthaus Rössli.

Another must-try is honey beer, brewed locally using wildflower honey and served alongside almond cookies (Mandelkuchen). Seasonal delicacies include goat cheese and wild mushroom risotto, sourced from nearby farms and forests. All ingredients reflect the ‘from farm to table’ philosophy of the region.

These flavors aren’t just delicious—they tell the story of Gais’s sustainable, land-based traditions.

Gais’s guesthouses are typically family-run timber homes dating back to the 18th century, showcasing hand-carved details and traditional craftsmanship. Haus Hinterwald, for example, features a thatched roof, lime-plastered walls, and a central fireplace with handmade rugs.

Many offer homemade dinner experiences, where hosts prepare meals like cheese risotto, sauerkraut pork, and regional wine. Guests can even help with food prep using traditional tools like clay pots and stone grinders. Some properties also have private gardens and star-gazing decks, perfect for evening relaxation.

Staying in these guesthouses isn’t just lodging—it’s immersion in authentic Alpine hospitality and daily life.

A 2- to 3-day visit is ideal for experiencing Gais fully. On day one, explore the Old Town, visit the Church of St. Jacob, and join a cheese-making workshop. Day two includes a gentle hike along the Rosenberg Trail, with views of alpine lakes and grazing herds. On day three, enjoy a stargazing session or visit a local craft market, ending with a farewell meal at Gasthaus Rössli.

This pace allows time to savor the scenery, culture, and cuisine without rushing. Even in a short stay, Gais’s quiet rhythm and authenticity leave a lasting impression—proof that true travel happens when you slow down.