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

In Hundwil, the top choice for mountain views is Hotel Alpenblick, a family-run boutique hotel nestled in the Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Its panoramic windows overlook the Appenzell Alps, offering breathtaking vistas of rolling meadows and distant peaks. The rooms blend traditional Swiss woodwork with modern comfort, and the rooftop terrace is perfect for sunrise photography. Nearby, the Hundwil Church and hiking trails to Glaten Peak provide easy access to nature.

For a more immersive stay, consider Gasthof Rössli, where guests can enjoy homemade Appenzell cheese and participate in local traditions like cheese-making workshops. Both hotels offer complimentary breakfast featuring regional specialties such as sourdough bread and organic dairy products.

The Hundwil village center is ideal for first-time visitors, located just steps from the Hundwil Church, community square, and local shops. This compact, pedestrian-friendly zone offers easy access to walking trails, restaurants, and cultural events. Most accommodations here are traditional Alpine cottages with warm interiors and charming facades. Staying near the village square also puts you close to seasonal festivals like the Alpabzug (cattle procession), where locals parade their herds through town accompanied by folk music. It’s the heart of authentic rural Swiss life.

In Hundwil, experience the Alpabzug festival every summer, when alpine herds descend from high pastures, led by farmers in traditional Appenzell costumes playing alphorns and flutes. The event includes folk dances and village-wide celebrations. Visit the Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden Museum to explore centuries-old farming tools, textiles, and religious artifacts. Don’t miss the Hundwil Church, whose 17th-century frescoes and historic bell reflect a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles—key examples of northern Swiss ecclesiastical art.

Yes, Hotel Alpenblick offers family suites with child-safe gardens and a dedicated play area. Weekly "Little Farmer Days" let kids milk goats, feed sheep, and try making Appenzell cheese under supervision. Gasthof Rössli provides homestay options where families can join local meals and learn to bake Appenzell apple pie. Both hotels offer free cribs, children’s menus, and guided nature walks tailored for young explorers, ensuring a memorable and safe experience for all ages.

Hundwil is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. In spring, hike the Appenzell Trail through wildflower-filled meadows and crystal-clear streams. Summer brings opportunities for cycling on the Alpine Greenway, connecting to Bregenz Forest. Autumn is ideal for climbing Glaten Peak for panoramic views of golden forests and Lake Constance. Winter opens up skiing at Rüfikopf Ski Area, while Hundwil’s Snowlight Festival features illuminated sculptures and wooden craft markets—blending winter sports with festive charm.

Must-try dishes in Hundwil include Appenzell cheese—a pungent, aged hard cheese often served grilled or with dark rye bread. Try Hafersuppe, a hearty oat and vegetable soup perfect for chilly days. Another highlight is Bregenz Chicken, roasted with herbs and creamy sauce, available at local inns. Don’t miss Apfelwein, a seasonal apple-based alcoholic drink brewed from wild yeast and local apples—best enjoyed at Gasthof Rössli during evening hours.

Hundwil is well-connected via public transit. Take Rail Line 42 from St. Gallen—just 30 minutes away—to reach Hundwil Railway Station, with frequent departures throughout the day. The village is walkable, and bike rentals are available locally. For longer trips, the S-Bahn Appenzell service links to nearby towns like Erschwil and Rosenberg. While driving is possible via the A3 Highway, avoid weekends due to narrow mountain roads and potential congestion.

The best time to visit Hundwil is from June to September, when weather is stable and hiking trails are open. The peak event is the Appenzell Cultural Festival in mid-July, featuring crafts, music, and traditional costume parades. December to February is ideal for winter lovers, with snow-covered landscapes and access to ski resorts. Avoid late October to early November, as many guesthouses reduce hours and services may be limited.

Photographers love the Hundwil Church, with its red-tiled roof and Gothic spire reflected in the village pond at dawn. The Appenzell Trail starting point offers a scenic viewpoint over winding paths and distant mountains. The Old Mill Ruins (Alte Mühle), now an art installation site, feature textured walls and ivy-covered beams perfect for moody shots. Early mornings at the village square capture locals herding cattle—a timeless scene ideal for candid photography.

Shop for authentic Appenzell wool products—hand-knit scarves, hats, and blankets—crafted by local artisans. The monthly Hundwil Craft Market (first Sunday) features wooden carvings, ceramics, and embroidered linens. Gasthof Rössli’s gift shop sells premium Appenzell cheese boxes and Apfelwein tasting sets, ideal for gifting. For natural materials, look for Alpine pine wood carvings, each hand-carved with symbols of the region’s heritage—perfect keepsakes of your trip.