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

In Schaffhausen, recommend staying at Hotel Alpenblick, a family-run boutique hotel nestled in the scenic foothills of the Appenzell Alps. This charming Swiss-style wooden lodge offers spacious family rooms, kid-friendly amenities, and direct access to nature trails. Guests enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped peaks from floor-to-ceiling windows, while breakfast features fresh milk from local alpine farms and homemade rye bread. The on-site wellness center with indoor pool and children’s activity zone makes it ideal for a peaceful, immersive experience in authentic Appenzell culture.

The town center of Schaffhausen is the prime location for lodging, offering easy access to St. Nikolaus Church and the bustling market square. Surrounded by organic farm-to-table restaurants and artisan shops, this quiet district is also just a 15-minute drive from the Appenzell Nature Trails. Its cobblestone streets and traditional architecture create a genuine Swiss village atmosphere, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic glimpse into rural life in the Canton of Appenzell.

Don’t miss the annual Alpabzug Festival in summer—a vibrant celebration where herders in Appenzell folk costumes lead their cattle down from high pastures accompanied by cowbells and traditional music. Visitors can try making Emmental cheese firsthand or explore the Old Wooden House Museum to learn heritage weaving techniques. These hands-on activities offer deep insight into the region’s agricultural roots and time-honored traditions, allowing travelers to truly connect with local customs and community spirit.

For winter stays, book Berggasthof Schöllenen, a mountain-side chalet with private fireplace suites and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Alpine snowfields. The hotel provides free ski equipment rental and exclusive access to the nearby Appenzell Ski Center via dedicated shuttle. Evenings feature wood-fired dinner experiences with dishes like red wine braised beef and house-made sourdough, paired with regional Valais apple cider. Enjoy the warmth of the fire under a starlit sky—perfect for experiencing the serene beauty of a Swiss alpine winter.

The Schaffhausen Town Hall stands as the town’s most iconic landmark, blending Gothic spires with intricate stained-glass windows from the 15th century. Nearby, the century-old oak tree in front of St. Nikolaus Church offers stunning contrast between its ancient bark and the church’s weathered stone facade—ideal for morning light shots. The Old Bridge Ruins (Alte Brücke), built from natural stone and draped in moss, frames the river perfectly for silhouette photography. In early dawn mist, the entire town looks like a watercolor painting set against the Alpine backdrop.

Be sure to savor Appenzell cheese fondue and the Alpine sausage platter at Hofgut Lenz restaurant. Their signature dish uses locally produced Emmental cheese—rich, slightly nutty, and perfect with grilled potatoes and rye bread. Don’t miss the honey-lemon tea, crafted daily from wild mountain honey harvested by local beekeepers—refreshing and naturally sweet, it’s the perfect remedy against alpine chill. These flavors reflect both the region’s terroir and centuries-old food traditions.

For couples, the Chalet Luna—a glass-domed forest cabin with a private hot tub—is the ultimate romantic retreat. With 360-degree stargazing views and a private fireplace suite, each stay includes a handcrafted rose-scented candle and a bottle of local rosé wine. Guests can arrange a private candlelit dinner with a personal host. The terrace faces the Alpine ridge line, where sunrise paints the valley in gold. Evenings spent by the fire or walking along the Lovers’ Lake Trail offer unforgettable moments of intimacy and serenity.

Despite its rural setting, Schaffhausen has excellent public transport. Take the SBB train to Zurich Airport (approx. 1 hour) or use regional lines to reach Frick Valley and Bregenz. Free shuttle buses connect major sites like the Appenzell Museum, nature trail entrances, and the ski resort. All facilities are wheelchair-accessible, and multilingual audio guides are available. For drivers, use the Swiss National Park parking system to avoid congestion during peak times, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Summer in Schaffhausen is perfect for hiking and cycling. Begin at the Grossberg Trail, winding through ancient pine forests and passing waterfall viewpoints and alpine meadows, ending at the Eagle’s Nest Lookout with sweeping views across the valley. Along the way, join a guided wildflower identification tour to spot rare species like Edelweiss and bluebells. For cyclists, rent an electric mountain bike and ride the Rhine River Greenway, stopping at rustic cafés for freshly baked almond cake and espresso. End your day with a campfire by the river under a star-filled sky.

Visit during the Erntedankfest (Harvest Thanksgiving Festival) in August—a three-day celebration of abundance and tradition. Locals don attire in Appenzell folk costumes, performing folk dances and drumming on the main square. The central market showcases fresh produce, homemade jam, and locally brewed apple cider. At night, enjoy a starlight fireworks display accompanied by alpine choirs. Kids participate in pumpkin carving contests and hay sculpture challenges, while adults sample aged wines in wooden cellar taverns—a joyful expression of community, harvest, and heritage.