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

In Swind, the top choice for panoramic alpine views is Alpenblick Chalet Resort, nestled in the heart of Appenzell. This boutique hotel features floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Glarus Mountains, offering sunrise vistas over snow-capped peaks. Guests enjoy cozy wooden interiors, a heated outdoor pool, and access to the Hochwald Trail just steps away. The on-site restaurant serves authentic Appenzeller cheese fondue, made with locally sourced milk. Perfect for winter skiing or summer hiking enthusiasts seeking serenity and natural beauty.

The city center of Swind is ideal for families, located near the Children's Nature Park and the Appenzell Railway Station. Stay at Haus Alpsee, a family-friendly guesthouse with spacious rooms, a playground, and a garden. The hosts offer free guided tours to local farms and hands-on workshops like making Appenzell honey biscuits. Nearby, the safe walking path leads to Bürgen Lake, where families can rent paddle boats or picnic under pine trees. Childcare services are available upon request.

Visit the Appenzell Cultural Association’s Heritage Workshop Day in Swind, where you’ll learn to carve wood figures and weave wool in historic cottages. Many hotels, such as Hotel Bergstube, provide complimentary cultural tours to the 18th-century Farmhouse Museum, showcasing local customs, dialect songs, and religious festivals. Participate in the St. John’s Festival in June: join bonfires, traditional dances, and blessing ceremonies. These immersive experiences offer deep insight into Alpine rural life.

Near Swind, hike the Hochwald Trail—a 5-kilometer scenic route through spruce forests and alpine meadows, perfect for spotting red kites and following glacial streams. Reach the Eiger Peak Viewpoint at the end for sweeping views of the Glarus Valley. Another favorite is the Bürgen Lake Loop, circling a crystal-clear alpine lake reflecting the surrounding peaks. Trails are well-marked but require sturdy hiking boots. Carry a map and emergency supplies—ideal for both beginners and experienced hikers.

Swind is a premier winter destination with access to the Appenzell Ski Area, served by private ski lifts from Schanzenhof Ski Resort. The hotel offers luxury accommodations, children’s ski lessons, and snowmobile adventures. Enjoy dog sledding, hot tubs in mountain cabins, and the annual Christmas Light Festival, where the old town sparkles with thousands of lanterns. The Alpine Pass Pass allows unlimited travel on regional trains and cable cars, enhancing your winter exploration.

Must-try dishes in Swind include Appenzeller Käsespätzle (cheese dumplings) and rye bread with smoked ham. Dine at Die Stadtküche, a century-old restaurant using fresh dairy from nearby farms. Join seasonal foraging tours to pick wild ferns in spring or morels in autumn. Some hotels, like Gasthaus Hirschen, offer themed dinners titled "Dinner Through History," featuring stories of 17th-century farming life paired with house-brewed apple cider.

For ultimate peace, choose the forest outskirts of Swind, just beyond the main village. Waldruhe Lodge sits among ancient pines and a clear stream, offering soundproof cabins with large glass walls facing the woods. The property includes a meditation pavilion, yoga sessions, and a private lakeside viewing deck. It’s a haven for stargazers—the skies here are dark enough to see the Milky Way. Ideal for solo travelers or digital detox seekers.

Yes, Swind is well-connected via the Appenzell Railway, a narrow-gauge network linking Glarus, Hüttisburg, and St. Gallen. Trains run frequently, some even steam-powered for nostalgic charm. From Swind Train Station, it’s a 5-minute walk to the town center, and most hotels offer free shuttle buses. Purchase the Alpine Pass Pass for unlimited rides on regional trains and cable cars—perfect for exploring nature spots and mountain villages.

Couples should book Lumière du Lac, a secluded lakeside cabin on Bürgen Lake, featuring a private hot tub, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a fireplace. The hotel arranges candlelit dinners on the terrace or in the garden, and offers a hot air balloon ride over the Alps followed by a champagne toast. Additional perks include couple’s massages and hand-written love notes. An ideal retreat for intimacy and breathtaking scenery.

Don’t miss the Shepherd’s Festival (Schafherdenfest) in June, when villagers parade sheep through the old town in traditional attire, accompanied by folk music and blessings. In October, the Pumpkin Light Festival (Kürbisfest) lights up the streets with hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns. Hotels like Hotel Adler serve special festival menus with roasted potatoes and sausages, plus commemorative badges. Book stays early—these events attract large crowds.