News & Specials–Winter in the Appenzell Region

Dear Guests,

The season when tourists do not flock to the Appenzell region should be promoted through targeted measures. When hiking trails are inaccessible, the sun’s rays don’t reach Lake Seealpsee, and tourist highlights like the Äscher Mountain Inn are in hibernation, it is the lesser-known attractions that turn a trip to the Appenzell region into an experience.

“For several years now, as a representative of the hotel industry, I have been advocating for the interests of the Appenzell Innerrhoden Tourism Board. Promoting the winter months has been on our to-do list for quite some time.”

Under the title “Enhancing Attractiveness,” the tourism association, the district of Schwende, and the Hotel Hof Weissbad, as key providers, launched the Lantern Trail in 2011. It’s a project that wouldn’t work without the help of volunteers. Every late summer, I begin planning for the new season. By the first Sunday of Advent, the new team must be organized and tasks assigned. There are the lantern fillers and the helpers who light the lanterns. Every winter brings new changes. For the ninth season, we’ve decided to extinguish the lanterns again late in the evening. In past years, kerosene was filled for four hours. Today, the tank is full and lasts for a good two evenings. My tip: On Sunday evening, a Storyteller Guiding guests and locals along the way—pure mysticism!

Get-togethers with the locals

I’d like to recommend three places in the immediate vicinity of the hotel if you’re looking to enjoy winter sports, see the joy in your children’s eyes, and experience the breathtaking natural beauty. And of course, these spots are also perfect for chatting with locals about everything under the sun.

Children and adults alike take laps on the natural ice rink at Glandenstein. In the evening, the rink is illuminated—an ideal stroll after dinner. (5 minutes)

Schwende is a 20-minute walk away. At the Kinderland near the Horn ski lift, the little ones learn their first turns on skis, while the older kids race down the steep FIS slope. The “Höttli” is the perfect place to warm up. Here, you’ll be served by former Hof Weissbad staff!

A short panoramic trail and a snowshoe route lead from the Ebenalp cable car’s mountain station past the mountain inn to the summit of the Ebenalp. Snowshoes are available. Don’t forget your sunglasses!

Vacations in the Appenzell region begin right at home. This is made possible by the free travel by public transportation—a gift from Appenzell Tourism to all guests who stay three nights or more at a hotel in Appenzell Innerrhoden. The return trip and door-to-door luggage transport are, of course, also included. I tip my hat to our tourism director, Guido Buob, who, with great perseverance, has consistently implemented his vision and, with this campaign, has brought a long-term project to fruition.”

Come visit us this winter—we look forward to seeing you, and you’re sure to be delighted!

Yours, Roberto Wittwer