Appenzell, Switzerland

Gais in Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Switzerland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gais_AR_Dorfplatz_Panorama_1.jpg
Author: böhringer friedrich


Appenzell is a region in region in northeastern Switzerland. It comprises two half-cantons, Appenzell Ausserrhoden (Outer Rhoden) to the west and Appenzell Innerrhoden (Inner Rhoden) to the east.

Heiden in Appenzell Ausserrhoden, with view of the town hall, museum and post office
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heiden-Kirchplatz.jpg
Author: Roland Zumbuehl


Established in the 10th century, Appenzell was originally owned by the Abbey of St Gallen until 1403, when the people of Appenzell rebelled against the abbot of St Gallen. They joined the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1411 and the modern Swiss Confederation in 1513.

In 1522, the Protestant Reformation ignited by the teachings of Martin Luther and Huldrych Zwingli split Appenzell into two halves. Outer Rhoden converted to the Reformation in 1529 (except for Herisau, which was convinced to remain Catholic). Inner Rhoden remained Catholic, except for Gais.

The people of Appenzell town itself remained Catholic. In the initial stage, there was animosity between the two sides, with attempts to turn one to the other. Eventually peace was achieved between the two denominations.

St Mauritius Church, Appenzell
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St._Mauritius_Appenzell.jpg
Author: Rensi


Today Appenzell Ausserrhoden is largely Protestant and industrialized. Appenzell Innerrhoden, on the other hand, remains Catholic and rural. It however has developed itself as a rustic tourist destination, where visitors get to observe farm life. Appenzell Innerrhozen is particularly renowned for its cheeses.

Appenzell continues to practice the antiquated institution of Landsgemeinden, where every male and female citizen must attend democratic assemblies. Citizens of Inner Rhoden have their assembly in Appenzell town while those of Outer Rhoden do it in Hundwil on odd years and in Trogen in even years. These assemblies are always held on the last Sunday of April, though Outer Rhoden eventually abolished their Landsgemeinden in 1997.

Lake Fälensee in Appenzell Innerrhoden
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Faelensee.jpg
Author: Markus Bernet

Towns and villages in Appenzell

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