Eastern Switzerland & Zürich Region: Switzerland’s Urban Heart

Eastern Switzerland presents a different face of the country – where Switzerland’s largest city pulses with financial energy and cultural sophistication, where Rhine Falls thunders with Europe’s most powerful waterfall, where the UNESCO library of St. Gallen preserves medieval manuscripts, where Appenzell’s countryside maintains Switzerland’s most authentic rural traditions, and where the Rhine River marks the border with Germany through medieval towns that seem frozen in time. This is Switzerland where urban cosmopolitanism meets agricultural heritage, where beer culture rivals wine regions, and where business efficiency coexists with folk traditions.

Unlike the dramatic Alpine peaks that dominate Switzerland’s tourism image, Eastern Switzerland offers a more nuanced experience – medieval town centers, rolling pre-Alpine hills, cultural institutions, business dynamism, and glimpses of traditional Swiss life that persist alongside modernity. The region serves as Switzerland’s primary entry point through Zürich Airport while offering genuine Swiss experiences that range from urban sophistication to rural authenticity.

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate Eastern Switzerland’s diverse offerings, from Zürich’s museums and nightlife to St. Gallen’s monastery heritage, from the Rhine’s medieval towns to Appenzell’s traditional cheese-making valleys, providing honest insights into what makes this often-overlooked region worth exploring beyond its role as a transportation hub.

Understanding Eastern Switzerland: Geography and Character

The Regional Identity

Eastern Switzerland lacks the singular identity of Alpine regions or lake districts. Instead, it combines Switzerland’s economic powerhouse (Zürich) with rural agricultural traditions (Appenzell, Thurgau), significant cultural heritage (St. Gallen), and strategic border location along the Rhine. This diversity means the region requires understanding different sub-areas rather than treating it as a unified destination.

The region’s character splits between urban and rural extremes. Zürich represents Switzerland’s most international, dynamic, and expensive city – banking capital, cultural hub, nightlife center, and fashion destination. Meanwhile, Appenzell maintains Switzerland’s most conservative rural traditions, where farmers still wear traditional dress, where folk customs remain part of daily life, and where agricultural rhythms shape community patterns.

Between these extremes lie medieval Rhine towns (Stein am Rhein, Schaffhausen), the monastic heritage of St. Gallen, the lake landscapes of Bodensee (Lake Constance), and the rolling agricultural countryside that produces Switzerland’s dairy products and apples.

Geographic Scope and Organization

Cantons: Zürich, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Schaffhausen, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Glarus Area: Approximately 5,700 square kilometers Population: About 2.3 million (nearly 30% of Swiss population, concentrated in Zürich) Primary Language: Swiss German (various dialects, Zürich German most dominant) Elevation Range: Rhine River at 380m to Tödi peak at 3,614m (Glarus Alps)

Key Geographic Features:

Lake Zürich: 88 square kilometers, focal point for Zürich region
Rhine River: Forms northern border, includes Rhine Falls
Bodensee (Lake Constance): Shared with Germany and Austria, northeastern boundary
Pre-Alpine hills: Rolling landscape between plateau and high Alps
Glarus Alps: High mountain region in southern portion

Sub-Regions:

Zürich Metropolitan Area: Urban center and lake surroundings
Rhine Region: Border area including Schaffhausen and medieval towns
St. Gallen Region: Eastern canton with monastery heritage
Appenzell: Traditional rural cantons (Inner and Outer Rhodes)
Thurgau: “Apple canton” along Bodensee
Glarus: Alpine valley canton in south

Zürich Switzerland’s Largest City and Economic Capital

Zürich Overview

Zürich defies easy categorization – it’s simultaneously Switzerland’s banking capital and its most dynamic cultural scene, its most expensive city and its most diverse, its largest urban center yet remarkably livable with mountains and lake providing natural beauty at the city’s edges. Understanding Zürich means appreciating how it balances multiple identities without fully committing to any single character.

Population: About 420,000 (city proper), 1.5 million (metropolitan area) Character: International, business-oriented, culturally sophisticated, expensive, diverse Role: Financial capital, cultural hub, transportation center, Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan city

Reality Check: Zürich feels more like a European business capital than a typical Swiss city – more international than Basel, more dynamic than Geneva, more expensive than anywhere else in Switzerland. It’s quintessentially Swiss in quality and efficiency but un-Swiss in its scale and diversity.

Essential Zürich Attractions

Old Town (Altstadt) Medieval core spanning both sides of Limmat River, featuring guild houses, churches, narrow lanes, and urban elegance.

Grossmünster: Romanesque church with distinctive twin towers, Protestant Reformation significance, tower climb for city views Fraumünster: Church famous for Marc Chagall stained glass windows (worth visiting for windows alone) Bahnhofstrasse: One of world’s most expensive shopping streets, connecting station to lake Lindenhof: Historic hill offering old town views, peaceful retreat from urban energy

Assessment: Old town successfully balances tourist attractions with living city functions, genuine historical significance with contemporary use, remains walkable and atmospheric despite urban development.

Lake Zürich and Waterfront

Lake provides recreational focus and natural beauty anchoring the city’s southern boundary.

Zürichsee Promenade: Waterfront walking paths, swimming access, boat departures Public Swimming Areas: Multiple Badi (public baths) along lake, summer social hubs Boat Cruises: Various routes exploring lake, connecting lakeside communities Lakeside Towns: Rapperswil, Küsnacht, other communities accessible by boat or train

Local Culture: Zürich residents use the lake extensively for swimming, boating, picnicking, and socializing – understanding this recreation culture provides insight into local life beyond business facade.

Zürich Museums and Culture

Zürich houses Switzerland’s most comprehensive museum offerings across multiple disciplines.

Kunsthaus Zürich (Art Museum) Outstanding art collection from medieval to contemporary, emphasis on Swiss artists and international masters.

Strengths: Excellent Giacometti collection, strong Swiss art holdings, quality temporary exhibitions Scale: Major museum requiring 2-3 hours minimum for highlights Assessment: World-class collection in accessible setting, essential for art enthusiasts

Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) Comprehensive Swiss cultural history, housed in castle-like building near station.

Coverage: Swiss history from prehistory to present, cultural artifacts, temporary exhibitions Value: Best single-location overview of Swiss history and culture Best For: Understanding Swiss development, rainy days, families

Museum Rietberg Non-European art museum in historic villa with park setting.

Collection: Asian, African, American, Oceanic art Setting: Beautiful park location, combines art with gardens Character: Less crowded than major museums, peaceful cultural experience

FIFA Museum International football (soccer) museum showcasing sport’s global history.

Appeal: Football enthusiasts, interactive exhibits, international sport culture Reality: Specialized interest, expensive admission, well-executed for target audience

Zürich Neighborhoods and Districts

Niederdorf Old town district on east bank, nightlife and dining hub.

Character: Medieval streets, bars, restaurants, tourist-oriented but authentic buildings Best For: Evening dining and drinks, exploring old town lanes, people-watching

Zürich West Former industrial area transformed into trendy district.

Character: Converted warehouses, galleries, clubs, restaurants, young professional crowd Why Visit: Contemporary Zürich culture, nightlife, seeing urban transformation Highlight: Viadukt (converted railway arches), Freitag Tower (viewing platform made from shipping containers)

Seefeld Upscale residential area along eastern lake shore.

Character: Elegant, quiet, expensive, lakefront access Best For: Peaceful walks, upscale dining, seeing residential Zürich

Kreis 4/5 (Districts 4 & 5) Multicultural areas with diverse dining and authentic local life.

Character: Immigrant communities, ethnic restaurants, more affordable, genuine urban diversity Value: Best ethnic dining, real Zürich life beyond tourist areas, budget-friendly options

Zürich Nightlife and Entertainment

Zürich offers Switzerland’s most comprehensive nightlife, from upscale clubs to alternative venues.

Nightlife Districts:

Niederdorf: Bars and clubs in old town setting
Zürich West: Trendy clubs and lounges
Langstrasse: Alternative scene, more edgy
Bellevue: Upscale bars and clubs

Cultural Events: Opera house, concert halls, theaters, extensive programming year-round Summer Festivals: Street festivals, lakefront events, open-air venues

Reality: Expensive compared to most European cities, but offers variety unmatched elsewhere in Switzerland, clubs often have dress codes and admission fees.

Rhine Region: Waterfalls and Medieval Towns

Rhine Falls (Rheinfall)

Europe’s most powerful waterfall provides Eastern Switzerland’s signature natural attraction.

Specifications: 150 meters wide, 23 meters high, 600,000 liters per second (average flow) Location: Near Schaffhausen, accessible from both north and south banks Access: Multiple viewing platforms, boat rides to rock in middle of falls

Honest Assessment: Impressive: Genuine power and scale, significant water volume creates dramatic experience Not Dramatic Height: Unlike Alpine waterfalls, Rhine Falls impresses through volume and width rather than vertical drop Tourist Infrastructure: Well-developed viewing platforms and facilities, can feel commercialized Worth It: Yes, especially if visiting Schaffhausen area, combination justifies visit

Best Experience:

Walk both banks for different perspectives
Boat ride to central rock (wet but thrilling)
Visit in late spring/early summer for maximum water volume
Evening visits less crowded

Time Investment: 1-2 hours for comprehensive visit, half-day including Schaffhausen

Schaffhausen

Medieval town with intact old center, serving as base for Rhine Falls visits.

Population: About 36,000 Character: Historic, well-preserved, mixture of tourist destination and working town Key Features: Painted buildings (oriel windows and murals), Munot fortress, Rhine location

Why Visit:

Base for Rhine Falls
Beautiful old town architecture
Munot fortress and city views
Less touristy than famous Alpine destinations
Authentic medium-sized Swiss town experience

Practical: Easy day trip from Zürich (1 hour), combines well with Rhine Falls and Stein am Rhein.

Stein am Rhein

Picture-perfect medieval town on Rhine, famous for painted buildings and preserved character.

Population: About 3,300 Character: Small, exceptionally well-preserved, postcard-perfect, heavily photographed Signature: Painted facades on Rathausplatz (town hall square), considered one of Switzerland’s most beautiful town squares

Assessment: Pros: Genuinely beautiful, well-preserved medieval architecture, photogenic, manageable size Cons: Very touristy, can feel like museum town, crowded on summer weekends, limited beyond visual appeal Worth It: Yes for architecture enthusiasts and photographers, best visited as part of Rhine region day trip

Best Experience: Weekday mornings before tour buses arrive, combine with Schaffhausen and Rhine Falls for full-day Rhine tour.

Rhine River Towns

Several smaller towns along Rhine offer authentic experiences with less tourist infrastructure.

Diessenhofen: Medieval covered bridge, quiet town, authentic character Eglisau: Riverside setting, old town charm, less visited Kaiserstuhl: Tiny Rhine town, distinctive tower, genuine small-town atmosphere

Value: These towns offer Rhine scenery and medieval architecture without Stein am Rhein’s crowds and prices.

St. Gallen: Monastery Heritage and Textile Tradition

St. Gallen Overview

St. Gallen combines UNESCO World Heritage monastery with textile industry heritage and university energy, creating Switzerland’s most significant eastern urban center outside Zürich.

Population: About 76,000 (city), 180,000 (canton capital region) Character: Cultural heritage, textile history, university town, more understated than Zürich Significance: Abbey District UNESCO World Heritage Site, historical eastern Switzerland capital

Abbey of St. Gallen and Library

The Abbey District represents Switzerland’s most significant monastic complex and houses one of world’s most important medieval libraries.

Abbey Library (Stiftsbibliothek) Baroque library hall containing 170,000 documents including manuscripts from 8th century.

Significance: One of world’s oldest and most important monastic libraries, UNESCO World Heritage Site Visual Impact: Stunning Baroque interior, perfectly preserved, books and manuscripts displayed Requirements: Oversized slippers worn over shoes to protect historic floor (creates memorable photo opportunity) Admission: Moderate fee, photography restricted

Cathedral (Kathedrale) Twin-towered Baroque cathedral adjoining library, impressive interior.

Scale: Large cathedral with elaborate Baroque decoration Free Entry: Unlike library, cathedral visit included without admission

Assessment: The library justifies visit to St. Gallen – rare opportunity to see working medieval/Baroque library with original setting intact, cultural significance genuine, visual impact memorable.

Time Investment: 1-2 hours for library and cathedral, half-day including old town exploration.

St. Gallen Old Town

Well-preserved medieval center with distinctive oriel windows (enclosed bay windows).

Oriel Windows: Elaborate covered bay windows unique to St. Gallen, artistic heritage from textile wealth Old Town Character: Pedestrianized center, shops, cafés, residential areas, working city rather than museum piece Textile Heritage: Museums and architecture reflect historical textile industry importance

Local Favorite: Wandering old town discovering different oriel windows provides pleasant activity beyond main sights.

Practical St. Gallen

Access: 1 hour from Zürich by train, manageable day trip or overnight base Cost: Less expensive than Zürich while maintaining Swiss quality University Energy: Student population creates younger atmosphere and affordable dining options Tourism Level: Significantly lower than major destinations, genuine working city feel

Appenzell: Preserving Traditional Switzerland

Appenzell Region Overview

Appenzell (divided into two half-cantons: Innerrhoden and Ausserrhoden) represents Switzerland’s most conservative and traditional region, where folk culture remains living practice rather than tourist performance.

Population: About 16,000 (Innerrhoden), 55,000 (Ausserrhoden) Character: Rural, agricultural, traditional, culturally conservative, strongly Catholic (Innerrhoden) Landscape: Rolling pre-Alpine hills, scattered farms, traditional architecture Significance: Strongest preservation of Swiss folk traditions, cheese-making heritage

Cultural Note: Appenzell Innerrhoden was last Swiss canton to grant women voting rights (1990), reflecting extreme traditionalism that also preserves cultural practices lost elsewhere.

Appenzell Town

Capital of Innerrhoden canton, showcasing traditional architecture and culture.

Population: About 5,700 Character: Small town, traditional painted buildings, tourist infrastructure, genuine local life Distinctive: Buildings painted with folk art motifs, pedestrian-friendly center, mountain backdrop

Why Visit:

Traditional Swiss architecture in concentrated setting
Cheese and local product shopping
Base for Appenzell region exploration
Experiencing most traditional Swiss culture
Hiking access to surrounding hills

Reality Check: Small town seen in 1-2 hours, value comes from cultural experience and surrounding region rather than major attractions.

Appenzell Traditions and Culture

Folk Art: Distinctive painting style on buildings, furniture, and crafts Traditional Costume: Still worn for festivals and by some farmers Landsgemeinde: Open-air direct democracy (voting by show of hands) in Innerrhoden Alphorn and Yodeling: Living musical traditions, concerts and festivals Cheese-Making: Traditional Appenzeller cheese production

Experiencing Traditions:

Visit during festivals for authentic cultural performances
Cheese dairies offer tours and tastings
Folk art museums showcase traditional crafts
Local restaurants serve traditional cuisine with folk music

Hiking and Nature in Appenzell

Rolling pre-Alpine landscape provides excellent hiking without extreme altitudes.

Characteristic: Gentle to moderate trails through farmland and forest, scattered traditional farms, mountain views Accessibility: Extensive trail network, well-marked, suitable for various fitness levels Season: April-October for best conditions, longer season than high Alps

Popular Routes:

Hoher Kasten: Cable car access, panoramic views to six countries
Ebenalp-Seealpsee: Classic Appenzell hike with cliff monastery and mountain lake
Farm-to-farm routes: Traditional agricultural landscapes

Appenzeller Cheese

Regional specialty cheese, distinctive flavor, traditional production methods.

Characteristics: Firm cheese with herbal notes, secret spice mixture, washing creates distinctive flavor Production: Traditional dairies throughout region, some offer tours Tasting: Available in shops, restaurants, cheese dairies Cultural Importance: Central to regional identity and economy

Best Experience: Visit working cheese dairy, taste different ages and styles, understand traditional production methods.

Bodensee (Lake Constance) and Thurgau

Lake Constance Region

Switzerland’s northeastern corner along Bodensee (shared with Germany and Austria) offers gentle lake landscapes and fruit-growing traditions.

Swiss Portion: Southern shore of lake, Thurgau canton Character: Mild climate, fruit orchards (apples especially), wine production, lakeside towns Tourism Level: Lower than major Swiss destinations, more domestic Swiss tourism

Key Towns:

Romanshorn: Largest Swiss Lake Constance town, ferry connections
Arbon: Historic town, lakefront promenade, old town charm
Kreuzlingen: Border town adjacent to German Konstanz

Thurgau: Apple Canton

Canton nicknamed “Mostindien” (Cider India) for apple production and cider making.

Agriculture: Extensive apple orchards, dairy farming, mixed agriculture Products: Apple cider (Most), fruit, regional specialties Character: Rural, agricultural, genuine Swiss countryside, limited tourism infrastructure

Why Visit:

Authentic rural Switzerland without Alpine drama
Cycling routes through orchards and farmland
Traditional agriculture and food production
Significantly cheaper than tourist regions
Genuine local life

Best Season: Spring (blossoms) and fall (harvest), summer for cycling.

Glarus: Alpine Valley Canton

Glarus Overview

Often overlooked alpine canton in region’s southern portion, preserving traditional mountain life.

Population: About 41,000 Character: Long alpine valley, textile heritage, conservative mountain culture Geography: Enclosed valley with high peaks, dramatic Tödi massif (3,614m)

Why Visit:

Less touristy alpine experience
Geological significance (Glarus thrust UNESCO site)
Traditional mountain architecture
Hiking and mountain access
Authentic Swiss alpine valley life

Access: Train from Zürich (1.5 hours), car provides more flexibility

Klausenpass

Scenic mountain pass connecting Glarus with Uri/Central Switzerland.

Elevation: 1,948 meters Season: June-October (weather dependent) Character: Narrow, winding, dramatic scenery, traditional alpine pass experience Value: One of Switzerland’s lesser-known scenic drives, significantly less traffic than famous passes

Regional Cuisine and Dining

Eastern Switzerland Specialties

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: Zürich-style sliced veal in cream sauce, typically served with rösti St. Galler Bratwurst: Distinctive white sausage (veal), regional pride Appenzeller Cheese: Regional cheese in various ages and styles Biber: Spiced almond-honey filled cookies (St. Gallen specialty) Most (Cider): Apple cider from Thurgau

Beer Culture

Eastern Switzerland emphasizes beer over wine, contrasting with western regions.

Breweries: Numerous local breweries throughout region Beer Gardens: Traditional beer garden culture, especially in rural areas Varieties: Local specialties beyond standard Swiss beers

Recommended:

Felsenau Brewery (near Bern): Tours and tastings
Various local breweries in Appenzell and rural areas
Beer gardens in summer months

Zürich Dining Scene

Switzerland’s most diverse dining, from traditional Swiss to international cuisines.

Budget Options:

Sternen Grill: Famous sausage stand near Bellevue
Various ethnic restaurants in Districts 4 & 5
Department store restaurants: Manor, Globus food courts

Mid-Range:

Zeughauskeller: Traditional Swiss in historic armory building
Kronenhalle: Historic restaurant, art-covered walls, classic cuisine
Zunfthaus zur Waag: Guild house restaurant, traditional setting

High-End:

Multiple Michelin-starred options
Contemporary fine dining throughout city
Innovative international cuisines

Reality: Zürich dining very expensive even by Swiss standards, but offers quality and variety unavailable elsewhere in Switzerland.

Accommodation Strategies

Zürich Accommodation

City Center: Most expensive, convenient for sightseeing, nightlife access Districts 4 & 5: Better value, authentic neighborhoods, good public transport Airport Area: Practical for early flights, less atmospheric Lake Towns: Commuter towns offer better value with easy train access

Cost Reality: Zürich is Switzerland’s most expensive accommodation city, expect to pay premium or stay outside city center.

Regional Towns

St. Gallen: Moderate pricing, good facilities, university town atmosphere Schaffhausen: Reasonable pricing, historic setting, good Rhine region base Appenzell: Traditional guesthouses, moderate pricing, authentic experience Lake Constance: Various options, generally more affordable, resort atmosphere

Value Strategy: Stay in regional towns, day trip to Zürich, significant cost savings while maintaining quality.

Transportation in Eastern Switzerland

Rail Network

Zürich as Hub: All Swiss rail routes connect through Zürich, comprehensive connections S-Bahn System: Extensive commuter rail network around Zürich Regional Railways: Good connections throughout Eastern Switzerland International: Direct trains to Germany (Munich, Stuttgart), Austria (Innsbruck)

Zürich Airport

Switzerland’s Largest Airport: Primary international entry point Rail Connection: Direct underground station, trains to all Swiss cities Efficiency: Excellent connections, short transit times to city center (10-15 minutes)

Public Transport in Zürich

Trams and Buses: Comprehensive network throughout city and region Lake Boats: Regular service on Lake Zürich Ticketing: Zone system, day passes often economical for tourists Zürich Card: Tourist card including transport and museum admissions

Practical Information and Planning

Best Times to Visit

Summer (June-August)

Pros: Best weather, all activities available, lake swimming, outdoor dining
Cons: Peak tourist season in Zürich, higher prices
Best For: Comprehensive regional exploration, outdoor activities

Spring (April-May)

Pros: Pleasant weather, fruit tree blossoms (Thurgau), fewer tourists
Cons: Variable weather, some mountain areas still closed
Best For: Cultural attractions, avoiding crowds, nature watching

Fall (September-October)

Pros: Comfortable temperatures, harvest season, autumn colors, cultural season begins
Cons: Increasing rain, shorter days
Best For: Museums, wine/cider harvest, pleasant hiking weather

Winter (November-March)

Pros: Christmas markets (Zürich), indoor cultural activities, winter sports (Glarus)
Cons: Cold weather, limited outdoor activities, shorter days
Best For: Urban cultural experiences, Christmas atmosphere, winter sports

Budget Considerations

Cost Levels:

Zürich: Extremely expensive (most expensive Swiss city)
St. Gallen: Moderate by Swiss standards
Appenzell/Thurgau/Glarus: More affordable rural areas
Rhine Region: Moderate pricing

Money-Saving Strategies:

Stay outside Zürich, day trip to city
Use public transport (excellent connections)
Department store and ethnic restaurant dining
Free attractions (Rhine walks, lake access, hiking)
Regional towns offer better accommodation value

Language Considerations

Swiss German Dialects: Various local dialects, Zürich German most widespread English: Well-spoken in Zürich and tourist areas, less in rural regions Zürich International: More multilingual than any other Swiss city

Sample Itineraries

Three Days: Zürich and Highlights

Day 1: Zürich comprehensive (old town, museums, lake, neighborhoods) Day 2: Rhine Falls and Schaffhausen day trip Day 3: St. Gallen and Abbey Library

Five Days: Regional Exploration

Day 1-2: Zürich comprehensive Day 3: Rhine region (Falls, Schaffhausen, Stein am Rhein) Day 4: St. Gallen and eastern Switzerland Day 5: Appenzell region or Lake Constance

Week-Long Comprehensive

Days 1-2: Zürich in-depth exploration Day 3: Rhine region tour Day 4: St. Gallen and Abbey Day 5: Appenzell region with hiking Day 6: Lake Constance and Thurgau Day 7: Glarus or flexible day revisiting favorites

Day Trips from Zürich

Lucerne: 1 hour, Central Switzerland access Bern: 1 hour, capital city Basel: 1 hour, cultural capital Liechtenstein: 1.5 hours, tiny principality Rhine Region: Various destinations 1-1.5 hours German Black Forest: Cross-border excursions possible

Connecting to Broader Swiss Travel

As Entry Point

Zürich Airport serves as Switzerland’s primary international gateway, making Eastern Switzerland the natural first (or last) region for many visitors.

Strategic Use:

First night in Zürich or nearby before heading elsewhere
Last night near airport before departure
Day trip to Zürich from other regions
Hub for exploring multiple Swiss regions

Multi-Region Combinations

Classic Swiss Tour: Zürich + Central Switzerland + Bernese Oberland + Lake Geneva Cultural Focus: Zürich + Basel + Bern + St. Gallen Comprehensive: Use Zürich as hub for day trips to multiple regions

Key Takeaways

Eastern Switzerland and the Zürich region offer a different Swiss experience from the Alpine drama that dominates tourism imagery. This is Switzerland where urban sophistication meets rural traditions, where business efficiency coexists with folk culture, where medieval heritage survives alongside modern development. Success here means appreciating these contrasts rather than seeking singular Alpine experiences.

Zürich deserves more than airport transit or business visits – the city offers cultural depth, dining variety, and urban energy unmatched elsewhere in Switzerland. But Zürich’s high costs and international character mean it feels less distinctly Swiss than smaller cities and rural areas. Balance urban exploration with regional discoveries in Appenzell’s traditional villages, St. Gallen’s monastery heritage, or the Rhine’s medieval towns.

Budget carefully for Zürich while recognizing that Eastern Switzerland’s rural areas offer significantly better value. Stay outside Zürich and day trip to the city, explore Appenzell and Thurgau for authentic experiences at lower prices, and appreciate that this region provides genuine Swiss experiences without the tourist crowds and costs of Alpine regions.

Most importantly, understand that Eastern Switzerland rewards visitors who look beyond Switzerland’s postcard Alpine image to discover the country’s diversity. Here you’ll find authentic Swiss rural life in Appenzell, medieval heritage along the Rhine, cultural treasures in St. Gallen, and urban sophistication in Zürich – together representing the complexity and variety that make Switzerland more than just mountains and chocolate.