APPENZELL INNERRHODEN
Appenzell which became a full member of the Swiss Confederation in 1513, was divided into half-cantons in 1597 as a result of the Protestant Reformation. Appenzell Ausserrhoden & Appenzell Innerrhoden which is predominantly Catholic and quite conservative. Although the smallest of the Swiss Cantons, it doesn’t lack in history and interesting customs. You might have heard the nickname “Dibidäbi” given to Appenzellers. If you understand Swiss German, you’ll enjoy this interview. Just click here.
One of the marvelous traditional institutions in Appenzell Innerrhoden takes place on the last Sunday in April when all eligible citizens must appear personally in the open air on the main square of Appenzell to elect their representatives & pass resolutions concerning important cantonal matters. This is done by a show of hands and anyone can participate in the discussions. The Landesgemeinde is an original form of Swiss direct democracy still in use today and a unique event of its kind in the world.
In winter, the residents of Appenzell Innerrhoden celebrate a tradition older than the Christmas tree. Called “Chlausebickli Züüg”, it features a tall five or six sided pyramid, decorated with loads of gingerbread goodies, and topped with a small Christmas tree. By the way, in Appenzell as in most of Switzerland, St Nicolaus (“Chlaus” in Appenzell) comes around on the 6th of December to check on kids to find out if they were good or bad and he rewards them accordingly.
The best way to get to know Appenzell is to put on hiking boots or jump on a bicycle and enjoy the beautiful picture perfect landscape. Be sure to visit the prehistoric Wildkirchi caves and you’ll certainly want to take the aerial cable car to the Säntis from which you’ll have the view of six countries all at the same time. For a nice overview and introduction to Appenzell, we invite you to view Paul Zeller’s video.
Enjoy the interview & video by clicking on the highlighted links above.
Appenzell which became a full member of the Swiss Confederation in 1513, was divided into half-cantons in 1597 as a result of the Protestant Reformation. Appenzell Ausserrhoden & Appenzell Innerrhoden which is predominantly Catholic and quite conservative. Although the smallest of the Swiss Cantons, it doesn’t lack in history and interesting customs. You might have heard the nickname “Dibidäbi” given to Appenzellers. If you understand Swiss German, you’ll enjoy this interview. Just click here.
One of the marvelous traditional institutions in Appenzell Innerrhoden takes place on the last Sunday in April when all eligible citizens must appear personally in the open air on the main square of Appenzell to elect their representatives & pass resolutions concerning important cantonal matters. This is done by a show of hands and anyone can participate in the discussions. The Landesgemeinde is an original form of Swiss direct democracy still in use today and a unique event of its kind in the world.
In winter, the residents of Appenzell Innerrhoden celebrate a tradition older than the Christmas tree. Called “Chlausebickli Züüg”, it features a tall five or six sided pyramid, decorated with loads of gingerbread goodies, and topped with a small Christmas tree. By the way, in Appenzell as in most of Switzerland, St Nicolaus (“Chlaus” in Appenzell) comes around on the 6th of December to check on kids to find out if they were good or bad and he rewards them accordingly.
The best way to get to know Appenzell is to put on hiking boots or jump on a bicycle and enjoy the beautiful picture perfect landscape. Be sure to visit the prehistoric Wildkirchi caves and you’ll certainly want to take the aerial cable car to the Säntis from which you’ll have the view of six countries all at the same time. For a nice overview and introduction to Appenzell, we invite you to view Paul Zeller’s video.
Enjoy the interview & video by clicking on the highlighted links above.