There is a truly curious trek in Switzerland, it is therea via del Whisky, in the Appenzell area, in the smallest Swiss canton. You walk among distillation cellars whisky svizzeror (yes, it exists and it’s good too), surrounded by the Alpstein mountains, among small idyllic villages. A truly original Swiss whiskey itinerary, following walking paths and stopping at the various recommended stages. Between one Swiss single malt and another (there are 26), here’s what the whiskeytrek in Appenzell is and how to do it.
Trekking in Switzerland, the Whiskey Route in Appenzell
Since May 2015, it has existed in the Appenzell Alps, on the Alpstein massif the highest Whiskeytrek route in the world. Inaugurated by the Locher AG brewery, famous for its Säntis Malt Whisky, and the Alpstein restaurateurs’ association, it offers a truly unique experience for enjoying whisky. Lovers of stronger and more decisive “flavours” will therefore be able to deal with a unique trekking. Actually two.
The whiskey trek develops through 2 itineraries: the first includes 9 stages and 9 whiskeys, of own production, chosen in one of the Gasthaus; the second is the complete itinerary, with all 27 Gasthauses in the region and as many whiskies.
Whiskeytrek, what to drink
The idea for a Whiskeytrek came to the restaurateur Sepp Manser of the Meglisalp mountain inn, when since 2012 he has thought of offering Säntis Malt with his own bottling. An idea that quickly became reality, given that in the meantime all 26 inns that are part of the Alpstein restaurateurs’ association have started to do the same. Each has its own cask of whiskey ready to be tasted on site.
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How is Swiss whiskey
Each whiskey barrel contains the same base spirit, Säntis Malt from the Locher AG brewery. The peculiarity is that each of these barrels is unique and distinguishes itself from the others on the one hand by the type of wood and on the other by what it contained before being filled with whisky. The barrels are from American, Portuguese, French or Russian oak and previously contained fortified wine, Merlot, Pinot noir, Sauvignon, Gamay, Zweigelt, port, sherry, rum, bourbon, plum brandy or beer. This variety translates into 26 Whiskeytrek specialties of Appenzell.
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How to taste Swiss whisky
Visiting the barrels is already an experience in itself, not to mention the tasting. The whiskey versions are distinguished not only by taste, but also by color. The range goes from amber to white gold, up to red gold and dark copper.
To preserve the exclusivity of these unique whiskies, it is possible to taste them only by the glass in the respective tavern or buy them in small (1dl) or large (5dl) bottles, personally signed by the innkeeper, as cask keeper, to certify its uniqueness.
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Appenzell, what to see
Appenzell, with its approximately 7000 inhabitants, is the political, economic and cultural centre of Appenzell Innerrhoden, the smallest Swiss canton. The center has delightful alleys, the houses are perfectly decorated, cars don’t circulate, you walk among the numerous small shops.
There is the Appenzell Museumlocated within the town hall, which offers an insight into the history and culture of the region.
The hilly landscape of Mittelland it alternates harmoniously with the mountain environment dominated by the Alpstein cliffs. In short, even Switzerland.
Appenzell, the mountains
The rock formations appear as if from nowhere, developing up to over 2500 meters in height.
The cable car starts from Wasserauen and leads to the Ebenalp (1644 m) – access to the Alpstein hiking area – and in about 15 minutes on foot you first cross a landscape and two caves, before reaching the Wildkirchli, dramatically perched on the rock.
Even more spectacular is the location of the Aescher inn, so much so that it has been immortalized thousands of times on postcards. The Ebenalp is also the paragliding paradise and starting point for the hike to the Säntis summit. The cable car ride to Säntis from Schwägalp is certainly less tiring.
Appenzell, walking routes
Appenzell boasts a particularly dense network of hiking routes, including unusual itineraries such as the Barfussweg in Gonten walkable barefoot, a path to discover nature or a tour of the chapels. Other excursion areas in the surroundings of Appenzell are the Kronberg (1663m), reachable by cable car from Jakobsbad, and the Hohe Kasten (1795m), from whose summit you can admire the Rhine Valley.
Appenzell in winter
The winter landscape of Appenzell is not for those looking for confusion, noise and crowded ski slopes. The hilly pre-Alpine landscape and the majestic Alpstein are simply fairytale-like when covered in snow. The conformation of the territory is ideal for winter hiking and Nordic skiingo.
Appenzell offers an extensive network ofthe approximately 200 km of slopes for Nordic skiing. In winter Kronberg, Hoher Kasten and Ebenalp-Schwende are popular family ski areas.
Photo Switzerland Tourism
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2024-03-14 15:44:08
#Trekking #Switzerland #Whiskey #Route #Appenzell
